Meet Hiroshi Sosa-Nakata | Kid Author and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hiroshi Sosa-Nakata and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hiroshi, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
First, I should point out that I am only thirteen years old. Every child has heard the saying, “act your age.” That is one piece of advice that I have never taken however. If I were to act my age I would remain silent until called upon, wait until I have mastered a concept before applying it, and not question authority. Instead, I embrace curiosity, share my ideas whenever possible, and question every aspect of the world around me. The result is that, at age thirteen, I have my own publishing company and I am in the process of writing the fourth book in my series, I Saved the World and I’m Only in 4th Grade! Act my age? Never! I’d rather embrace the child within me and encourage others to do the same. Who knows where such curiosity will take you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being from a multicultural family has greatly influenced the way I see the world around me. My mother was born in Japan, my father in Mexico, and myself in the United States. That essentially means I love sushi, tacos, and pizza all equally. It also means that I’ve spent more summers abroad than in the U.S., and have benefitted from drastically different cultures and perspectives. I aim to celebrate culture and diversity through my stories and characters because I have seen first-hand how such identities are under and mis-represented. In fact, most children’s books are written by adults and do not directly address the realities that diverse students face. I want to make sure that my books include diverse characters, recognize their struggles, and even address global and social issues we see all around us. My books recognize that we live in a world in which hatred and violence continue to exist. It is our responsibility to address these issues and, yes, even kids can make a difference. We can start by simply recognizing some of our classmates, friends, and their family members are struggling. Besides being here for them, we can use our voices to support change. We’re the future, after all. I hope that by reading my stories, other kids will see themselves, their struggles, and take pride in their differences. I know I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow. If my best friend were visiting DFW for the first time, my mother would be putting me to work asap. I’d have to vacuum the entire house, wash all bedding, and make sure my bathroom was spotless. Being only thirteen, I’d have to ask my parents to pick up my best friend from the airport, but immediately following that I would have the following plan. First, we’d stop at Whataburger and I’d make sure they try regular and spicy ketchup. Next, we’d visit one of the three Retro Madness stores around DFW. They’re awesome and are filled with all types of collectible toys and games. Third, we’d spend a few hours at Free Play, which has over 100 classic arcade hits! Fourth, we’d have to hit up Hawaiian Falls since I have a season pass that includes free guest tickets! Fifth, we’d definitely have to visit the stockyards in Fort Worth and take a photo with a longhorn. Every tourist loves that. Lastly, we’d top off the week by stopping at Zero Degree for a mangonada or Kung Fu Tea for an Oreo Slush! They’re the best!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am inspired by an appreciation of culture and diversity all around me. We are each different in some way. I am different. I think that differences are what make each of us unique, though, and things we should be proud of. Unfortunately, some kids make fun of others for such differences. My books are meant to help celebrate the wonderful ways in which every kid should be proud of who they are, where they come from, and the contribution they make to the world around them. I am lucky enough to have parents that celebrate the many ways that I am unique. My mom is Japanese, and my dad is Mexican-American, and they have struggled to ensure I am proud of all aspects of my culture. They continue to send me to Mexico and Japan to spend time with grandparents during summer breaks, even though my dad says it costs way too much to do so. The result is that they have created someone who is confident, proud, and capable of accomplishing anything I put my mind to. For example, wanting to write a book series about diverse characters confronting any obstacle in front of them by working together.

Website: https://sosanakatapublishing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sosanakatafamily/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiroshi-sosa-nakata

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sosanakatafam

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SosaNakataPublishing/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sosanakatafamily