Tani Kawa Shuntarō's Poetry Collection 'Stars' Set for Release in August 2025

Tani Kawa Shuntarō's Poetry Collection 'Stars' Coming Soon

On August 15, 2025, Blue Sheep Publishing, based in Kichijoji, Musashino City, Tokyo, will unveil the highly anticipated poetry collection 'Stars' by renowned poet Tani Kawa Shuntarō. This book promises to be a profound exploration of the cosmos through the lens of poetry, complemented by stunning photographs from photographer Kōsuke Mae.

Tani Kawa Shuntarō, who debuted at age 20 with his collection 'Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude', has captivated audiences with numerous poems centered around themes of space. 'Stars' will feature 15 carefully selected poems that delve into the mysteries of the universe, alongside intimate photographs of the poet's home, taken by Mae. Among the works included are classics such as 'Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude' and 'Morning Relay', alongside newer pieces like 'A Single Star' and the final poem, 'Gratitude'. These poems are interspersed with photographs that depict the poet's study and living spaces, revealing a personal connection to the places where his creativity flourished.

Background of the Poetry Collection

The inception of 'Stars' was inspired by an installation titled 'Silver Garden', part of the '大どろぼうの家' (The Great Thief's House) exhibition, set to open at PLAY! MUSEUM on July 16, 2025. This installation narrates a whimsical story where a romantic thief, enamored with the cosmos, steals 15 of Tani Kawa's poems upon hearing news of his passing, transforming the garden into a celestial display. The installation will feature readings of Tani Kawa's poems, interpreted by his son, Kensaku Tanikawa.

'Stars' consists of the poems 'stolen' by the thief, paired with exclusive photographs capturing the essence of a home haunted by the absence of its master.

Book Details

- Title: 'Stars' (谷川俊太郎詩集星たち)
- Poet: Tani Kawa Shuntarō
- Photographer: Kōsuke Mae
- Format: B6 Variant, Hardcover, 98 pages
- Publisher: Blue Sheep
- Price: ¥1,980 (¥1,800 + tax)

Sales Schedule

- Pre-sale: July 16, 2025, at PLAY! MUSEUM during the 'Great Thief's House' exhibition.
- General Release: August 15, 2025, available nationwide at bookstores.
- For more information, visit the Blue Sheep website or check it out on Amazon.

Featured Poems

1. Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude
2. Alone
3. Spaceship Peperepepe and Weakling Ron
4. Our Star
5. Blue
6. Morning Relay
7. A Single Star
8. Suite of Stars
9. Love
10. Insect; Star; Person
11. Every Time the Dandelion Blooms
12. Darkness
13. The Laugh of an Infant
14. The Arrival of That Person
15. Gratitude

About the Author

Tani Kawa Shuntarō
A prominent poet born in 1931 in Tokyo, Tani Kawa published his first collection, 'Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude', in 1952. He has received numerous awards, including the Fourth Japan Record Awards for his lyricism in 1962 and the Yomiuri Literature Prize in 1982. In addition to poetry, he has written picture books, essays, translations, scripts, and song lyrics. Tani Kawa passed away in November 2024 at the age of 92.

Kōsuke Mae
A talented photographer born in 1979 in Hiroshima City, Mae began taking photographs in high school and graduated from Visual Arts Academy in Osaka. He specializes in portraits and travel photography, regularly holding solo exhibitions. Notably, he received the Canon Photo New Century Prize in 2000 and the Newcomer Award from Fuji Photo Salon in 2007. Mae published his photo book 'Together in One Place' in 2015.

Exhibition Information

- Exhibition Title: 'Great Thief's House' (大どろぼうの家)
- Dates: July 16, 2025 - September 28, 2025
- Location: PLAY! MUSEUM (Tachikawa, Tokyo)
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- The exhibition will later tour nationally.

- More details can be found at PLAY! MUSEUM.

Upcoming Publications

In relation to the 'Great Thief's House' exhibition, Blue Sheep will also publish four additional books:
1. 'The Book Created by the Great Thief'
2. 'For You Who Have Not Yet Become a Thief'
3. Official Art Book 'Great Thief’s House'
4. Official Art Book 'Thieves'

For further information visit here.

Questions regarding this publication can be directed to:
Blue Sheep Co., Ltd.
Public Relations: Morita
Email: info@bluesheep.jp
Tel: 0422-27-5206