Popular Children’s Book Author Rieko Nakagawa Dies at 89; ‘Guri and Gura’ Series Loved for Stories About Twin Mice (Update 1)

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
Rieko Nakagawa

Rieko Nakagawa, a famous author of children’s books such as the “Guri to Gura” (“Guri and Gura”) series, died from old age on Monday.
She was 89.

Yomiuri Shimbun file photo
The cover of “Guri to Gura” (“Guri and Gura”) by Rieko Nakagawa, with illustrations by Yuriko Yamawaki

“Guri to Gura” became popular for its endearing stories about twin mice, Guri and Gura, who love eating and cooking, and their animal friends.

The series’ popularity was enhanced by the adorable art provided by Nakagawa’s younger sister, Yuriko Yamawaki.


Other publications by Nakagawa include “Iya Iya En” (No-no nursery school) and “Sorairo no Tane” (“The Blue Seed”).