Run quickly, Ururara -- a Japanese racehorse who has lost repeatedly but never gives up

Author: (Japanese) Shigefumi Shigeru
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: This book tells the story of a racehorse named Urara, from her birth, participation in races, her numerous defeats and persistent running, to finally touching the hearts of the Japanese people. "Run, Urara!" is compared to Japan's "The Old Man and the Sea" and is a symbol of hope and a testament to courage. It was the most moving picture book in Japan in 2004. Why did a racehorse that lost over a hundred races in a row create such a sensation and win people's hearts? Why did a performance that was not outstanding spark a hot topic of discussion among people of all ages? Urara, run! Run, Urara! Urara runs with resilience, Urara ignites a blazing flame. Watch the story of the famous horse and the spirit behind it, as told by the acclaimed Naoki Prize winner. Even with only a one percent chance, never give up. Strive to the fullest extent to realize the value of life. The fate of the "little person" resonates even more. I was captivated by Urara. Come on, Urara, and I won't give up either.
—Grade 9, Male
I finished this book with tears in my eyes. I recommend it to children so they too can read it.
—37-year-old, Female
I read this book in one sitting. Now I'm looking at the photos and reflecting on its content.
—52-year-old, Female
This book gave me courage and hope. One should never give up.
—52-year-old, Male
The protagonist of this book is a horse. The remarkable thing about this horse is that from the day it was born, it was destined to face failure as a matter of course. As a racehorse with purebred blood, it was always too small in stature. However, its blood also flowed with a competitive spirit, which drove it to constantly challenge its taller companions on the track, where winning was its sole purpose. It never gives up, even with a one percent chance. Writer Shigefumi Shigeru began to focus on this theme when the media was heavily reporting on Halu Urara. The author, in a seemingly subdued narrative, tells the story of this horse from its birth to its first appearance on the track, and then to its numerous defeats. At the same time, the story also includes the tales of various characters around the horse, including the stable owner, the groom, as well as the staff inside and outside the racecourse, commentators, and spectators. The author pours a great deal of emotion into the narrative, yet controls it perfectly. The narrative is interspersed with reflections, which are deeply thought-provoking. There is not a trace of sentimentality in this book, and perhaps that is where its depth lies.