Cleaning the Toilet

poetry by Kunio Hamaguchi

illus. by Mitsuhiro Taya

A picture book adaptation of Cleaning the Toilet, the celebrated poem by railway worker and poet Kunio Hamaguchi. With humour, honesty and vivid language, the poem follows the demanding task of cleaning a filthy public toilet, revealing dignity and beauty in even the humblest of work. Mitsuhiro Taya’s expressive illustrations bring fresh warmth and humanity to this powerful classic, inviting readers to reflect on pride, perseverance and the value of making the world a better place.

28 x 22 cm, 32 pages, Full-colour illustrations
First published May 2026