From Shuntaro Tanikawa to Haruki Murakami: Special Picture Book "The Gift of Everything" to be Released as the Baton is Passed!

Cover of "The Gift of Everything"

A Special Picture Book Where the Baton is Passed from Shuntaro Tanikawa to Haruki Murakami

"The Gift of Everything" (Original Title: The Gift of Everything) is the latest picture book by Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the globally acclaimed comic strip "MUTTS," which has been serialized in over 700 newspapers in 20 countries and celebrates its 32nd anniversary this year. It is the sequel to "Nani mo Nai" (Nothing at All), which was also a hit in Japan. The previous work was translated by Shuntaro Tanikawa, a leading Japanese poet. However, as Mr. Tanikawa sadly passed away, Mr. Haruki Murakami has taken over the translation as a "pinch hitter," so to speak, succeeding Mr. Tanikawa.

Mr. Murakami himself was a devoted reader of the "MUTTS" comic strip in newspapers when he lived in the United States, and he holds deep affection for it. This is a truly special book, born from the baton pass between two giants representing the Japanese literary world.

Click here for book information and to reserve your purchase.

Comments from Haruki Murakami and Patrick McDonnell

Mr. Murakami has provided a comment on his feelings about inheriting the translation from Mr. Tanikawa.

The illustrations are drawn with a unique, warm touch, overflowing with natural affection for all living things, and bring a sense of comfort to the viewer. I also always enjoyed this comic strip in the newspaper when I lived in America. In addition to his comic strip, McDonnell has written and published several picture books featuring Mooch and Earl as protagonists, and the "Gift" series is one of them. The first book, "Nani mo Nai," was published with Shuntaro Tanikawa's wonderful translation, but sadly, Mr. Tanikawa has passed away, so I have taken on the translation of this book as a pinch hitter, so to speak – though it is a daunting task. (From the afterword of "The Gift of Everything")

And, Mr. McDonnell sent words of gratitude to Mr. Murakami from America.

"The Gift of Everything" is a book that celebrates the realization that life in our beautiful world is filled with many gifts. One of those gifts is Haruki Murakami and his wonderful work. How blessed and fortunate we are.

In the book, the cat Mooch wanders around looking for the perfect gift. When I learned that Murakami would bring my story to life in Japanese, I felt as if I had received a gift myself. I am beyond words grateful for Murakami's kindness. What a joy, what an honor.

Wow!

Thank you so much, Murakami.

And thank you to the world.

I wonder what a perfect gift really is.

May everyone find the answer along with Mooch.

Book Information

* Title: The Gift of Everything (Original Title: The Gift of Everything) * Author: Patrick McDonnell * Translator: Haruki Murakami * Release Date: September 17, 2026 * Price: 1,760 yen (tax included) * Format: B5 variant hardcover * Pages: 48 pages * ISBN: 978-4-408-65180-4 * E-book: Also released on the same day *Actual distribution availability and prices may vary by e-book store. For details, please check each store. * Book Information Page: https://www.j-n.co.jp/books/978-4-408-65180-4/

Author Profile

Patrick McDonnell. Cartoonist and picture book author. Born in 1956. Born in New Jersey, USA. His representative comic strip "MUTTS" has been published in over 700 newspapers in more than 20 countries for 30 years and was praised by Charles M. Schulz as "one of the greatest comic strips of all time." He has authored New York Times bestselling picture books such as "Nani mo Nai." Other works include "Hug Time" and "I Love Animals." https://mutts.com/

Translator Profile

Haruki Murakami. Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1949. Graduated from Waseda University, Faculty of Letters. Debuted with "Hear the Wind Sing," for which he received the Gunzo Newcomer's Literary Prize. Numerous works include "Norwegian Wood," "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle," "Kafka on the Shore," and "1Q84." Received the Tanizaki Junichiro Prize for "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World" and the Yomiuri Literary Prize for "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle." In 2023, he received the Princess of Asturias Award (Literature). As a translator, he has also worked on picture books such as "The Giving Tree" and "The Polar Express."