Tokyo: 講談社, 1995. Illustrations by Chō Shinta (長新太). Series: はじめてのおはなし絵本, 12. 8vo. 17, [1] pp. incl. wrappers, ill.
Most likely the only edition carrying these illustrations.
The folk tale in its plainest form: a kind old man, his greedy wife, the sparrow whose tongue she cuts, and the yōkai who arrive to settle the account. A picture board book for the youngest readers.
Illustrated by Chō Shinta (1927–2005), known in Japan as the god of nonsense — illustrator, manga artist and children’s author, on the IBBY honour list in 1974 and Japan’s candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen illustration award in both 1998 and 2000.
Binding & condition
Original pictorial boards, issued without a title page. Near very good: very light wear to the corners and spine.
Rarity
No copy traced through OCLC or in Japanese libraries.
