Takumi Shibano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Takumi Shibano
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| 柴野拓美 | |
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| Born | October 27, 1926 Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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| Died | January 16, 2010 (aged 83) Ōiso, Kanagawa, Japan
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| Other names | Rei Kozumi |
| Alma mater | Tokyo Institute of Technology |
| Occupation | Science fiction translator, author |
| Known for | Science fiction aficionado; Founder of fanzine Uchūjin |
Takumi Shibano (柴野 拓美, Shibano Takumi, October 27, 1926 – January 16, 2010) was a very important person in the world of Japanese science fiction. He was a talented translator and author. Many people credit him with helping to make science fiction popular in Japan. He helped create the Japanese science fiction genre as we know it today.
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Who Was Takumi Shibano?
Takumi Shibano was born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. He loved science fiction very much. He spent his life working with and promoting science fiction stories. He played a big role in connecting fans and writers.
Starting Japan's First Sci-Fi Magazine
In 1957, Takumi Shibano started something special. He created Japan's first successful science fiction fanzine called Uchūjin. A fanzine is like a magazine made by fans, for fans. It was published every month.
Many people who wrote for Uchūjin later became famous professional authors. These writers included Shin'ichi Hoshi, Sakyo Komatsu, Ryu Mitsuse, and Yasutaka Tsutsui. They became the first group of modern Japanese science fiction writers.
Bringing Sci-Fi Fans Together
Takumi Shibano was also a leader in organizing events for science fiction fans. He was the main organizer, or "chair," for Japan's first ever science fiction convention. This big meeting for fans happened in 1962.
He also chaired the conventions in 1963, 1965, and 1967. He helped create the Federation of SF Fan Groups of Japan in 1965. He was the chair of this group from 1966 to 1970.
From Teacher to Sci-Fi Pro
For a while, Takumi Shibano worked as a high-school math teacher. But in 1977, he decided to follow his passion. He left his teaching job to become a full-time writer and translator.
He used a special pen name, Rei Kozumi (小隅 黎, Kozumi Rei). This name was a clever play on the words "cosmic ray." As Rei Kozumi, he translated about sixty science fiction novels from English into Japanese. Some of these included the famous Lensman series by E. E. Smith and the Known Space series by Larry Niven.
Writing Books for Young Readers
As Rei Kozumi, he also wrote three books especially for children. These books were Superhuman ‘Plus X’ (published in 1969), Operation Moonjet (also 1969), and Revolt in North Pole City (1977). He was also the main writer for a book called The World of Popular Literature (1978).
Honored by Sci-Fi Fans Worldwide
Takumi Shibano was recognized for his contributions around the world. In 1968, a special fan fund helped him attend Worldcon for the first time. Worldcon is a very large international science fiction convention.
After 1979, he went to most Worldcons. He also presented the Seiun Award, which is a major Japanese science fiction award. He received the E. E. Evans Big Heart Award in 1986. He also got a Worldcon Special Award in 1993 at the 51st World Science Fiction Convention.
He was even honored as the Fan Guest of Honor at two more Worldcons: the 54th World Science Fiction Convention in 1996 and the 65th World Science Fiction Convention in 2007. This is a very special honor given to fans who have done a lot for the science fiction community.
Awards and Legacy
After he passed away, Takumi Shibano received several special awards for his amazing work. These included the Nihon SF Taisho Award Special Prize, the Seiun Award Special Prize, and the Tokyo Anime Award Award of Merit. These awards celebrated his lifetime of achievements in science fiction.
