The Inspiration Behind Nonpi and Dante
The genesis of this series lies deeply in the author’s personal life. Yuichi Kimura shared his thoughts on the creation:
“Nonpi and Dante were actually two cats that lived in my house. When I got married, my cat Nonpi and my wife’s cat Dante began living under one roof. Dante had always been an indoor cat, never having gone outside, while Nonpi, a former stray, loved to go for walks every day. What would happen if these two cats lived together? They lived with a subtle distance, yet got along in their own way. Nonpi, despite being small, was strong-willed, a real leader who would chase neighborhood cats. Dante, on the other hand, had never interacted with other cats. Yet, the same Nonpi who was a leader outside was always submissive to Dante inside. Dante would always chase Nonpi, and Nonpi would always yield to Dante. I always wanted to turn this duo into a picture book, and today it has finally come true. Please look forward to more stories about these two in the future.”
This heartfelt reflection reveals the authentic bond and amusing dynamics that make Nonpi and Dante so relatable.
A Trio of Tales to Discover
The simultaneous release of three books offers readers an immediate immersion into Nonpi and Dante’s world, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their relationship and adventures from the outset. Each book presents a unique challenge and journey:
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Nonpi and Dante, Friends Cats: Outside? Inside?
Nonpi tries to persuade Dante to explore the vibrant world outside, filled with beautiful flowers. Dante, however, is content observing from the window. Will Nonpi succeed in coaxing the homebody Dante out?
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Nonpi and Dante, Friends Cats: If You Fall into a Hole
One day, Nonpi tumbles into a deep hole. Despite everyone’s efforts with sticks and ropes, Nonpi remains out of reach. “Given Nonpi’s personality, there’s one way,” Dante declares. What ingenious method will Dante devise to save Nonpi?
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Nonpi and Dante, Friends Cats: Let’s Go to the Lake
Nonpi invites Dante to the serene lake, but Dante, ever the homebody, refuses to step outside. “No, I don’t want to take a single step outside,” Dante insists. Nonpi, determined to go together, conceives a “good idea.” Before Dante knows it, the lake draws nearer and nearer.
Meet the Creators
Yuichi Kimura
Born in Tokyo, Yuichi Kimura is a prolific picture book and fairy tale author, playwright, comic writer, and novelist, with over 1,000 published works worldwide. His notable achievements include the 26th Kodansha Publishing Culture Award for Picture Books and the 42nd Sankei Children’s Literature Award JR Award for “Arashi no Yoru Ni,” and the 15th Japan Picture Book Award for “Ōkami no Ōsama” (The Wolf King).
Shinobu Ori
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Shinobu Ori transitioned from a system engineer to a graphic designer, becoming an independent illustrator and designer in 2019. Her diverse portfolio includes illustrations for children’s magazines and educational materials, as well as cover designs for Jiro Akagawa’s “Hanayome” series. Her picture books include “Moyamoya Suru no wa Uso no Sei?” and “Taisetsu na Fuku.”
Special Event: Signing Session
To commemorate the launch, a special signing event with both Yuichi Kimura and Shinobu Ori is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at the “Ueno no Mori Oyako Book Festa 2026.” This offers a unique opportunity for fans to meet the creative minds behind the beloved characters.
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Date & Time: May 4, 2026 (Holiday), 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
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Venue: Event Tent, Ueno Onshi Park Fountain Plaza
Book Information
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Titles:
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Nonpi and Dante, Friends Cats: Outside? Inside?
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Nonpi and Dante, Friends Cats: If You Fall into a Hole
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Nonpi and Dante, Friends Cats: Let’s Go to the Lake
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Author: Yuichi Kimura
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Illustrator: Shinobu Ori
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Release Date: April 16, 2026 (Thursday)
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Price: 1,500 yen + tax each (e-books also available on the same day)
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Specifications: A5 hardcover / 24 pages
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Book Design: Anna Kawamura (Otsuka Ichio Office)
For more information on the books, please visit the publisher’s website:
This new series, with its universal themes of friendship, adventure, and embracing differences, is poised to capture the hearts of children and adults alike. The charming world of Nonpi and Dante, inspired by real-life feline companions, is a testament to the enduring appeal of animal stories in kawaii culture, promising to resonate with audiences globally and foster a deeper appreciation for the simple joys of companionship.
