#Japan #Tokyo #Sanrio #Poetry Collection #Takashi Yanase

The Revival of a Classic: 'Songs We Love'

In an exciting move for literature lovers and fans of children's culture, Sanrio Co., Ltd. has announced the revival of the first edition of 'Songs We Love', a poetry collection by the beloved children’s creator, Takashi Yanase. Originally published in 1966, this notable collection marks Sanrio's first foray into the publishing world.

A Brief History

Founded on the principle of fostering friendship and community, Sanrio was established in 1960 by Shin-Taro Tsuji. It was during his encounter with Takashi Yanase that Tsuji ventured into publishing, launching the very first book, 'Songs We Love'. This collection not only stands as an important piece in Yanase's body of work but also became a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies, an unprecedented feat for a poetry book at the time.

The legacy of Yanase continues through various contributions, including the literary magazine 'Poetry and Fairy Tales', in which he invested his utmost passion. The magazine, edited by Yanase himself, ran for 30 years from its inception in 1973.

The year 2025 marks an important milestone, as it commemorates 80 years since the end of the war. The revival of 'Songs We Love' comes at a time when there has been renewed interest, particularly following the appearance of the book in a television drama based on Yanase's wife. This revival has been met with significant inquiries, prompting Sanrio to bring the collection back into print.

A Closer Look at the Content

'Songs We Love' contains 46 poems that blend whimsical fairy tales suited for children and deeper reflections on life, embodying themes that resonate universally. As noted in Yanase's own foreword, the poems combine elements of children’s songs with adult themes and even love songs, showcasing the versatility of his writing and the warmth of his expression.

Personal Note from Shin-Taro Tsuji

In speaking about this revival, Shin-Taro Tsuji has commented: "I want to tell the late Takashi Yanase in heaven, ‘Can you believe that this poetry collection, which we released under our names when we were still unknown, is being revived after 60 years?’ Life is certainly interesting!" He continues to treasure Yanase’s unique humor and heartfelt creativity, encouraging readers to explore the collection and find moments of laughter and emotion within its pages.

Book Details and Release Information

The revival edition of 'Songs We Love' is set for release on April 1, 2026.

• - Title: Songs We Love
• - Author: Takashi Yanase
• - Price: 2,000 yen (exclusive of tax)
• - Format: A5 format, hardcover
• - ISBN: 978-4-387-26013-4

This beloved collection will be available through multiple platforms, including the Sanrio online shop, the Yamanashi Strawberry King Museum scheduled to open in 2026, and various bookstores across the country. It’s recommended to check for availability, as some locations may experience stock shortages.

About Takashi Yanase

Takashi Yanase (1919-2013) was a multi-talented creator known for his work as a manga artist, poet, designer, and picture book author. His passion for stories and illustrations ignited in childhood, leading him on a creative journey that was not without struggles until his breakthrough character, ‘Anpanman’, became a phenomenon at the age of 54. Yanase remained a prolific creator until his passing at 94, leaving an indelible mark on children’s literature and culture.