Why "Ōzaru" Books?

Ōzaru (sometimes written Ôzaru, Oozaru, Ouzaru, or simply Ozaru) is a Japanese word (大猿) meaning "Great Ape" — you'll also see these Japanese characters inside the gorilla on our logo.

This originates from when our founder, Ben Jones, was living in Japan in the late 1980s: he trained in the Bujinkan martial arts, and received this 'martial name' from the grandmaster, since when he has used it as his default moniker for numerous projects.

We support gorilla conservation via groups such as The Gorilla Organization. In particular, Ben has led numerous friends and colleagues to take part in several Great Gorilla Run events in London, raising over £13,000 to date: see Team Ozaru's past record. We have also sponsored various events including new exploits by "Mr Gorilla" — the legend who crawled the complete London Marathon in a gorilla costume, raising over £48,000 (it took him a week!). Now now tend to support the charities directly (including regular contributions from Ozaru Books profits: some authors donate their royalties too), and also via the following simple methods anyone can use:

Ozaru Books directors in Great Gorilla Run

Ozaru Books directors at an early Great Gorilla Run

Ben 'Ozaru' Jones — in samurai armour — with Mr Gorilla — in blue, with mini-gorillas — at the 2018 Great Gorilla Run

Ben 'Ozaru' Jones — in samurai armour — with Mr Gorilla — in blue, with mini-gorillas — at the 2018 Great Gorilla Run