Totto-chan ben cua so part two released

Author Kuroyanagi Tetsuko tells the story of Totto-chan amidst Japan's tumultuous wartime era in the second installment of "Totto-chan ben cua so".

Published 42 years after the first book, this sequel chronicles Totto-chan's journey into adulthood. The book's four sections unfold chronologically, beginning with "Cold, Sleepy, and Hungry," which depicts the period before the Tokyo air raids and how the war impacted Totto-chan's family life. The second part, "Totto Evacuates," follows the family's relocation to Aomori and Totto-chan's adjustment to an unfamiliar environment.

The final two sections, "Fulfilling the Mission of Blooming" and "Totto Becomes an Actress," cover the war's end and Japan's reconstruction, as families reunite. Totto-chan matures and discovers her career path. Experiencing separation and loss, she learns empathy, compassion, and adaptability amidst the changing times. Throughout, Totto-chan maintains self-belief, searches for meaning in life, dares to dream, and strives for good.

The 330-page book, translated into Vietnamese by Truong Thuy Lan, is jointly published by Nha Nam and the Writers' Association Publishing House. Photo: Nha Nam

The 330-page book, translated into Vietnamese by Truong Thuy Lan, is jointly published by Nha Nam and the Writers' Association Publishing House. Photo: Nha Nam

With illustrations by Iwasaki Chihiro, the book continues the spirit of education that respects individuality and encourages creativity. It also paints a vivid picture of Japanese society during its transformative period, from the war years to the reconstruction era.

Kuroyanagi Tetsuko, the author, is now 90. A renowned writer, actress, and television host in Japan, she was appointed a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador in 1984, the first Asian to hold this position.

"Totto-chan ben cua so," her debut novel, draws upon her childhood memories at Tomoe Gakuen. Published by Kodansha in 1981, it became a bestseller, selling 8 million copies in Japan and 25 million worldwide. Her other works include "Totto-chan's Children," "Dear Chakku," and "Totto-chan's Canal".