Mourning Children's Author Hisashi Yamanaka — A 94-Year Journey of Writing "For the Children of Today"
Children's author Hisashi Yamanaka, who published numerous works with KADOKAWA, passed away at the age of 94. Known for masterpieces like 'Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de', he consistently wrote "for the children of today," adapting his stories to the times, a stance highly praised.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 20:00
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Hisashi Yamanaka, a children's author who published numerous works through KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Takeshi Natsuno), passed away on March 13, Reiwa 8 (2026), at the age of 94.
We offer our deepest condolences. The funeral was held privately with close relatives.
Hisashi Yamanaka, children's author, with his works translated worldwide. (Photo provided by the bereaved family)
Mr. Yamanaka's works, including his representative 'Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de' and the 'Abare Hatchaku' series, were filled with free ideas and humor, and have been loved by many children across generations.
He also published numerous works under Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko, continuously meeting new readers through different eras.
At the core of his creation was always the attitude of facing "the children of today."
In 2016, regarding the new editions published by Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko during the "Hisashi Yamanaka Exhibition" held at the Machida City Museum of Literature, Mr. Yamanaka commented as follows:
--------------------
"It's strange that a work I wrote about 40 years ago has been brought back to life in this way.
It started when a KADOKAWA editor read it and said, 'It's interesting, let's revive it,' but there were many parts that modern children wouldn't understand without changes, so I remade it to please today's children.
My works are not what you'd call 'classics,' so I have no resistance at all to changing their form in that way. I always write for the readers of that time." (Comment by Hisashi Yamanaka)
--------------------
Not confined to past works, but updating stories to suit the times—this flexible and sincere attitude can be said to be one of the reasons why Yamanaka's works have been read for so long.
"Children's joy first."
The stories spun from this belief have continued to bring smiles and energy to readers.
The entire editorial department is deeply saddened by this sudden news.
We express our sincere gratitude for his achievements during his lifetime and offer our heartfelt prayers for his peaceful repose.
Hisashi Yamanaka
Born in Hokkaido in 1931. Debuted as a children's author in 1956, winning the Japan Children's Literature Writers Association Newcomer Award for 'Akage no Pochi'. His works, including 'Tobetara Honko' and 'Boku ga Boku de Aru Koto', number over 200. He also provided original stories for films directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, such as 'Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de' (film title: "Tenkosei"), 'Nandaka Henteko' (film: "Sabishinbo"), 'Haruka, Nostalgy' (same title), and 'Tondero Jiichan' (film: "Ano, Natsu no Hi Tondero Jiichan"). Passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 94.
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko, Related Books
'Boku ga Boku de Aru Koto'
'Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de'
'Rokunen Yonkumi Zukkoke Ikka'
'Kono Fune, Jigoku Iki'
'Abare Hatchaku - Wanpaku Hen -'
'Abare Hatchaku - Tsukai Hen -'
'Mama wa 12-sai'
'Watashi no Ie wa Obake Yashiki'
● What is Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko?
"Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko" is the No. 1 children's book label* launched in March 2009, supporting children's "desire to read."
Utilizing KADOKAWA's content and know-how to entertain readers for children, it publishes works across a wide range of genres including youth, adventure, fantasy, romance, school life, sci-fi, mystery, and horror. The label name embodies the wish for children to freely fly through the world of stories on their own "wings" and carve out their own future. "Open a book, anytime, anywhere..." such a wish is embedded.
Key works include 'Yotsugo Gurashi', 'Jikanwari Danshi', 'Bokura no Nanokakan Senso', and the 'Kaito Red' series.
*Source: Top share in children's book labels. According to the Public Interest Incorporated Association, All Japan Publishers Association, Publishing Science Research Institute (March 2026).
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official Website: https://tsubasabunko.jp/
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official X: https://x.com/tsubasabunko
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official LINE: https://page.line.me/tsubasabunko
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tsubasabunko
We offer our deepest condolences. The funeral was held privately with close relatives.
Hisashi Yamanaka, children's author, with his works translated worldwide. (Photo provided by the bereaved family)
Mr. Yamanaka's works, including his representative 'Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de' and the 'Abare Hatchaku' series, were filled with free ideas and humor, and have been loved by many children across generations.
He also published numerous works under Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko, continuously meeting new readers through different eras.
At the core of his creation was always the attitude of facing "the children of today."
In 2016, regarding the new editions published by Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko during the "Hisashi Yamanaka Exhibition" held at the Machida City Museum of Literature, Mr. Yamanaka commented as follows:
--------------------
"It's strange that a work I wrote about 40 years ago has been brought back to life in this way.
It started when a KADOKAWA editor read it and said, 'It's interesting, let's revive it,' but there were many parts that modern children wouldn't understand without changes, so I remade it to please today's children.
My works are not what you'd call 'classics,' so I have no resistance at all to changing their form in that way. I always write for the readers of that time." (Comment by Hisashi Yamanaka)
--------------------
Not confined to past works, but updating stories to suit the times—this flexible and sincere attitude can be said to be one of the reasons why Yamanaka's works have been read for so long.
"Children's joy first."
The stories spun from this belief have continued to bring smiles and energy to readers.
The entire editorial department is deeply saddened by this sudden news.
We express our sincere gratitude for his achievements during his lifetime and offer our heartfelt prayers for his peaceful repose.
Hisashi Yamanaka
Born in Hokkaido in 1931. Debuted as a children's author in 1956, winning the Japan Children's Literature Writers Association Newcomer Award for 'Akage no Pochi'. His works, including 'Tobetara Honko' and 'Boku ga Boku de Aru Koto', number over 200. He also provided original stories for films directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, such as 'Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de' (film title: "Tenkosei"), 'Nandaka Henteko' (film: "Sabishinbo"), 'Haruka, Nostalgy' (same title), and 'Tondero Jiichan' (film: "Ano, Natsu no Hi Tondero Jiichan"). Passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 94.
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko, Related Books
'Boku ga Boku de Aru Koto'
'Ore ga Aitsu de Aitsu ga Ore de'
'Rokunen Yonkumi Zukkoke Ikka'
'Kono Fune, Jigoku Iki'
'Abare Hatchaku - Wanpaku Hen -'
'Abare Hatchaku - Tsukai Hen -'
'Mama wa 12-sai'
'Watashi no Ie wa Obake Yashiki'
● What is Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko?
"Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko" is the No. 1 children's book label* launched in March 2009, supporting children's "desire to read."
Utilizing KADOKAWA's content and know-how to entertain readers for children, it publishes works across a wide range of genres including youth, adventure, fantasy, romance, school life, sci-fi, mystery, and horror. The label name embodies the wish for children to freely fly through the world of stories on their own "wings" and carve out their own future. "Open a book, anytime, anywhere..." such a wish is embedded.
Key works include 'Yotsugo Gurashi', 'Jikanwari Danshi', 'Bokura no Nanokakan Senso', and the 'Kaito Red' series.
*Source: Top share in children's book labels. According to the Public Interest Incorporated Association, All Japan Publishers Association, Publishing Science Research Institute (March 2026).
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official Website: https://tsubasabunko.jp/
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official X: https://x.com/tsubasabunko
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official LINE: https://page.line.me/tsubasabunko
■ Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tsubasabunko