In a picture book titled “Hajimete no Otsukai” (“Miki’s First Errand”), 5-year-old Mii-chan goes on an errand all by herself, clutching two 100-yen ($0.6) coins.

Even though the work was published half a century ago, there is absolutely nothing outdated or stale about how the thoughts and feelings of this little girl are described.

Her anxiety about speaking to the shop owner is as palpable as if I were right there with her. And the same goes for her huge relief at accomplishing her task, which was to buy milk.

This book’s artwork was created by picture book author Akiko Hayashi (1945-2026).

Hayao Miyazaki, arguably one of the most successful animated film directors........

© The Asahi Shimbun