Japanese Children Poet: Misuzu Kaneko

I want to talk about one Japanese poet that I admire so much! Her name is Misuzu Kaneko, and her poems are timeless pieces of art that were discovered not so long ago. Her writing is full of passion, and it makes you change your perspective of the world. Actually, my mother loved her and collected her poems, so they were a part of my everyday childhood.

Let’s dive into her life and her most well-known poems!

Who Was Kaneko Misuzu?

Born Teru Kaneko on April 11, 1903, in the seaside village of Senzaki (now part of Nagato) in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Misuzu was deeply influenced by the sea and fishing culture around her. Her poems often reflect these themes, making her work feel personal and relatable.

In 1923, at just 20 years old, Misuzu started working at her uncle’s bookstore in Shimonoseki and began writing poems for kids. She sent her poems to several magazines, and they were all accepted, quickly making her a notable figure in children’s literature. Over her short career, she published around 90 poems, mostly in Dōwa (Fairytales).

(image via Wikipedia)

The Rediscovery of Her Work

For years after her death, Misuzu's poetry was forgotten. But in 1966, a young poet named Setsuo Yazaki found her poem "Tairyō" (The Big Catch) and was deeply moved. Determined to learn more, Yazaki spent 16 years searching for information about Misuzu. Finally, he found her younger brother, who had kept three notebooks filled with her poems.

These notebooks contained 512 poems, far more than anyone knew existed. In 1984, her complete works were published, sparking a renewed interest in her poetry. Today, her poems are translated into over ten languages and are widely read, even appearing in Japanese school textbooks.

(© Preservation Association of Misuzu Kaneko’s Works)

Why Misuzu's Poetry Matters

Misuzu Kaneko’s poems are timeless. They touch on universal themes and emotions, making them relatable no matter where or when you read them. One of her best-known poems, “It’s All Right to Be Yourself,” beautifully captures this idea:

It's All Right to Be Yourself

Even if I spread my arms wide,
I can’t fly through the sky,
but still the little bird who flies
can’t run on the ground as fast as I.

Even if I shake my body about
no pretty sound comes out,
but still, the tinkling bell
doesn’t know as many songs as I.

Bird, bell, and I,
We’re all different, and that’s just fine.

(Translated by David Jacobson, Sally Ito, and Tsuboi Michiko.)

This poem sends a powerful message of tolerance and understanding. It emphasizes that everyone is different, but those differences are what make us special. Misuzu celebrates the idea that everyone has their unique strengths and roles to play in the world. My mother decorated this poem in her room and I had been reading it over and over when I was young. 

“To the Bright Side” Poem

One of her most uplifting poems, “To the Bright Side,” is especially relevant today. It’s a reminder to always look for the light, even in tough times:

To the Bright Side

To the bright side! To the bright side!

Even a leaf
in a shaded thicket
leans to where the light leaks in.

To the bright side! To the bright side!

Insects in the night
fly close to a lamp
even if their wings might burn.

To the bright side! To the bright side!

Children of the city
flock to where there’s more space
and the sun shines.

(Translated by David Jacobson, Sally Ito, and Tsuboi Michiko.)

Watch this video of “To the Bright Side” 明るい方へ

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫

Resources: 

https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/c09201/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misuzu_Kaneko