Acclaimed Japanese TV personality and author Tetsuko Kuroyanagi expressed hope during an event in Beijing on Thursday that the Chinese release of her new book will help people in both countries better understand each other.
Kuroyanagi, 90, talked to participants including Chinese children during the event at a bookstore in the capital city to promote the Chinese version of “Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window, Part 2,” the sequel to her best-selling autobiography.
She expressed joy at the public interest in her latest work, adding that she hoped it will be a “catalyst for mutual understanding” between Japan and China.
Tetsuko Kuroyanagi (R) talks to a participant at an event in Beijing on May 30, 2024, to promote the Chinese release of her book “Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window, Part 2.” (Kyodo)
The original “Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window,” published in 1981, became a massive bestseller, with the Chinese version alone selling over 17 million copies since its initial release in 2003.
It was named the most-published autobiography penned by a single author by Guinness World Records in 2023.
In her new book, Kuroyanagi reflects on her memories of World War II and her experiences as an actor for Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK.
Speaking to her motivation for writing the sequel, the author explained, “I thought it was important to share how war can inflict suffering on innocent children.”
She also offered an encouraging message to young Chinese readers, urging them “not to be afraid of failure” and to “find at least one thing that excites you.”
A first-year junior high school student from Beijing who attended the event praised the book, saying, “I read it all in one sitting. Even in times of hardship, like war, the story is filled with love and brightness.”
Kuroyanagi is scheduled to visit Beijing Foreign Studies University on Friday, where she will interact with students learning the Japanese language.
Guinness World Records has also recognized her TV show “Tetsuko no Heya” (Tetsuko’s Room) as having the most TV talk show episodes hosted by the same presenter.
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