Released the picture book "Ichiro and Ikkū" created with Ichiro and Dentsu Inc. Donated to elementary schools and libraries in Kobe City.

Supervised by Ichiro, authored by Shinpei Murata, Nao Hirano, and Kazuya Miyata (Dentsu Inc.), the book "Ichiro and Ikkyu" (Bungeisha) was released on Ichiro's birthday, October 22, 2025 (Wednesday). A presentation ceremony was held at Kobe City Central Library on Tuesday, December 16.

The picture book was conceived starting in 2019, the year Ichiro retired from active play. It crystallizes the essence of what he has cherished throughout his journey into a single story.

[Scene from the Presentation Ceremony]
M4, the agency representing Ichiro, presented 220 copies to Kobe City.The picture books will be donated to schools, kindergartens, and libraries within the city. Attendees at the ceremony included Mr. Ryuichi Ikeda of NOWHERE, the initiator of the picture book project; Mr. Murata of Dentsu Inc., the author; Mr. Shigeto Takeno, Managing Executive Officer of Bungeisha; Mr. Keiichi Komatsu, Vice Mayor of Kobe City; and Mr. Yusuke Nakayama, Director of the Central Library, Culture and Sports Bureau. Vice Mayor Komatsu expressed words of gratitude.

Comment from Ichiro on the Picture Book Donation to Kobe City
I am honored to donate these picture books to Kobe City.
This picture book embodies my hope that children will discover what they love and continue taking steps forward, one at a time.
I sincerely hope this book becomes one catalyst for the children of Kobe to walk their own path toward a future full of great possibilities.
Seattle Mariners Ichiro

Comments from Author Shinpei Murata
Working step by step with Ichiro on creating this picture book felt to me like embodying the very theme of "wanting to keep doing what you love forever." Precisely because children today have so many choices, I hope they won't let go of what they love, won't give it up, won't give up on it, and will keep going. Because I believe there is surely a wonderful treasure waiting for them ahead. It would be my greatest joy if such a feeling could grow in the corner of children's hearts.I hope this picture book reaches as many children as possible and becomes a beloved classic for years to come.

【Book Content】
A large, blue shooting star falls beyond the distant Hateta Mountain. Ten-year-old Ichiro sets off on an adventure with his dog, Ikkū, to find the star. But the path is rugged, and progress is slow. Will they find the star? As Ichiro and Ikkū overcome various hardships, step by step, they learn the greatness of perseverance and the preciousness of companionship.

【Author Profile】
Shinpei Murata
Dentsu Inc.
Entertainment Business Center
Recipient of NY ADC Merit Award, SABRE Awards Winner, Japan PR Award Runner-up Grand Prix, Google Ads Leaderboard Top 8, Japan Event Awards Art Category Award, Fuji Sankei Group Advertising Awards Media Mix Category Excellence Award, ACC, TCC, and others. Representative of "Yasakuri," a creative unit solving social issues. Also handles picture book planning/production, drama screenwriting, and more.

Nao Hirano
Dentsu Inc.
5th CR Planning Bureau
Graduated from Musashino Art University, Department of Visual Communication Design.
TDC Selection, AD STARS 2016 FILM CRAFT Grand Prix, Spikes Asia 2016 Film Craft Silver, Yomiuri Advertising Award, etc.

Kazuya Miyata
Dentsu Inc.
First CR Planning Bureau
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture. Graduated from Kyushu University, Faculty of Design. From planning to directing commercials and dramas, I strive to create content that "makes you wonder." TikTok TOHO Film Festival Grand Prix, Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, Young Spikes Japan Representative.

Director / Ichiro
Supervisor / M4 Inc. Yumiko Suzuki
Founder / Ryuichi Ikeda