New 'Nezumi-kun' Picture Book Released as Anime Adaptation Airs

The latest volume in the long-running 'Nezumi-kun' picture book series, 'Nezumi-kun no Hanakotoba' (Nezumi-kun's Flower Language), was released on April, 8. It is the 44th book in a series that has sold over 21 million copies worldwide.

The series began in 1974, created by the husband-and-wife team of author Yoshio Nakae and illustrator Noriko Ueno. The stories follow a small mouse in a red waistcoat and his animal friends.

A TV anime adaptation, 'Nezumi-kun no Chokki', began airing on NHK Eテレ on April 4. The series features voice actors Kenjiro Tsuda and Mamiko Noto.

The anime's theme song is performed by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra featuring actor Muro Tsuyoshi and singer Kichi.

Illustrator Noriko Ueno passed away in 2019. Author Yoshio Nakae has continued the series by digitally recombining her existing artwork to create new illustrations.

The new book centers on flower language. In the story, Nezumi-kun rushes to find a birthday gift for his friend Nemi-chan after realizing all the other animals are bringing flowers.

The anime is directed by Nobuyoshi Habara, with character design by Kazumori Yasuda. Production is handled by Creadom8.

Source: PR Times via 株式会社ポプラ社