Kazushige Abe  (1968–) is a graduate of the Japan Academy of Moving Images. He took up novel writing after learning how to craft film scenarios and write film criticism. In 1994 his debut novella, … Details

Hiroshi Abe (1948–) was born in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, where he worked as a zookeeper from 1972 to 1995 before becoming a freelance children's book author. His drawings depict subtle nuances of expression and … Details

Tetsuya Abe (1967–) graduated from Kyushu University with a degree in economics and started his working career at what is now the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. In 2000 he resigned from the bank … Details

Natsumaru Abe (1960–) was born in Aichi Prefecture. After graduating from Nagoya University of Arts, he worked as a kindergarten art teacher and as a bookstore manager. He received the 1995 Tsubota Jōji … Details

Kazuho Abe was born in Ehime Prefecture. He graduated from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Tokyo, where he continued his studies in the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences on his way … Details

Hiroshi Abe  (1948–) was born in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, where he worked as a zookeeper from 1972 to 1995 before becoming a freelance children's book author. His drawings depict subtle nuances of expression and movement … Details

Mayumi Abe (1958–) is a graduate of Kuwasawa Design School, and works as an illustrator for books, magazines, and PR publications. Among the books she has illustrated are Wagashi no hon (Wagashi—Japanese Confectioneries), … Details

Gin’ya Adachi (1938–) was born in Osaka. He completed his doctoral work in applied chemistry at the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University in 1967. Currently he is a professor emeritus of Osaka University. He … Details

Nami Adachi (1974–) was born in Gifu Prefecture and graduated from Tama Art University with a degree in graphic design. She worked for a toymaker before launching a career as a picture-book artist … Details

Hiroyuki Agawa (1920–2015) was born in Hiroshima Prefecture, and graduated with a degree in Japanese literature from Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo). Entering the navy’s reserve officer program, he was eventually … Details

Noriyuki Aida  (1972–) was born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and studied journalism at the University of Missouri in the United States. After working as a staff photographer for the Asahi shimbun newspaper, he quit … Details

Hiroyuki Aihara (1961–) was born in Sendai and graduated from Waseda University. In addition to picture books, he writes broadly on the subject of child rearing, and he also has a hand in … Details

Keiko Ajito was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido and graduated from Tama Art University in Tokyo. Known for her gentle, dreamy portrayals of young girls, she has illustrated such picture books as Ano ko ga mieru … Details

Keiko Ajito was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido and graduated from Tama Art University in Tokyo. Known for her gentle, dreamy portrayals of young girls, she has illustrated such picture books as Ano ko ga mieru (I … Details

Suekichi Akaba (1910–1990) was born in Tokyo and worked as both an author and illustrator of picture books, and also as a stage designer. For his work as an illustrator, he received separate … Details

Masaharu Akaba  (1952–) is a specialist in folklore studies and archaeology. Born in Nagano Prefecture, he attended Meiji University and Meiji Gakuin University Graduate School before earning his doctorate at Niigata University. He has authored … Details

Suekichi Akaba (1910–1990) was born in Tokyo and worked as both an author and illustrator of picture books, and also as a stage designer. For his work as an illustrator, he received separate … Details

Akira Akagawa (1960–) was born in Tokyo. He is “captain” of the picture book production group Ehon Tankentai (lit. “picture book explorers”). His publishing debut came with Miageru to sora (Look Up and … Details

Jirō Akagawa (1948–) was born in Fukuoka Prefecture. With his books having collectively sold almost a third of a billion copies as of 2015, he is Japan’s all-time best-selling author. After taking an office job … Details

Mari Akasaka  (1964–) was born in Tokyo but spent her high school years in the United States before returning to Japan for college. Living abroad during those formative years seems to have instilled in … Details