[Essay] Ka-Ko-Sa-To-Shi

After reading this article, I hurriedly moved my unfinished Coji-Coji article back to drafts.

Satoshi Kako, 100th anniversary of his birth.
I truly believe his achievements are magnificent.
When I was a child, I read 'Crow Bread Shop' over and over again.
I would gaze at those pages with excitement, time and time again, as if I were reading it for the first time.

Just like Anpanman, I am sure every child has encountered his work at least once.

Last year, I visited a picture book exhibition and saw those pages I admired recreated in real life. Before I knew it, I was more excited than the children there.

Although Kako-san was a scientist and engineer who graduated from the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Engineering, he was also a picture book author. As someone who is 100% humanities-oriented, I can find no words other than respect. In that sense, I think Kenji Miyazawa was the same, and it doesn't feel rare for authors with science backgrounds to be active in the modern literary world either. I am reminded once again of the strength of those who can move back and forth between the humanities and the sciences when creating their work.

I love picture books. However, my current 'love' is a little different from the pure version I had as a child. I love them because I feel like I can catch a glimpse of the author's 'bones.' A small number of words. Language that anyone can understand. While arranging them gently, warmly, and beautifully, they pack a certain message into a limited space.

Even for me, who can only use science books as a pillow, I can enjoy and understand a little bit if it's a science picture book. Through picture books, I feel like I can hold hands, even if just for a moment, with scientists who I would normally only be able to see waving from far away.

It's simple, but that makes me happy.

Kako-san left behind many picture books.
This year, the 100th anniversary of his birth, my recommendation is 'Matryoshka-chan.' Even though it's not a science picture book.

Because it's cute.

Sakaki Editorial Office mashiro🪆