A Multi-Talented Manga Artist
After working as a graphic designer and manga artist, Takashi Yanase focused on freelance manga work from 1953. After striking out on his own, he wrote for television and radio and staged productions for the theater, as well as working as editor-in-chief for the magazines Poems and Fairy Tales (first published in 1973) and Ichigo Ehon (first published in 1975). These magazines were also where the illustration talents of artists Shomei Yoh, Ken Kuroi, and Moe Nagata blossomed.

The Secret Story of Anpanman’s Birth
Debuting in 1969, Anpanman was initially depicted as an old man who gave out bread to hungry children. The character first appeared closer to its current form in the 1973 picture book Anpanman (Froebel-Kan Co., Ltd.). Although publishers and adults were not happy with the fact that Anpanman would break off pieces of his face to feed other characters, this proved very popular with children. Later, in 1988, Go! Anpanman was released as an animated television series.

Close to Everyone’s Heart
Yanase always said, “Never underestimate kids,” and when writing the song “Anpanman’s March,” he included philosophical lyrics on serious questions. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, “Anpanman’s March” was broadcast on radio, spurring a chorus of children to sing along and bringing adults to tears. Filled with his views and tender spirit, Yanase’s works hold a permanent and special place in people’s hearts.

Cooperation: Yanase Takashi Memorial Anpanman Museum Promotion Foundation
Japanese original text: Yasuna Asano