Kodansha USA Plans NYC Events for Totto-Chan Sequel Novel
Kodansha USA Publishing announced on Wednesday that it is celebrating its release of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s novel Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window: The Sequel with a series of events in New York City.
The festivities begin with a book talk featuring the novel’s translator, Yuki Tejima, at the New York Public Library’s 53rd Street Branch on November 22. That is followed by a book signing with Tejima at the Kinokuniya Bookstore in New York on November 24.
Things wrap up on November 25 with a screening of the Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window anime film at the Japan Society New York. The screening comes with a panel discussion led by Tejima, editor Alexandra McCullough-Garcia, and Bard College professor Nathan Shockey, along with another chance to get books signed.
The original Totto-Chan is one of Japan’s most beloved memoirs, a warm look back at Kuroyanagi’s unconventional childhood schooling, and this sequel continues her story for the many readers who grew up with it.
My take: It is lovely to see such a cherished book celebrated in person like this. Events that bring translators and readers together are special, and Totto-Chan’s gentle spirit makes it well worth the trip.
