M-1 Grand Prix Semifinalist Comedian Tanaka Hikaru's Latest Picture Book "Nekoiru! Iiru!" Released

Poplar Publishing has released "Nekoiru! Iiru!", the latest work by popular picture book author Tanaka Hikaru, on February 4th (Wednesday). This is the second installment of the acclaimed "Nekoiru!" series, which has sold over 200,000 copies.

Nekoiru! Iiru! Picture Book

Tanaka Hikaru is an M-1 Grand Prix semifinalist comedian who has also become an exceptional picture book author, with works such as "Pantsu-san" (25th Japan Picture Book Award winner), "Nekoiru!" (MOE Picture Book Store Award 2022), "Sushin" (MOE Picture Book Store Award 2023), and "Sosososo" (MOE Picture Book Store Award 2024) consecutively winning major picture book awards. Their unique and surreal humor captivates both adults and children, making them one of the most notable authors today.

This book is another "incomprehensible" yet hilarious work. Tanaka Hikaru has pursued the simple question of whether cats are present or not for years, and now presents "Nekoiru! Iiru!". You never know where the cats will pop out from this time, but it's guaranteed to make children laugh and adults feel comforted.

Can you handle the shock when you turn to the last page? This is a must-have picture book for every household.

Inside Page 1

Despite being a picture book simply about whether cats are present or not, it appeals to readers' instincts with the realization that "Picture books are interesting!" and "Flipping pages is fun!", radiating a unique charm.

While resembling flip-card comedy, it deliberately leaves a "margin of humor" within the freedom of picture book expression, aiming to create opportunities for parent-child communication and questioning the fundamental appeal of picture books.

Inside Page 2

Inside Page 3

Inside Page 4

Inside Page 5

Check out the "Nekoiru" special page here: https://www.poplar.co.jp/pr/nekoiru/
The page features series introductions and passionate comments from bookstore staff.

About the Author

Tanaka Hikaru Photo

Tanaka Hikaru (Hikaru Tanaka)

Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1982. After graduating high school, enrolled in the Printmaking Department at Kyoto Seika University Faculty of Arts. Dropped out the following year to join Yoshimoto Kogyo's training school. Performed as the comedy duo "Seminar Kitchen" for approximately 10 years. After the duo disbanded, while continuing work as a comedian, began posting original gag manga and illustrated jokes on Twitter (now: X).

The gag manga series "Salaryman Yamazaki Shigeru" has approximately 600,000 followers combined on X and Instagram. Activities extend to manga serializations, advertising, and collaborations with TV programs.

Awards:

Debut work "Pantsu-san" (25th Japan Picture Book Award)
"Nekoiru!" (6th Miraiya Picture Book Award 3rd place, MOE Picture Book Store Award 2022 Overall 5th place, 3rd TSUTAYA Picture Book Award 7th place)
"Sushin" (14th Libro Picture Book Award, MOE Picture Book Store Award 2023 Overall 8th place)
"Sosososo" (Published by Poplar / MOE Picture Book Store Award 2024 Overall 10th place)
"Obake no Kawa wo Muitara" (Published by Bunkyosha / 13th Libro Picture Book Award finalist, MOE Picture Book Store Award Newcomer Award 3rd place / Shizuoka Bookstore Award 2nd place)