A Dog's Small Actions Changed a Town! A Moving True Story. Children's Book 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog (Expanded and Revised Edition)' Published
Heart Shuppan will publish the children's book 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog (Expanded and Revised Edition)' on May 1, 2026. This true story, depicting a dog and a monk's 13-year litter-picking activities, is a moving tale of how small actions can move a community and even lead to the enactment of a littering ban ordinance.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 17:20
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 09:15 (13 min after Collected)
Heart Shuppan will publish the children's book 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog (Expanded and Revised Edition)' on May 1, 2026.
This book is a moving true story set in Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture, depicting the 13-year journey of a dog named Momoko and a Buddhist monk who continuously picked up litter. What began as small actions during daily walks eventually moved the community, leading to the enactment of a 'Littering Prohibition Ordinance'.
Momoko went beyond merely 'helping out,' bravely entering rivers to pick up trash, touching people's hearts with her earnest efforts. Her story was featured in the media, becoming a national topic. Furthermore, she also served as a therapy dog, visiting nursing homes and facilities for children, healing many people's hearts.
This book is an expanded and revised edition, re-edited and newly designed based on three previous works in the series, enriched with photos and episodes. It is a book that conveys the bond between humans and dogs, and the importance of protecting the environment, across generations.
Now, with increasing interest in environmental issues and a symbiotic society, this 'power of a true story' is something we want to deliver to many readers. Small actions change society—this book quietly yet powerfully speaks of that hope.
【Book Information】
Title: Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog (Expanded and Revised Edition)
Authors: Hideaki Nakano / Story, Emi Nakano / Illustrations
Specifications: A5 size, 160 pages
ISBN: 978-4-8024-0247-7
Release Date: 2026.04.24
Price: 1600 yen (excluding tax)
Publisher: Heart Shuppan
Product URL: https://www.810.co.jp/hon/ISBN978-4-8024-0247-7.html
【Author】Hideaki Nakano
Born in Mizusawa City (now Oshu City) in 1947. In April 1988, became the 26th chief priest of Banryuji Temple of the Soto Zen sect. For 25 years from 1989, while serving as chief priest, he provided moral guidance to young people in juvenile prisons and reformatories.
In April 2022, he retired, handing over the chief priest position to his successor.
In March 2006, he won the Grand Prix at Heart Shuppan's '9th Wan-Man Award'. His books include 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog', 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog's Wish', and 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog, Newly Revised Edition' (all from Heart Shuppan).
【Illustrator】Emi Nakano
Born in Nara Prefecture, currently residing in Tamba Sasayama. Graduated from Koshien University, Faculty of Nutrition. After graduation, while working for a general company, she studied the basics of illustration at Masa Mode Academy of Art.
Began working as an illustrator in 2021, and as a freelance illustrator, she has been involved in stationery design, main visuals for markets, and packaging.
This book is a moving true story set in Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture, depicting the 13-year journey of a dog named Momoko and a Buddhist monk who continuously picked up litter. What began as small actions during daily walks eventually moved the community, leading to the enactment of a 'Littering Prohibition Ordinance'.
Momoko went beyond merely 'helping out,' bravely entering rivers to pick up trash, touching people's hearts with her earnest efforts. Her story was featured in the media, becoming a national topic. Furthermore, she also served as a therapy dog, visiting nursing homes and facilities for children, healing many people's hearts.
This book is an expanded and revised edition, re-edited and newly designed based on three previous works in the series, enriched with photos and episodes. It is a book that conveys the bond between humans and dogs, and the importance of protecting the environment, across generations.
Now, with increasing interest in environmental issues and a symbiotic society, this 'power of a true story' is something we want to deliver to many readers. Small actions change society—this book quietly yet powerfully speaks of that hope.
【Book Information】
Title: Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog (Expanded and Revised Edition)
Authors: Hideaki Nakano / Story, Emi Nakano / Illustrations
Specifications: A5 size, 160 pages
ISBN: 978-4-8024-0247-7
Release Date: 2026.04.24
Price: 1600 yen (excluding tax)
Publisher: Heart Shuppan
Product URL: https://www.810.co.jp/hon/ISBN978-4-8024-0247-7.html
【Author】Hideaki Nakano
Born in Mizusawa City (now Oshu City) in 1947. In April 1988, became the 26th chief priest of Banryuji Temple of the Soto Zen sect. For 25 years from 1989, while serving as chief priest, he provided moral guidance to young people in juvenile prisons and reformatories.
In April 2022, he retired, handing over the chief priest position to his successor.
In March 2006, he won the Grand Prix at Heart Shuppan's '9th Wan-Man Award'. His books include 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog', 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog's Wish', and 'Momoko the Trash-Picking Dog, Newly Revised Edition' (all from Heart Shuppan).
【Illustrator】Emi Nakano
Born in Nara Prefecture, currently residing in Tamba Sasayama. Graduated from Koshien University, Faculty of Nutrition. After graduation, while working for a general company, she studied the basics of illustration at Masa Mode Academy of Art.
Began working as an illustrator in 2021, and as a freelance illustrator, she has been involved in stationery design, main visuals for markets, and packaging.