C. W. Nicol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
C. W. Nicol
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| Born | Clive William Nicol 17 July 1940 Neath, Wales, U.K. |
| Died | 3 April 2020 (aged 79) Japan |
| Occupation | Writer, illustrator |
| Citizenship | Japan |
| Alma mater | Tokyo University of Science |
Clive William Nicol, also known as C. W. Nicol, was a British-born Japanese writer and adventurer. He was awarded the MBE. Born on July 17, 1940, he passed away on April 3, 2020. Nicol lived in Japan for many years and became a Japanese citizen. He was famous for his exciting books and his strong efforts to protect the environment.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Clive William Nicol was born in Neath, Wales. He later moved to Japan and studied at Tokyo University of Science. He loved exploring and learning about the world.
Exploring the Arctic
In 1958, when he was just 18, Nicol traveled to the Arctic Circle. He went there to study eider ducks. This early adventure showed his love for nature and wildlife.
Learning in Japan
In the early 1960s, Nicol came to Japan. He studied Shotokan karate-Do at a famous school called the Japan Karate Association (JKA). He also learned Japanese and studied about fishing at Nihon University.
Working in Ethiopia
From 1967 to 1969, Nicol worked as a game warden in Ethiopia. He helped set up a new protected area called the Semien Mountains National Park. This job involved protecting animals and their homes. After this experience, he wrote a book about his time in Ethiopia called From the Roof of Africa.
Becoming a Writer and Environmentalist
After his adventures, Nicol settled in Japan. He started focusing on writing books and other stories. He wrote in both Japanese and English.
Winning Awards
In 1980, Nicol won an important award called the Japan Broadcasting Writer's Award. He received it for a television drama he wrote in Japanese.
Protecting Nature
Nicol was a very active environmentalist. He gave many talks about protecting nature. He cared deeply about issues like deforestation, which is when too many trees are cut down. He also worked to save natural places.
The Afan Woodland
One of his biggest projects was restoring Japan's forests. In 1986, the C. W. Nicol Afan Woodland was created in Kurohime, Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture. This woodland became a special place for nature and learning. Nicol was the chairman of the Afan Woodland Trust, an organization that helps protect this forest.
Becoming a Japanese Citizen
Nicol loved Japan so much that he decided to become a Japanese citizen. This meant he gave up his Canadian and British citizenship. He even wrote a book about this decision called Why I Became Japanese.
His Books
Nicol wrote many different kinds of books. Some were fiction, which means they were made-up stories. Others were non-fiction, based on real facts. He wrote about:
- Whaling (he even went on a whaling trip to learn more)
- The environment
- Martial arts
- Children's stories
His books were very popular and have been translated into many languages. These include French, Italian, German, Mongolian, Korean, and Chinese. In 2005, he received an Order of the British Empire award for his work.
Nicol was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 79. His legacy lives on through his writings and his work to protect the environment.
Selected Works
- The White Shaman
- Harpoon / Isana
- The Boy Who Saw the Wind
- The Raven's Tale
- From the Roof of Africa
- Moving Zen: Karate as a Way to Gentleness
- The White Hippo
Discography
- Sail Down the River (1991)
- The World of Little Twins (1992)
See also
- Hideo Levy
- David Zoppetti
