Shigenori Kusunoki, Author

Kusunoki was born in 1961 and currently lives in Tokushima  Prefecture, Japan. He obtained Master’s degree from Naruto  University of Education, and was an elementary school teacher, the vice director of Naruto Municipal Library and recently is an author 

of children’s books and a lecturer.

His works include “Okodademasen Youni” (“I Hope I Don’t Get  Scolded”), “Megane wo Kaketara” (“When She Put on Her Glasses”), 

“Niko Niko Virus” (“Happy Smiling Viruses”), “Gomen Nasai ga  Ippai” ( “So Many ‘Sorries’ ”), and “Onibo” (“A Devilkin”). 

Many of his works have been published in Japan and also  translated into other languages. http://www.kusunokishigenori.jp/ 

Taku Furuyama, Water color painter

Furuyama was born in 1962 and currently lives in Miyagi  Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from the Department of Literature, Tohoku Gakuin University, majoring in history. He was an animator, and then became a self-employed illustrator. He wrote “Shiki to Aruita Miyagi” (“Walking in Miyagi with Shiki”). 

He illustrated the picture books titled “Tsuki wo Yobu Maho no  Kotoba” and “Shurushuru Pan.” Some of his works are published in a water color picture book titled “Suisai de Egaku Utsukushii Nihon” (“Beautiful Japan Painted with Water Colors”). He owns the 

Art Gallery Artio.  Chigusa Theresa Hanaoka, Translator Hanaoka was born in Saitama and currently lives in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. She graduated from the Department of Education, Waseda University and obtained her Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She worked as a translator and currently works as a trauma therapist specializing in early trauma and attachment disorder. She has written “Ai to Shiawase no Spiritual Book” (“Spiritual Book of Love and Happiness”) and translated “Guidance 24/7” by Christel Nani.