In Tokyo, a nonprofit organization named Bookstart Japan is actively engaging with foreign parents to understand their picture book needs for their children. This initiative, sparked by feedback from attendees of infant health checkups and similar events, is centered around the idea of improving access to reading materials in native languages. A reporter from Mainichi Shimbun regularly attends these discussions to capture the voices and aspirations of international families living in Japan.
During these meetings, mothers from various cultural backgrounds shared their challenges and desires regarding children's literature. Many expressed their struggle to read Japanese picture books to their little ones, often relying on hiragana text they don’t fully comprehend. They also emphasized the dual role picture books play in introducing Japanese culture while learning the language itself. Foreign parents voiced a strong preference for stories that include characters from different cultures alongside Japanese children, indicating their interest in representation and diversity in children's literature.
a book focusing on Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine. Her child had begun to comment on the meals at daycare, prompting her to envision a story that features both cultures' foods to bridge their culinary experiences at home and school. This sentiment parallels trends seen in the UK, where a significant percentage of newborns have roots in overseas families, leading to an availability of children's books in multiple languages and inclusive narratives.
The discussions reflect a broader consideration about the impact of representation in literature. For children with foreign backgrounds, seeing characters like themselves in picture stories not only fosters engagement but also nurtures a sense of belonging within society. At the same time, it provides an important multicultural perspective for Japanese children, promoting understanding and acceptance from a young age.
7 Comments
KittyKat
This is a great way to help foreign parents bond with their children and share their culture with them.
BuggaBoom
I hope this program is successful and that it can be expanded to other parts of Japan. Every child deserves to have access to books in their own language.
Noir Black
This is just a band-aid solution. The real problem is that Japan is not welcoming enough to immigrants. We need to change that, not just throw books at the problem.
Katchuka
This is just going to create more problems down the road. These kids are going to grow up not knowing their own culture or language.
Loubianka
What about the Japanese children who don't have access to these bilingual books? Are they just supposed to sit on the sidelines while the foreign kids get all the attention?
Eugene Alta
This is just a way for these foreign parents to avoid learning Japanese. They should be making an effort to adapt to the culture here.
Leonardo
This is just pandering to foreign parents. There are plenty of Japanese children's books available, they don't need special books in their own languages.