Happy 113th Birthday Fauja Singh!

Celebrating with a touching event in Japan

Fauja Singh is 113!!!

The first time I met Fauja Singh, he was a touch over 100. He told me then that his one regret in life was not doing more to inspire children around the world. That regret became the seed of an idea – a children’s book about his life.

Today, on April 1, he’s turning 113 years old. And we have the coolest gift to share with him. His story continues to inspire children around the world.

In early March, we learned that Penguin UK would be publishing paperback editions of Fauja Singh. And this past week, the Japanese publisher of Fauja Singh Keeps Going hosted my agent and me at a children’s bookshop in Tokyo, where we signed books and interviewed with a journalist who specializes in education.

Since that moment when Fauja Singh first shared his regret with me more than a decade ago until today, we’ve come a long way. I’m grateful that he’s lived to see the impact he has had on people of all ages, including children. He’s an incredible human being, and he deserves this joy.

On a personal level, the book event was an amazing experience for me. My agent joined us in Tokyo, too. They invited us for lunch before the program, where I had a chance to meet for the first time my two publishers, editor, and translator. I learned a lot about their lives and work, and they couldn’t have been more gracious and hospitable.

They brought their own copies of the book, some in English and some in Japanese. They wanted me to sign their books, and I noticed their careful notes all throughout. These were their working editions!

They also showered me with gifts, which was so unnecessary and so thoughtful. Books,  stationary, a scarf, and even presents for my wife and daughter. And then, when it was time for the signing, they presented a stamp with my name written in Japanese. They told me this is customary in signatures – so each book is now inscribed with my signature and stamped in Japanese.

After the signing, I sat with the journalist, and she conducted a public interview on Fauja Singh’s story.  She didn’t speak much English, so my publisher Azumi sat next to me and translated for us. We touched on many topics, and although I can’t read the article, I’ve read it in translation and love how she captured some of why this book resonates so much in Japan.

Everything about the event was so wonderful and touching, and my favorite aspect of it won’t surprise you if you know me. My publisher brought her 6-year-old daughter and her 6-year-old-friend, and they played with us the entire time, from lunch to the interview. They climbed on me and played pranks on me, and they spoke a bit of English, so we joked around too.

It was all so endearing and special, and I’m so grateful for this experience. I promised to convey to Fauja Singh how his story continues to spread and inspire. It’s a small gift to give someone on their 113^th birthday – and yet, it feels so precious and perfect, too.