Author Nominee: Japan

Shuntaro Tanikawa
Japan, Author

It is much easier to write poetry for children than it is to write poetry for adults.

- Shuntaro Tanikawa

The above statement emphasises poet Shuntaro Tanikawa's ability to write about serious matters such as birth and death, solitude and love in a way that is accessible to a young audience. This ability has increased in depth in his newest publication, Suki, according to editor Kaoru Yamada, who claims that 'Suki will quite likely be remembered as one of the anthologies that most profoundly and beautifully depict the hearts of children.'

Tanikawa was born in Tokyo in 1931, but spent most of his childhood summers in a scenic region of the Nagano Prefecture, an experience which had an influence later on his adult work. School was not a particularly happy experience for the young poet, and he elected not to go to university after graduation from high school.

He published his first anthology of poetry, Nijuoku-konen no kodoku [Two billion light-years of solitude], in 1952 to instant acclaim and this was the start of a long and illustrious literary career for this prolific poet.

Tanikawa has won several awards for his poetry and his translations, both in Japan and internationally. This has led to his participation in international conferences and poetry festivals, and to a growing profile in the world of comparative literature.

In 1973 he published the first of many works for children, Kotoba asobi uta. Here, according to Kaoru Yamada, he connects 'a pleasant rhythm with simple words in sound-only hiragana (a Japanese syllabary)', a method he developed in his poetry for adults. Tanikawa is also the creator of picturebooks. These have a philosophical tone, as he attempts to explain to children in a few words concepts such as the history of the universe and the expanse of time. These books are now regarded as classic works for children.

In addition to his writing and poetry readings across the world,Tanikawa is also known for his translations of children's literature into Japanese, being especially noted for his translations of Charles Shultz's Peanuts comic strips and an award-winning translation of Mother Goose rhymes into Japanese.