Takeshi Masuda

Takeshi Masuda (born 1944), who uses the pen name Warabé Aska, is a children's book author and illustrator. Masuda was born in Kagawa Prefecture on 3 February 1944. His father died during World War II, before Masuda was born, so Masuda grew up with his mother (a seamstress) and grandmother. While living in Japan, Masuda studied at a polytechnic school. He began using the name Warabé Aska in his early twenties.

He began his career as a commercial artist and graphic designer before becoming a children's book illustrator. His published his first book, Discovering Japan in 80 Days, in 1973. Before immigrating to Canada in 1979, he illustrated a dozen children's books. Following his move, Masuda continued illustrating children's books.

His first book published in Canada, Who Goes to the Park, won the 1985 City of Toronto Book Award, becoming the first children's book to receive the honour. Since then, Masuda has written and illustrated children's books, as well as exhibited his artwork in galleries. As of 2026, Masuda lives in Toronto. He is married and has three children.