Photograph of the Japanese edition of le petit arbre (あるきだした小さな木). Credit: Red Circle Authors Limited.Kanji Hanawa is better known for his short form fiction, Akutagawa-nominated short stories, and translations of works by Jean-Paul Sartre, Jules Verne and François Boyer. However, he has also written and translated books for children.
The Japanese edition of le petit arbre was published in Japan by Kaisei Sha in 1969, two years after the popular French children’s book written by Thelma Volkman and illustrated by Sylvie Selig was published in France. The book remains popular in Japan today.
About Red Circle:Red Circle Authors Limited is a specialist publishing and communications company that conducts bespoke projects on behalf of a carefully selected and curated group of leading Japanese authors. Red Circle showcases Japan’s best creative writing. For more information on Red Circle, Japanese literature, and Red Circle authors please visit: www.redcircleauthors.com.-
About Kanji Hanawa:Kanji Hanawa, a former professor of French literature is a master of the shorty story. He wrote hundreds and dedicated his life to writing short stories and novella about life in ancient, modern and contemporary Japan. Two of his short stories have been shortlisted for the prestigious Akutagawa Literary Prize. Hanawa’s tales reflect a deep interest in human psychology and complex relationships – whose narratives expose the pressures and challenges of life in Japan.
