#OA61
1951
18,4x17 cm. Endpapers illustrated in colour, monochrome text illustrations, 1 map. Hard cardboard binding slightly rubbed. Near fine condition.
First edition. Text in Japanese. An exciting story about the almost forgotten Japanese Antarctic explorer, adapted for children.
Shirase Nobu (1861–1946), the son of a Buddhist priest from northern Honshu, launched his expedition in 1910. His first attempt to land was unsuccessful, forcing him to return and spend the winter in Australia. Eventually, he landed on the coast of King Edward VII Land and reached a southern latitude of 80°5′. His achievement was significant for Japan’s recognition as a modern and highly developed nation.
The book’s author, Nagai Houji (1920–1993), became famous thanks to this children’s story. Nobu's report was published immediately after his return to Japan in 1912 and went through numerous editions. However, his story was soon forgotten. Its revival in the year when the American occupation of Japan came to an end carries symbolic meaning—after a period of defeat, the spirit of Japan was reborn.
According to Worldcat, the only copy is held by the National Diet Library.
