Niimi Nankichi
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese author, also sometimes known as the Hans Christian Andersen
of Japan
.
Niimi was born in Yanabe, Handa
Aichi
on July 30, 1913. He lost his mother when he was only four years old. His literary skill was already noticeable at an early age. During his elementary school graduation ceremony, he presented a haiku
that impressed most people at the ceremony.
At age 18 Niimi moved to Tokyo
to enter the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. He fell sick with tuberculosis
while in Tokyo shortly after graduating, and returned to his hometown. He worked there, first as an elementary school teacher, then as a women's high school teacher. He died at age 29. Although not prolific, he shows great talent in all of his writings. His works are known for their accuracy and lively depictions of humans. He is also often compared to Kenji Miyazawa
. There is a Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum in his birthplace, Handa
.
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author, fairy tale writer, and poet noted for his children's stories. These include "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Snow Queen," "The Little Mermaid," "Thumbelina," "The Little Match Girl," and "The Ugly Duckling."...
of Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
Niimi was born in Yanabe, Handa
Handa, Aichi
is a city located in Aichi, Japan, which was founded on October 1, 1937. As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 114,336 and the density of 2,421.35 persons per km²...
Aichi
Aichi Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region. The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region. The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.- History :...
on July 30, 1913. He lost his mother when he was only four years old. His literary skill was already noticeable at an early age. During his elementary school graduation ceremony, he presented a haiku
Haiku
' , plural haiku, is a very short form of Japanese poetry typically characterised by three qualities:* The essence of haiku is "cutting"...
that impressed most people at the ceremony.
- The Dandelion
- So Many Days Trampled
- Today’s Flower
At age 18 Niimi moved to Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
to enter the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. He fell sick with tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
while in Tokyo shortly after graduating, and returned to his hometown. He worked there, first as an elementary school teacher, then as a women's high school teacher. He died at age 29. Although not prolific, he shows great talent in all of his writings. His works are known for their accuracy and lively depictions of humans. He is also often compared to Kenji Miyazawa
Kenji Miyazawa
was a Japanese poet and author of children's literature in the early Shōwa period of Japan. He was also known as a devout Buddhist, vegetarian and social activist.-Early life:...
. There is a Niimi Nankichi Memorial Museum in his birthplace, Handa
Handa, Aichi
is a city located in Aichi, Japan, which was founded on October 1, 1937. As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 114,336 and the density of 2,421.35 persons per km²...
.
Works
(Some are given only with the Japanese title)- Gon, the Little FoxGon, the Little FoxGon, the Little Fox is a famous Japanese children's story about the life of a little fox called Gon. The story is considered the masterpiece of Niimi Nankichi, also sometimes known as the Hans Christian Andersen of Japan....
(Japanese: ごんぎつね): This is his most famous work, which he wrote when he was only seventeen years old. This story of an orphaned fox that dies young somewhat parallels his own life. - Buying MittensBuying Mittens"" is a short story in Children's literature by Nankichi Niimi. It was first published in 1943 after his death. The story talks about a fox child who go to the nearby town to buy some gloves. - Plot :...
(Japanese: 手袋を買いに): This is another famous work of his. - Grandfather’s Lamp (Japanese: おぢいさんのランプ), published 1942
- Hananoki Village and the Thieves (Japanese: 花のき村と盗人たち)
- A Tale of Ryôkan: a Ball and a Child at a Basin, published 1941
- Ushi wo tsunaida tsubaki no ki (Temporary Translation: A camellia tree to which a cow was tethered)
- Lie (Japanese: うそ)
External links
- e-texts of Niimi Nankichi's works at Aozora bunkoAozora BunkoAozora Bunko is a Japanese digital library. This online collection encompasses several thousands of works of Japanese-language fiction and non-fiction. These include out-of-copyright books or works that the authors wish to make freely available....
(in Japanese) - Synopsis of Hananoki Village and the Thieves (English)
- Synopsis of Grandfather's Lamp (English)
- Japan MintJapan MintThe is an Incorporated Administrative Agency of the Japanese government. This agency has its Head office in Osaka with branches in Tokyo and Hiroshima.-History:...
: 2007 Coin Set with the story of Gon, the Little Fox