Abstract

Satoshi Kako is widely celebrated for his numerous masterpiece picture books, and the year 2026 marks the centennial of his birth.

Beyond his renowned career as an author and illustrator, Kako was also a Doctor of Engineering who worked for a major chemical manufacturing company. Drawing on his rich background in technology, he devoted immense passion to creating science picture books designed to convey the absolute wonder and excitement of science to young readers.

Highlighting this fascinated facet of his career, a special exhibition titled 100th Birth Anniversary: Satoshi Kako's Science Picture Books is scheduled to run from March 24 to June 14, 2026, at the National Museum of Nature and Science. Throughout his lifetime, Kako spanned a remarkably diverse range of scientific themes, authoring over 60 science-related titles.

This volume showcases his unique perspective through his essay "The World of Knowledge and Science Picture Books as I Envision It," alongside a collection of insightful essays and original afterwords he penned for his own works, all beautifully accompanied by vibrant illustrations and artwork.

Furthermore, the publication features special contributions from seven natural history researchers from the National Museum of Nature and Science, who share their expert perspectives on the enduring appeal of Kako’s creations. It also includes an in-depth commentary on his "universe picture books" written by Satoshi Kako scholar Aiichiro Suzuki.

Together, these insightful pieces shed light on how Kako seamlessly bridged the gap between complex natural phenomena and the imaginative minds of children, offering readers a deep, multifaceted appreciation of his lifelong vision for science education.

Author’s Information

Satoshi Kako
A Doctor of Engineering and Professional Engineer, Satoshi Kako engaged in social volunteer work while working in industry before becoming a legendary author. Over his lifetime, he published more than 600 books, including renowned works such as The River, the Daruma-chan series, and Crow's Bakery.

Taiju Kitayama
A Doctor of Science and Senior Researcher in the Department of Botany at the National Museum of Nature and Science, specializing in phycology (seaweed). He serves as the curator in charge of the museum's 2026 special exhibition celebrating the centennial of Satoshi Kako's birth, titled Satoshi Kako's Science Picture Books.

Aiichiro Suzuki
A Doctor of Economics and former professor at Seijoh University. At the Kako Research Institute, he conducts research in business management as well as studies on Satoshi Kako, having authored and published numerous books, papers, and essays exploring Kako's legacy and achievements.