[19th Watakushi, Tsumari Nobody Award Winner] Rising Writer Awa Ito to Release Her First Picture Book 'Mopu is Henda' on May 27, 2026
KADOKAWA announces the release of 'Mopu is Henda' on May 27, 2026, a collaboration between acclaimed writer Awa Ito and award-winning illustrator Kazumi Deguchi. The story follows a boy whose head grows as others call him 'weird,' exploring themes of diversity and self-acceptance.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 20:00
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KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Takeshi Natsuno) will publish 'Mopu is Henda' (Text by Awa Ito, Illustrations by Kazumi Deguchi) on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Author Awa Ito made her debut as a writer after her note entry 'Papa and I' became a hot topic on X (formerly Twitter) on Father's Day 2023, receiving high praise from figures like Shigesato Itoi and Jane Su. She is currently a prolific writer with numerous serializations and appearances on television and radio.
Illustrator Kazumi Deguchi is known for her unique humor and gentle worldview. Her popular 'Urooboe Ikka' series has published five volumes to date, with the first volume, 'Urooboe Ikka no Okaimono,' selected for 'The White Ravens,' an international recommendation list of outstanding children's books compiled by the International Youth Library in Munich.
**About the Work**
Mopu is a small boy with chocolate-colored skin and fluffy hair like a sheep. Although he was looking forward to his first day of school, he attracted attention and was called 'Henda' (weird) by people around him even on his way there. Suddenly, a mysterious creature named 'Henda' became entangled on his head!
At school, his friends, without any ill intent, call Mopu 'Henda' because of his appearance and actions that aren't 'typical.' One day, Mopu's head grows bigger and bigger until he finally cannot leave his house—!?
**About the Authors**
**Text: Awa Ito**
Born in Yokohama in 1996. Graduated from Gakushuin University, Department of French Language and Culture. Her essay 'Papa and I' posted on note gained massive attention on X in 2023. She officially began her career as a writer following this acclaim. Her debut essay collection 'Unbearable Loveliness of Being' was published by KADOKAWA in June 2024. In February 2026, she received the 19th (Akiko Ikeda Memorial) Watakushi, Tsumari Nobody Award.
**Illustrations: Kazumi Deguchi**
Born in Saga Prefecture in 1980. Painter, illustrator, and picture book author. Characterized by a unique sense of humor and a message that one can live gently even if not perfect. Her 'Urooboe Ikka' series (Rironshe) gained popularity in specialty bookstores.
**Bibliographic Information**
Title: Mopu is Henda
Author: Awa Ito
Illustrations: Kazumi Deguchi
Price: 1,870 yen (including tax)
Release Date: May 27, 2026
Format: A4 Variation, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-4-04-117465-4
Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation
Author Awa Ito made her debut as a writer after her note entry 'Papa and I' became a hot topic on X (formerly Twitter) on Father's Day 2023, receiving high praise from figures like Shigesato Itoi and Jane Su. She is currently a prolific writer with numerous serializations and appearances on television and radio.
Illustrator Kazumi Deguchi is known for her unique humor and gentle worldview. Her popular 'Urooboe Ikka' series has published five volumes to date, with the first volume, 'Urooboe Ikka no Okaimono,' selected for 'The White Ravens,' an international recommendation list of outstanding children's books compiled by the International Youth Library in Munich.
**About the Work**
Mopu is a small boy with chocolate-colored skin and fluffy hair like a sheep. Although he was looking forward to his first day of school, he attracted attention and was called 'Henda' (weird) by people around him even on his way there. Suddenly, a mysterious creature named 'Henda' became entangled on his head!
At school, his friends, without any ill intent, call Mopu 'Henda' because of his appearance and actions that aren't 'typical.' One day, Mopu's head grows bigger and bigger until he finally cannot leave his house—!?
**About the Authors**
**Text: Awa Ito**
Born in Yokohama in 1996. Graduated from Gakushuin University, Department of French Language and Culture. Her essay 'Papa and I' posted on note gained massive attention on X in 2023. She officially began her career as a writer following this acclaim. Her debut essay collection 'Unbearable Loveliness of Being' was published by KADOKAWA in June 2024. In February 2026, she received the 19th (Akiko Ikeda Memorial) Watakushi, Tsumari Nobody Award.
**Illustrations: Kazumi Deguchi**
Born in Saga Prefecture in 1980. Painter, illustrator, and picture book author. Characterized by a unique sense of humor and a message that one can live gently even if not perfect. Her 'Urooboe Ikka' series (Rironshe) gained popularity in specialty bookstores.
**Bibliographic Information**
Title: Mopu is Henda
Author: Awa Ito
Illustrations: Kazumi Deguchi
Price: 1,870 yen (including tax)
Release Date: May 27, 2026
Format: A4 Variation, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-4-04-117465-4
Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation