Children's Biography "Nightingale's Wind Blows" to be Released by Shogakukan on Wednesday, April 22

[Bibliographic Information]
"Nightingale's Wind Blows
-The Story of Chika Ozeki and Modern Nursing-"

Author: Hikaru Tanaka
Price: 1,540 yen (tax included)
Scheduled release date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Format: 46 size, hardcover, 160 pages
Publisher: Shogakukan
https://www.shogakukan.co.jp/books/09289345

The Struggle of Japan's First "Nurses"

The children's biography "Nightingale's Wind Blows -The Story of Chika Ozeki and Modern Nursing-", based on a true story, will be released by Shogakukan on Wednesday, April 22. The setting of this book is the Sakurai Nursing School (currently Joshi Gakuin) during the turbulent Meiji era, when Japan underwent major changes. It depicts the women who forged a new path for nursing in Japan, such as Chika Ozeki, Miyabi Suzuki, and Ume Hirose.

They learned the correct knowledge of nursing while translating Nightingale's books, and acquired skills through practical training at the First Hospital (currently the University of Tokyo Hospital). When the infectious disease dysentery spread nationwide, Chika Ozeki went with a doctor to a village where a mass infection had occurred. Chika stopped the incorrect treatments used until then, worked on appropriate infection control and care tailored to the hearts of patients and their families, and dramatically reduced the mortality rate through the power of nursing. It was even called a "miracle" that the lives of many patients were saved by dedicated nursing based on reliable knowledge and experience.

This book is a biography depicting the struggles of women who were called "Japan's Nightingales".

Chika Ozeki and Miyabi Suzuki: Motifs for the Protagonist of the NHK Early 2026 Asadora "Kaze, Kaoru"

This book is a newly written children's biography by Hikaru Tanaka, the author of "Meiji Nightingale: The Story of Chika Ozeki" (Chuokoron-Shinsha), which served as the original draft for the NHK Asadora "Kaze, Kaoru".

In an era when it was difficult for women to decide their own way of life, women like Chika Ozeki, Miyabi Suzuki, and Ume Hirose chose the paths they should take, thought and acted without giving up even when faced with difficulties. This is a book that touches the heart with the sight of them taking action without ever abandoning weakened people or children in trouble.

Five Messages We Want to Convey to Children from the Figure of Chika Ozeki

1. Choose your life by yourself
2. Don't give up, even if it's difficult
3. Think about the root cause of the problem
4. Be aware of unconscious bias
5. Envision a better future

A moving story based on true events, perfect for book reports and morning reading. Please look forward to it.

○Author Profile○

Hikaru Tanaka
Born in Tokyo in 1970. Writer and Historical Sociologist. Ph.D. (Academic). Conducts writing and lecturing activities focusing on themes related to women. Author of books including...