Hajimemashite no Kimochi wo

Hajimemashite no Kimochi wo is a poignant illustrated poetry book created by Japanese writer Shuntarō Tanikawa, featuring the evocative artwork of Makoto Wada. Originally released in the late 20th century, the collaboration emerged from a long-standing creative partnership between the two artists, blending Tanikawa's minimalist yet deeply resonant verses about the nuances of human connection with Wada's clean, whimsical line drawings. The work captures the vulnerability of new beginnings and the subtle emotional vocabulary of meeting someone for the first time.

The book is widely regarded as a classic of contemporary Japanese children's literature, though its appeal frequently transcends age demographics due to its philosophical depth. Critics have long praised the synergy between Tanikawa’s rhythmic text and Wada’s understated visual style, noting how the design choices—often emphasizing negative space and careful composition—allow the emotional weight of the poems to linger. It remains a staple in Japanese households, frequently gifted to commemorate new stages in life or nascent relationships.