Rieko Nakagawa, the celebrated author behind some of Japan’s most beloved picture books, died Monday of natural causes. She was 89.
Her funeral will be private, attended by close family. Nakagawa’s eldest son, Kakuta, will serve as chief mourner.
Born in Sapporo in 1935, Nakagawa ventured into writing while working as a nursery teacher. Her debut book, “Iya Iya En” (No-No Nursery School), was published in 1962 and received numerous accolades, including the Minister of Health and Welfare Award.
Nakagawa’s best-known work, “Guri to Gura” (Guri and Gura), first appeared in the children’s magazine Kodomo no Tomo in 1963. Illustrated by her younger sister, Yuriko Yamawaki, the series, which follows the adventures of twin anthropomorphic mice, became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 20 million copies in Japan. It was translated into English in 1966 and has since been released in 10 languages, with 2.5 million copies sold overseas.
Beyond her literary contributions, Nakagawa also wrote lyrics for several popular songs, including the opening theme of Studio Ghibli's 1988 film "My Neighbor Totoro."
Publisher Fukuinkan Shoten paid tribute to Nakagawa's legacy on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), posting a photo of the author alongside the covers of her most iconic books.
“She brought so many delightful stories to children,” the post read. “We extend our deepest sympathies.”
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