About the author:
Shaw KUZKI was born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1957 and currently lives in Kamakura, Japan. Her debut work “Kawatare” (2005) about the young water sprite Hassun and the human girl Asa was nominated for several awards and won the New Writer’s Award from the Japan Children’s Literature Association. As a second generation atomic bomb survivor her later children’s stories are motivated by a desire to convey the importance of what happened in Hiroshima to the next generation. 

About the book: 
Written by: Shaw KUZKI
Illustrated by: Fujie YAMAUCHI
Original publication: Fukuinkan Shoten, Japan
ISBN: 978-4-8340-2148-6
2005
272 pages
Age 8+

An enchanting modern fantasy for young and old
Sanzaigaike Park is the home of the last few remaining kappa tribes. After an unfortunate incident Hassun’s family disappeared, leaving him all alone in the small Asanuma Pond. 
One day, as part of his kappa training, Hassun gets the mission to spend the summer in the human world, disguised as a cat. In order to maintain his disguise, he has to bath in the moonlight and be careful not to get touched by water.
In the human village he meets fifth-grader Asa and her dog Chesterton. Asa’s mother died recently and her father is often busy with work, which makes her lonely.
When Hassun eats a kiwi fruit and becomes unwell, Asa brings him into her house and takes care of him. While trying to recover and making sense of the human world, Hassun’s strange behavior causes many funny situations. 
Eventually Asa finds out who Hassun really is, but their friendship perseveres. They are able to accept and help each other grow. Although they eventually have to part, the book ends on a happy, heart-warming note.

Despite being a children’s book the story deals with deeper themes like loneliness, grief, the difference between outer and inner appearance, acceptance of the other etc. It can also be enjoyed by adult readers as a modern fairy tale and has the potential for a wide readership.

Translator Carolin Becks presented the book in our pitching session on 29 June 2023.

For further information please contact:

Carolin Becks
Literary and audiovisual translator
On this website
E-Mail: [email protected]
LinkedIn

Please note: Support Program for Translation and Publication by the Japan Foundation 
The Japan Foundation provides financial assistance for foreign publishers to translate and/or publish Japan-related books. The grant shall cover part of the translation cost and/or publishing cost.
“Kawatare” is on the recommended title list “Worth Sharing – Lifelong Favorites” and would be prioritized for the support program, provided the translation is of adequate quality and appropriate publication plans are submitted. 

About the program