Masamoto Nasu  

Nasu Masamoto is a renowned author of children's literature known for his comedy series Soreike Zukkoke Sanningumi. The original idea for the series, titled Zukkoke Sanjushi [The Three Funny Musketeers], was first published in Rokunen no Gakushu magazine in 1976 with illustrations by Maekawa Kazuo. In 2004, the series reached its 50th volume and concluded. The total number of copies sold exceeds 21 million, making it one of the best-selling children's literature series in Japan. Nasu received several awards for his work, including the Iwaya Sazanami Award and the Noma Award for Juvenile Literature. The series has been adapted into various forms of media, such as television dramas, movies, manga, and animation. It is a beloved classic in Japanese children's literature that continues to entertain generations of readers.