Children's Biography "The Nightingale's Wind Blows" Decided for Release by Shogakukan on April 22 (Wednesday)

【Bibliographic Information】

"The Nightingale's Wind Blows

-The Story of Kazu Ozeki and Modern Nursing-“

Author: Hikaru Tanaka

Price: 1,540 yen (tax included)

Scheduled Release Date: April 22, 2026 (Wednesday)

Format: Hardcover, 160 pages

Published by Shogakukan

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

The Struggles of Japan's First "Nurses"

The children's biography "The Nightingale's Wind Blows -The Story of Kazu Ozeki and Modern Nursing-", based on a true story, will be released by Shogakukan on April 22 (Wednesday). The book is set in the turbulent Meiji era, a time of great change in Japan, at the Sakurai Nursing School (now Jogakuin). It depicts women such as Kazu Ozeki, Masa Suzuki, and Ume Hirose, who pioneered the path of modern nursing in Japan.

They learned correct nursing knowledge by translating Nightingale's writings and acquired practical skills through their training at the First Hospital (now the University of Tokyo Hospital). When dysentery, an infectious disease, spread nationwide, Kazu Ozeki went to a village where a cluster outbreak had occurred, accompanied by a doctor. Ozeki stopped the previous incorrect treatment methods and focused on providing compassionate care to patients and their families, along with precise epidemic prevention measures, drastically reducing the mortality rate through the power of nursing. Her dedicated nursing, based on solid knowledge and experience, saved the lives of many patients and was even called a "miracle.".

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

Kazu Ozeki and Masa Suzuki, the Motifs for the Protagonists of NHK's 2026 First Half Serial TV Novel "Kaze, Kaoru"

This book is a newly written children's biography by Hikaru Tanaka, the author of "The Story of Kazu Ozeki, Nightingale of Meiji" (Chuo Koron Shinsha), which served as the inspiration for NHK's morning drama "Kaze, Kaoru.".

In an era when it was difficult for women to decide their own way of life, women like Kazu Ozeki, Masa Suzuki, and Ume Hirose chose their own paths and thought and acted without giving up when faced with difficulties. This is a moving book that portrays their actions of never abandoning those who are weak or children in need.

Five Messages to Children from Kazu Ozeki's Story

1. Choosing your own life.

2. Not giving up, even when facing difficulties.

3. Thinking about the root causes of problems.

4. Recognizing unconscious biases.

5. Envisioning a better future.

A heartwarming 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). Engages in writing and lecturing, focusing on themes related to women. Her works include the inspiration for NHK's serial TV novel "Kaze, Kaoru.".