Japanese Literary Awards

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Kyoko Iwasaki

いわさき きょうこ

Iwasaki Kyoko

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1922-10-26 （Tokyo, Japan）
Died
2025-07-10 （Nishitokyo, Tokyo, Japan） age 102
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Tokyo, Japan

Career

Occupations
Children's literature author
Active Years
1959-2025
Memberships
Setagaya Kujō no Kai (Convener)

Education

Keisen Jogakuen Junior & Senior High School
Country: Japan

Awards

Japan Children's Literature Association Newcomer Award
1959
Work: Sagi (The Heron)
Organization: Japan Children's Literature Association
Result: winner
Kodansha Children's Literature Newcomer Award
1963
Work: Shirasagi Monogatari
Organization: Kodansha
Result: winner
Noma Children's Literature Prize
1970
Work: The Village with Carp
Organization: Noma Children's Literature Prize Committee
Result: winner
Arts Festival Prize, Minister of Education Award
1970
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs (Arts Festival)
Result: winner
Japan Children's Literature Association Award
1974
Work: Hanasaka
Organization: Japan Children's Literature Association
Result: winner
Iwaya Sazanami Literary Award
2006
Organization: Iwaya Sazanami Literary Award Committee
Result: winner
Yokohama Literature Prize
2009
Organization: Yokohama Literary Council
Result: winner
Akai Tori Literature Prize
2010
Work: Sentaro the Joiner
Organization: Akai Tori Literature Prize Committee
Result: winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Shirasagi Monogatari

1964 Children's literature

A children's novel depicting children's interactions around a white heron and their view of nature.

naturegrowing upcommunity

The Village with Carp

1969 Children's literature

A novel set in a village living with carp, quietly portraying generations and relationships with nature.

folkloric elementsnature and daily life

Hanasaka

1973 Children's literature

A collection including retellings of folktales and stories for children. Recipient of the 1974 Japan Children's Literature Association Award.

folktaleretellingchildren

Sentaro the Joiner

2009 Children's literature

A work that carefully depicts the life of a craftsman and community ties. Winner of the 2010 Akai Tori Literature Prize.

craftsmanshiplocal communityintergenerational exchange

Kasako Jizo (folktale retelling)

Folktale retelling

One of her folktale retellings. Included in elementary school language textbooks.

folktalemoral lessons

Bibliography

  • Shirasagi Monogatari
  • Mii-chan Climbs the Tree
  • The Mountain Nightingale
  • The Village with Carp
  • The Japanese Bridge
  • Little Hachikai
  • The Little Green Puppy
  • Akamamma Pass
  • Hanasaka
  • Sentaro the Joiner
  • Turtle 200 Yen
  • The 100-Year-Old Grandma Teacher
  • The Fire of the Atomic Bomb
  • Park Mysteries: 365 Days in a Small Children's Park

Adaptations

Translations by Author

  • Noah's Ark (translation)
  • Seven Stars: Tolstoy's Folktales (translation)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Clear, warm narrative voicePlain style incorporating folktale retellings
Recurring Motifs
nature and animalsfolktale retellingscommunity and intergenerational ties

Legacy

A venerable figure in children's literature, beloved for folktale retellings and works for children. Many of her works have been used in textbooks and continue to be read by young readers.

Academic Societies

  • Japan Children's Literature Association

Archives

  • National Diet Library (holds related materials)

In Popular Culture

  • Stories such as 'Kasako Jizo' included in elementary school language textbooks

Trivia

  • She operated a home lending library for many years.
  • A centenarian and a venerable figure in children's literature.
  • Served as a convener for the Setagaya Kujō no Kai.