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Roots and Wings: The Radiance of Empress Michiko's Presence

Publish: August 08, 2019

Writer Profile

  • Chieko Suemori

    Other : Picture Book Author

    ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ alumni

    Chieko Suemori

    Other : Picture Book Author

    ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ alumni

Strangely enough, I first had the opportunity to meet Empress Michiko (now Empress Emerita) when I was in my 20s. It was only for a brief moment, yet when I met her again 20 years later, she remembered that time and said, "We met in Oiso back then, didn't we?" I will never forget how deeply surprised and moved I was.

Since then, I have had the privilege of publishing four books by Empress Michiko. Through various interactions, I shared moments that were both nerve-wracking and filled with joy. I began to feel that it would be a waste to keep the various thoughts and experiences I had during that time all to myself.

With that in mind, when an editor earnestly encouraged me to write, I consulted with Empress Michiko. She told me, "I think it would be fine, as you see me from a different perspective than others." So, I decided to write a series for Shinchosha's magazine "Nami," starting in the January 2018 issue. I showed her each installment, and every time, she gave me various pieces of advice. I was truly amazed and overwhelmed by the brilliance and accuracy of her memory.

The time she attended a friend's funeral, Shinzo Koizumi who worked so hard for her marriage, her children, and her feelings toward the Emperor Emeritus. And of course, children's books. Even now, I believe that "Building Bridges," which she wrote about her childhood reading, is unsurpassed in its genre. Originally, it was a speech prepared as a keynote address for the IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) World Congress in New Delhi, India. However, because India conducted nuclear tests, the government decided at the last minute that the Empress could not attend, and it ultimately became a video presentation.

However, because of that, the video recording was broadcast in Japan by NHK and received very high ratings, which we then turned into the book "Building Bridges." The title of this book, "Roots and Wings," is a title I remember us debating between when we were creating "Building Bridges," and it brings back fond memories.

Chieko Suemori

Shinchosha

208 pages, 1,300 yen (excluding tax)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.

Writing Notes