Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's 'Totto-chan' Saga Continues: Kodansha USA Announces Highly Anticipated Sequel for November 2025 Release

Kodansha USA has officially announced the highly anticipated continuation of a literary phenomenon: Totto-chan, the Little Girl at the Window: The Sequel. This profound new memoir, penned by Japan's beloved author and television icon Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, is slated for a November 18, 2025 release, promising to once again captivate readers worldwide.

The original Totto-chan transcended cultural boundaries, becoming an enduring staple in both Japanese and global literature. It lovingly chronicled Kuroyanagi's extraordinary childhood at Tokyo's pioneering Tomoe Gakuen, a truly unconventional school whose existence was tragically cut short by the devastating bombings of World War II.

Now, inspired by the echoes of contemporary global events, the sequel embarks on Totto-chan's next chapter. It plunges readers into the harrowing experience of Kuroyanagi’s family as they are forced to flee a war-ravaged Tokyo. Through vivid, heartfelt prose, the narrative illuminates Totto-chan's indomitable spirit, showcasing her resilience as she confronts starvation and immense adversity during wartime. The story further traces her remarkable evolution from a courageous young girl into a trailblazing actress and a passionate global advocate for deaf children and youth.

More than just a personal account of survival, this memoir also serves as a poignant chronicle of Kuroyanagi’s ascent to become one of Japan's most celebrated entertainers and a revered humanitarian figure. Her literary achievements are monumental; she is a multi-award-winning author, holding Guinness World Records for autobiography sales, and boasts an extensive career as a television host.

With over 25 million copies sold and translations into 30 languages, the Totto-chan series is firmly etched into the fabric of global children’s and adult literature. The forthcoming sequel is poised to deliver the same warmth, wonder, and profound inspiration that defined its predecessor, while offering fresh, compelling insights into the human spirit's capacity for survival and courage in the aftermath of war.

Designed to resonate with all ages, its release is intended for broad appeal, suitable for inclusion in libraries and educational curricula from elementary schools to universities. This significant publication by Kodansha reinforces the timeless legacy of Totto-chan, expertly bridging Japanese history and vibrant pop culture through the power of memoir.