The Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Japan has given a Special Award to Kodansha publishers for ‘Ten Woodcutters’ book for its universal, relevant message of environmental conservation. In 2008, six children’s books have been bestowed with this honor and only two children’s picture books have been awarded, including ‘Ten Woodcutters’ written and illustrated by A Ramachandran (translated into Japanese by Shinji Tajima).

Accordingly, this book has been identified by the Ministry as a ‘significant cultural property of Japan’ (that will be printed on the cover flap of the book) and specially recommended for Japanese children.