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

[Bibliographic Information]

'The Nightingale's Wind - The Story of Chika Ozeki and Modern Nursing'

Author: Hikaru Tanaka

Price: 1,540 yen (tax included)

Release Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Format: Hardcover, 46-ban size, 160 pages

Publisher: Shogakukan

https://www.shogakukan.co.jp/books/09289345

The Struggle of Japan's First 'Nurses'

The children's biography based on a true story, 'The Nightingale's Wind - The Story of Chika Ozeki and Modern Nursing,' will be released by Shogakukan on Wednesday, April 22. Set during the turbulent Meiji era, a time of great change in Japan, the book takes place at the Sakurai Nursing School (now Joshi Gakuin). It depicts the lives of women like Chika Ozeki, Miyabi Suzuki, and Ume Hirose, who paved the way for modern nursing in Japan.

They learned proper nursing knowledge by translating Florence Nightingale's works and honed their skills through clinical practice at the First Hospital (now The University of Tokyo Hospital). When a dysentery epidemic spread across the country, Chika Ozeki traveled with doctors to villages experiencing mass outbreaks. By stopping incorrect treatment methods and focusing on compassionate care for patients and their families, combined with precise infection control, she drastically reduced the mortality rate through the power of nursing. Her dedicated care, based on solid knowledge and experience, was even called a 'miracle' for saving so many lives.

This book is a biography depicting the struggles of these women, who were known as the 'Nightingales of Japan.'

Chika Ozeki and Miyabi Suzuki: The Inspiration for the 2026 NHK Morning Drama 'Kaze, Kaoru'

This book is a newly written children's biography by Hikaru Tanaka, author of 'Meiji no Nightingale: Ozeki Chika Monogatari' (Chuokoron-Shinsha), which served as the original concept for the NHK morning drama 'Kaze, Kaoru.'

In an era when it was difficult for women to determine their own paths, women like Chika Ozeki, Miyabi Suzuki, and Ume Hirose chose their own futures and persevered through difficulties. This book is sure to touch readers' hearts as it follows these women who never abandoned those who were weak or in need.

Five Messages for Children from the Life of Chika Ozeki

1. Choose your own life.

2. Do not give up, even in the face of difficulty.

3. Think about the root causes of problems.

4. Be aware of unconscious biases.

5. Envision a better future.

This moving story based on a true event is perfect for book reports and morning reading sessions. We hope you look forward to it.

○ Author Profile ○

Hikaru Tanaka

Born in Tokyo in 1970. Author and historical sociologist. Holds a Ph.D. in Academic Studies. She writes and lectures primarily on themes related to women. Her works include 'Meiji no Nightingale: Ozeki Chika Monogatari' (Chuokoron-Shinsha), the original concept for the NHK morning drama 'Kaze, Kaoru,' as well as 'Meiji o Ikita Danso no Joi: Takahashi Mizu Monogatari' (same publisher) and 'Seiri-yohin no Shakaishi' (KADOKAWA).