Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara), through its group company Gakken Inc. (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tatsuya Minami), released the children's book 'Ballet Masterpiece☆Stories Vol. 1: The Nutcracker' on June 26, 2026. To celebrate the release, a social media gift campaign offering a deluxe stationery set from the popular ballet brand Chacott and the book itself began on June 24, 2026.

A book that inspires a love of reading and the arts! Timeless masterpieces reimagined with innovative storytelling for children.

The beloved, timeless ballet 'The Nutcracker,' cherished around the world, has been released as a fresh-style children's book on June 26, 2026.

This book not only makes the classic tale accessible and easy to read, but also features a unique nested narrative structure in which 10-year-old Kanon, a girl living today, struggles with her ballet lessons and finds herself drawn into the story as she watches a performance of the classic ballet. By identifying with the protagonist Kanon, young readers can naturally immerse themselves in the world of classical masterpieces—an ideal choice for book reports and reading reflections.

Illustrations and cover art are by Mee Sasaki, renowned for her work on the popular children's series 'Little☆Ballerina.' Her sparkling, beautiful artwork vividly enhances the story's world.

Under the supervision of dance critic Kumiko Murayama, the ballet illustrations are accurate and elegant, offering a sense of realism that makes readers feel as if they are watching a live performance from the audience.

【Key Features of the Book】

◆ Double the enjoyment in one book! An immersive story that begins in the modern day

The book includes both the coming-of-age story of Kanon, a girl who loves ballet, and the classic ballet tale 'The Nutcracker.' With a modern-day narrative framing the beginning and end, even children encountering a classic for the first time can become deeply engaged.

◆ Feel like you're watching a live performance! Rich illustrations and a beautiful visual world

Abundant illustrations spark the imagination. Lavish costumes and ballet scenes are beautifully rendered, allowing readers to enjoy the story as if they were watching a stage performance.

◆ Comprehensive back-matter pages

The end of the book includes illustrated explanations of ballet movements, a fashion section, and a special collaboration with the popular ballet brand Chacott, featuring a cute, exclusive letter set. The 'Nutcracker' feature section includes stage photos from the Tokyo Ballet, deepening readers' understanding of the work and its performance.

◆ Expert supervision

With ballet supervision by Kumiko Murayama, this book accurately and beautifully conveys the charm of ballet and the story. It's perfect not only for children who already love ballet and reading, but also for those experiencing a classic ballet for the first time.

【Celebration Campaign】Win Chacott stationery and the book in a special giveaway!

To celebrate the book's release, a limited-time giveaway campaign is being held on X (formerly Twitter), in collaboration with Chacott. Enter by following and reposting!

● Campaign period: June 24, 2026 (Wed) to July 1, 2026 (Wed)

● Prizes: 10 winners will receive a Chacott stationery set and the new book 'Ballet Masterpiece☆Stories Vol. 1: The Nutcracker'

● How to enter:

★ Follow both Chacott's official account (@Chacott_jp) and Gakken Children's Books Editorial Department's official account (@Gakken_jidousho)

★ Repost the designated campaign post

Don't miss this opportunity—enter now!

[Book Details]

'Ballet Masterpiece☆Stories: The Nutcracker'

Text: Naomi Kanji, Akiko Tominaga; Illustrations: Mee Sasaki; Supervision: Kumiko Murayama

Ballet diagram illustrations: Yuka Sato; Additional backgrounds: Natoko Kosaka

Release date: June 26, 2026

Price: 1,375 yen (tax included)

Target age: Elementary school students (Grade 2 and up)

Specifications: B6 modified size (hardcover) / 166 pages

ISBN: 978-4-05-206309-1

E-book: Distribution planned

Publisher: Gakken Inc.

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

【Where to Buy】

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

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

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

Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/ ・President and CEO: Tatsuya Minami ・Company established: January 13, 2009 (company name changed October 1, 2022) ・Capital: 50 million yen ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416 ・Business: Publishing and content, global operations, medical and nursing care publishing, services for kindergartens and schools, classroom-related businesses, e-commerce and online services, advertising

GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/ ・President and CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara ・Company established: March 31, 1947 ・Capital: 19,817 million yen ・Sales: 199.1 billion yen, 82 consolidated subsidiaries (as of September 2025) Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Stock code: 9470) ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510 ・Phone: 03-6431-1001 (main) ・Business: Holding company founded in 1946, operating in education and healthcare/welfare Education: Classroom and tutoring services including 'Gakken Classroom,' Publishing and content such as learning materials, Kindergarten and school services including textbooks and childcare supplies Healthcare/Welfare: Senior housing with services, Dementia group homes, Childcare support including daycares and after-school programs Global: Operations and business activities in over 150 countries

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 新刊情報