Japanese Literary Awards

← Back to Home

Oka Shuzo

おか しゅうぞう

Oka Shūzō

Pen Names: Oka Shuzo（Pen name derived from a play on the phrase '(This world is) something's wrong / oka-shiizo'.）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1941-04-05 （Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
Children's writer, School teacher (special needs) (former)
Active Years
1983-
Affiliations
Japan Association of Children's Literature (former chair), Kodomo no Hon / Article 9 Group (representative member)
Influenced By
Kenjiro Haitani

Education

Tokyo Gakugei University
Faculty of Education / Education (special needs education)
Country: Japan
Specialized in special needs education
Tokyo University of Education (former)
Faculty of Education / Education (related to special needs education)
Country: Japan

Awards

Japan Association of Children's Literature Newcomer Award
1987
Work: My Big Sister (Boku no Oneesan)
Organization: Japan Association of Children's Literature
Result: Winner
Tsubota Jōji Literary Prize
1987
Work: My Big Sister (Boku no Oneesan)
Organization: Tsubota Jōji Literary Prize Committee
Result: Winner
Niimi Nankichi Literary Prize
1987
Work: My Big Sister (Boku no Oneesan)
Organization: Niimi Nankichi Literary Prize Committee
Result: Winner
Shogakukan Literature Prize
1993
Work: Days of Boyhood (Shonen no Hibi)
Organization: Shogakukan
Result: Winner
Sankei Children's Publishing Culture Award (Nippon Broadcasting Award)
2001
Work: Walking by Mouth (Kuchi de Aruku)
Organization: Sankei Shimbun / Nippon Broadcasting System
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

My Big Sister (Boku no Oneesan)

1986 Children's literature

A story portraying children's emotions and growth in everyday life. One of the representative works that prompted the author to adopt his pen name.

friendshipfamilycoming of age

Days of Boyhood (Shonen no Hibi)

1992 Children's literature

A collection of short and mid-length stories centered on boyhood. Praised for realistic depictions and delicate psychological portrayals.

reminiscencefamilyeveryday conflicts

Walking by Mouth (Kuchi de Aruku)

2000 Children's literature

Published in 2000. A work that addresses disability and coexistence, depicting human dignity and everyday courage.

disabilitycoexistencedignity

Bibliography

  • Ken and Kenichi (as Shibue Takao) 1983
  • Boku no Oneesan (My Big Sister) 1986
  • Blown by the Wind 1988
  • Shonen no Hibi (Days of Boyhood) 1992
  • Kuchi de Aruku (Walking by Mouth) 2000
  • Many others (selected list only)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Accessible prose for childrenRealistic depiction with nuanced emotional expression
Recurring Motifs
friendshipfamilydisability and coexistenceeveryday courage

Health

  • Kidney disease
    1955–1982頃
    Underwent treatment and convalescence; this period and subsequent retirement from teaching were factors that led to beginning creative writing.

Legacy

A prolific writer in children's literature, author of numerous works for young readers and a former chair of the Japan Association of Children's Literature. Recognized for works addressing disability and coexistence.

Academic Societies

  • Japan Association of Children's Literature

Archives

  • National Diet Library (authority records)

Trivia

  • Real name is Shibue Takao.
  • Pen name 'Oka Shuzo' is a play on the phrase '(This world is) oka-shii zo' (something's wrong).
  • Many works draw on his experience as a teacher at a school for children with disabilities.