I am very pleased to receive such a fine award. I would like to thank and share the delight with (title unknown) Miyazaki, the editor-in-charge who has worked with me on this story for a long time, the editorial staff of Afternoon who tolerates my being a slow writer, and my friends, who always help me. Thank you very much.

This comic book depicts with fine feeling the world of good old Japan where nature was thriving everywhere. Rain and snow falling over a village located deep in the mountains, people and animals living quietly veiled with a drifting fog and morning haze, and strange insects half-hidden among them. The author's accurate description and expression irresistibly engage readers into her unreal, fantastic world.