Kodansha is bringing a new chapter to one of Japan's most beloved literary cats. On July 1, 2026, the publisher released おれのなまえはイッパイアッテナ, a spin-off novel in the bestselling Rudolf and Ippai Attena series, timed to mark two milestones at once: the series' 40th anniversary and 40 years since author Hiroshi Saito's debut as a writer.
Hiroshi Saito's 40 Years as a Storyteller
Saito is also the author of the hit おばけずかん series, which has sold more than 2 million copies combined. The franchise inspired the live-action film ゴーストブック おばけずかん, directed by Takashi Yamazaki and starring Yui Aragaki and Ryunosuke Kamiki with a theme song by Gen Hoshino, as well as a widely watched anime adaptation.
The Rudolf and Ippai Attena Series Also Turns 40
Saito's other signature work is Rudolf and Ippai Attena, a series centered on a streetwise black cat. It was his debut title, and it went on to become a landmark of Japanese children's literature, later adapted into an animated film in 2016, and has remained a favorite across generations since. In 2026, the series marks 40 years since it was first published, having sold a combined 1.4 million copies to date.
Kodansha's parenting and reading website, Cocreco, published a new interview with Saito to mark the occasion, in which he discusses what led him to start writing, the questions that have stayed with him throughout his career, and a message for children and parents navigating today's challenges.
A Story of Wit, Courage, and Friendship Among Stray Cats
Rudolf and Ippai Attena follows Rudolf, a small black cat who is separated from his hometown and ends up in Tokyo. Built on the structure of a German-style coming-of-age novel, the story blends deep, life-affirming themes with humor, and has earned its place as a modern classic of children's literature.
The new spin-off, published for the series' 40th anniversary, tells the origin story of Ippai Attena, the tough tomcat who becomes Rudolf's mentor. The cover was once again illustrated by Hammo Sugiura, who has drawn every cover in the series for 40 years and turns 95 this year.
Title: おれのなまえはイッパイアッテナ
Author: Hiroshi Saito
Illustrator: Hammo Sugiura
Publisher: Kodansha
Release date: July 1, 2026
Pages: 160
ISBN-10: 4065424844
The main series now spans six volumes, with Rudolf and Ippai Attena as the first installment.
40th Anniversary Present Campaign
To celebrate the double 40th anniversary, Kodansha is running a present campaign with 40 prizes up for grabs. Readers can cut two entry coupons from the obi wrap-around bands of fair-campaign copies of the Rudolf and Ippai Attena and おばけずかん series, attach both to a postcard, and mail it in along with a comment about the book and their preferred prize for a chance to win:
- A signed copy of おれのなまえはイッパイアッテナ (5 winners)
- A signed copy of なつのおばけずかん おばけはなびたいかい (5 winners)
- An original book gift card worth ¥10,000 (30 winners)
Two coupons count as one entry, and entries must be postmarked by September 30, 2026. Winners will be notified only through the shipment of their prize, and prizes can be sent to addresses within Japan only.
About Hiroshi Saito
Born in Tokyo in 1952, Hiroshi Saito completed graduate studies in literature at Chuo University. He debuted in 1986 with Rudolf and Ippai Attena, which won the Kodansha Prize for Children's Literature for New Writers. In 1988, ルドルフ ともだち ひとりだち won the Noma Children's Literature New Writer's Prize, and in 1991 he received the Robo-no-Ishi Children's Literature Prize. In 2013, ルドルフとスノーホワイト won the Noma Children's Literature Prize. His other works include the おばけずかん and ペンギン series (both Kodansha), the 白狐魔記 series (Kaiseisha), and the 西遊記 series (Rironsha), among many others.
