Moving Picture Storybook Clara and the Tree of Creation AR Adventure

A picture book that comes to life.
The story rises from the page and expands into the space around you.
A new picture book experience created through a picture book, a mobile app, and AR cards.

Read. Explore. Move. Create.
Children’s power of imagination begins to move with the story.

What is “Moving Picture Storybook Clara and the Tree of Creation AR Adventure”?

Moving Picture Storybook Clara and the Tree of Creation AR Adventure is a new picture book experience that reconstructs the world of the picture book Clara and the Tree of Creation through AR, or augmented reality, and animation. It allows readers to enjoy an experience that feels as if they have stepped inside the story itself.

The original picture book Clara and the Tree of Creation, written by Sachiko Nakajima and illustrated by Junko Kusuhara, published by Hikari no Kuni Co., Ltd., tells the story of the journey that led to the creation of the signature pavilion Playground of Life Jellyfish Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

The main character, Clara, explores the world using the power of imagination. As she encounters different places and companions, she makes discoveries, grows through experience, and continues her journey.

In the AR picture book app, scanning pages of the book or dedicated AR cards with the device camera brings characters and backgrounds into the surrounding space. Through tapping and swiping, they can be moved freely. Immersive storytelling unfolds through visual and tactile interaction, including fantastical underwater scenes and effects that connect sound and movement.

Some of the AR cards included in this set are special cards created as part of the post Expo legacy. Inspired by the Gochamaze Orchestra developed at the Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion, these cards carry forward the joy of creative mixing. They allow families to experience the fun of free creation, sometimes using technology together with the senses and physical movement, in their own homes.

This app is designed not only for parent child read aloud experiences, but also as an entry point to exploratory learning. It values children reading, interacting, playing, and creating on their own.

Three Elements Connected to Expand the Experience

Three Elements Connected to Expand the Experience
By combining all three, the experience flows from reading, to moving, to playing and creating.

Explore the World of AR Cards

  1. Prepare the picture book, app, and AR cards

    Please prepare the following four items.

    • Picture Book : Clara and the Tree of Creation
    • iPhone or iPad (including iPad mini)
      ※For details, please see here.
    • iOS App : Clara AR Picture Book App
    • Cards : Clara AR Picture Book Cards
    QR Code The app can be downloaded from the App Store using the QR code.
    Download
    image1
  2. Launch the app

    Launch the app on an iPad or iPhone.
    An opening screen will appear and guide you into the world of the story.
    Camera access is required for the AR experience.
    Please check the supported devices in advance.

    image2
  3. Scan the first page of the picture book

    Activate the camera in the app and hold it over the first double page spread of the picture book.
    When the page is recognized, characters and backgrounds rise into space and the story begins to move.

    image3
  4. Experience the story as you turn the pages

    Read through the picture book one spread at a time.

    • Each page features different animated effects.
    • Some scenes respond to tap interactions.
    • Some scenes are presented as 2D animations that do not require user input.

    While preserving the feeling of reading a picture book, enjoy an experience where the story and AR connect naturally.

    image4
  5. Use character cards and location cardsPage 15 and 16

    The AR experience expands through the use of character cards and location cards.

    • Character cards bring Clara and her friends into the scene.
    • Location cards reveal worlds such as the desert, the South Pole, bamboo forests, and the universe.

    By scanning the cards, characters move between locations and special animations are triggered.

    image5
  6. Use effect cards and Gochamaze cardsPage 17 and 18

    Play expands through the use of effect cards and Gochamaze cards.

    • Effect cards include Cherry Blossoms, Echo, Slow Down, Monochrome, and Dizzy.
    • Gochamaze cards create special effects in which sounds, movements, and worlds are combined in unexpected and playful ways.

    Try changing the combinations and enjoy playing freely with your imagination.

    image6
Notes on Use
AR features may not function properly depending on the condition of the picture book or AR cards, lighting conditions, or the surrounding environment.

Unauthorized reproduction, duplication, or modification of this app or AR cards is strictly prohibited.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, no liability shall be assumed for any and all damages, losses, or claims arising out of or in connection with the use of this app or AR cards.

The performance and behavior of the app may vary depending on the device, operating system, or network environment.

System requirements and supported environments are subject to change without notice due to future updates.
Supported Devices
iPhone and iPad
Supported OS
iOS or iPadOS 18 or later
Tested Environment
Confirmed to operate on iOS and iPadOS versions 18 and 26

Operation on all devices, operating systems, or environments is not guaranteed.

Availability, functionality, and system requirements of this app are subject to change, suspension, or termination without notice.

The World of AR Cards

With every combination of cards, a new story takes shape.

  • Character CardsIllustration by Junko Kusuhara

    When you hold the cards up to the camera, characters appear in AR.

    • Clara
    • Clabe
    • Gana
    • Pia
    • Caboa
    Character Cards

    5 Types

  • Location Cards

    When scanned together with character cards, characters jump to each location and begin a new adventure.

    • Baobab
    • Bamboo Forest
    • South Pole
    • Desert
    • Universe
    Location Cards

    5 Types

  • Effect Cards

    Based on the Gochamaze Orchestra concept from the Jellyfish Pavilion, scanning these cards applies special effects across the entire screen.

    • Cherry BlossomsIllustration by Hikaru Hayakawa
    • Slow DownIllustration by Morino Kujira
    • EchoIllustration by Morino Kujira
    • DizzyIllustration by Morino Kujira
    • MonochromeIllustration by Morino Kujira
    Effect Cards

    5 Types

  • Gochamaze Cards

    Inspired by the Gochamaze Orchestra from the Jellyfish Pavilion, scanning these cards triggers musical performances and special interactive elements.

    • KURAGE JamIllustration by Miki Goto
      Performance by KURAGE Band Special
    • JellyfishIllustration by steAm (Created together with people of all ages, from 0 to 120)
    • PianoIllustration by Junko Takafuji
      Performance by Sachiko Nakajima
    • SaxophoneIllustration by Junko Takafuji
      Performance by Hiroshi Suzuki
    • GuitarIllustration by Junko Takafuji
      Performance by Fumiyoshi Kamo
    Gochamaze Cards

    5 Types

Product and Purchase Information

  • Clara and the Tree of Creation

    ¥2,200 tax included

    Clara and the Tree of Creation
  • Clara AR Picture Book AppAvailable on the App Store

    ¥330 tax included

    Clara AR Picture Book App
  • Clara AR Picture Book CardsSet of 20 cards with instruction guide

    ¥1,870 tax included

    Clara AR Picture Book Cards
Sales Channels
・Official steAm Online Shop (BASE)
・App Store
・Amazon (planned)
Music Credits (In app music credits)
・Scenes 1 and 13 : Behind Mountains
・Scene 8-13:Journey of Life
・Scene 15:Scorching Heat
Composed by Sachiko Nakajima
Performed by KURAGE Band from the album Resonate Myself
Music arrangement by Takefumi Kobayashi