Book Cover Unveiled: Enjoy Ballet Masterpieces with Contemporary Stories! Volume 1 of New Series 'Ballet Masterpiece Stories: The Nutcracker' Now Available for Pre-order

Gakken Inc. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / Representative Director and President: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara), unveiled the book cover and began pre-sales on April 28, 2026, for the children's book 'Ballet Masterpiece Stories Vol. 1: The Nutcracker' (scheduled for release on June 25, 2026).

A new series has been born, allowing readers to enjoy ballet masterpieces they've always wanted to read, through stories and abundant illustrations!

Following the highly popular 'Little Ballerina' series, which has sold over 190,000 copies, the long-awaited new children's ballet book series 'Ballet Masterpiece Stories' is set to launch.

The first volume features the classic 'The Nutcracker,' overflowing with dreams and magic. This book allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of the masterpiece, feeling as if they are watching a stage performance, alongside the story of Kanon, an elementary school student who loves ballet.

[Highlights of this Book]

◆Double the fun in one book!
It simultaneously includes the ballet masterpiece 'The Nutcracker' and the coming-of-age story of Kanon, a girl who loves ballet. Furthermore, the inclusion of a contemporary story at the beginning and end allows readers to smoothly enter the world of the masterpiece.

◆A realistic stage experience
Filled with illustrations, the world of the story vividly unfolds. There are also abundant ballet illustrations, allowing readers to enjoy the story as if they are watching a stage performance.

◆Comprehensive end pages
The end pages include illustrated explanations of ballet movements, a stylish page, and cute special stationery. Additionally, the 'The Nutcracker' work explanation page features stage photos from the Tokyo Ballet, deepening understanding of the work and performance.

◆Supervised by an expert
Kumiko Murayama, a ballet expert, supervised the book, making it a work that correctly and beautifully conveys the charm of ballet and the production.

--Reading it will make you love reading and art even more.

This book is perfect for children who love ballet or stories, as well as those encountering ballet masterpieces for the first time.

[Product Overview]

■'Ballet Masterpiece Stories Vol. 1: The Nutcracker'

Text: Naomi Kinji, Akiko Tominaga / Illustrations: Mae Sasaki / Supervision: Kumiko Murayama

Ballet illustration guide and others: Yuka Sato / Some backgrounds and others: Natsuko Kosaka

Price: 1,375 yen (tax included)

Scheduled release date: June 25, 2026

Target age: Elementary school students (2nd grade and above)

Format: B6 modified (hardcover) / 166 pages

Digital version: Scheduled for distribution

ISBN: 978-4-05-206309-1

Publisher: Gakken Inc.

Gakken Publishing website: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1020630900

[Click here to pre-order this book]

・Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4052063090/

・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18591409/

・7net: https://7net.omni7.jp/detail_isbn/9784052063091

■Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/
・Representative Director and President: Tatsuya Nanjo
・Date of corporate establishment: January 13, 2009 (Trade name changed on October 1, 2022)
・Capital: 50 million yen
・Location: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416
・Business activities: Publishing and content business, global business, medical and nursing publishing content business, kindergarten and school business, classroom-related business, EC and online business, advertising business.

■GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/
・Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara
・Date of corporate establishment: March 31, 1947
・Capital: 19,817 million yen
・Sales: 199.1 billion yen, Consolidated subsidiaries: 82 companies (as of September 2025 fiscal year)
Listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Securities Code: 9470)
・Location: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510
・Phone number: 03-6431-1001 (main)
・Business activities: A holding company established in 1946, engaged in education and medical welfare related businesses.
Education sector: Classroom and cram school businesses including 'Gakken Classrooms,' publishing and content businesses for educational materials, kindergarten and school businesses for textbooks and childcare products, etc.
Medical welfare sector: Service-oriented senior housing business, dementia group home business, childcare support businesses such as nurseries and after-school care.
Global: Activities and business development in over 150 countries.