Noriko Ueno, born September 29, 1940, in Saitama, Japan, was an illustrator and original creator known for her work in children's literature and manga. She passed away on February 28, 2019. Ueno is best recognized as the illustrator of the Nezumi-kun series of picture books, written by Yoshio Nakae. The series began with Nezumikun no chokki, published in 1974, and continued with subsequent titles such as Nezumikun no pippi pikunikku. Her artistic identity is closely tied to these works, which center on a mouse character and are aimed at young readers.

Ueno's work as an original creator extends to anime and manga adaptations. She is credited as the original creator for the 3D anime film Tobidasu Ehon 3D, which is based on the Nezumi-kun series. Additionally, she is listed as providing the original story for the manga The Wind Blows Through the Sea. These credits establish her role in the adaptation of her illustrated stories into other media. Her industry significance lies primarily in her contributions to Japanese children's picture books, with her work on the long-running Nezumi-kun series representing her most enduring legacy as an illustrator and creator.