The Magic of Japanese Picture Books: A Week-Long Celebration

Originating in the Edo and Meiji periods, ehon were initially woodblock prints, a form of art unique to that time. Today, ehon encompasses a broader range, referring to picture storybooks designed to captivate and enchant young readers.

The week-long celebration features a carefully curated selection of book introductions and interactive reading activities tailored for children and their parents to enjoy together.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this event at the Embassy,” expressed Kamitani Naoko, First Secretary and Head of the Press and Culture Department at the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, during the opening ceremony. “The ehon experience will unlock a fascinating new world, stimulating the already vibrant imaginations of children.”

Vietnamese children have embraced the ehon thanks to the Bac Cau Fund, which first introduced the concept in 2023. This year’s theme, “Animals,” builds upon the success of the previous year with a diverse range of events.

Among the most beloved ehon in Japan is Guri and Gura by Rieko Nakagawa and Yuriko Omura. This heartwarming tale follows two field mice, Guri, dressed in blue, and Gura, donning red, on their adventures. The beloved characters first appeared in the nursery story Tamago, published in the June 1963 issue of Haha no tomo magazine.

The enduring appeal of Guri and Gura is evident, with over four million copies sold across multiple reprints since its initial publication over 40 years ago. The story’s universal appeal is reflected in its translations into various languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Khmer, Danish, French, Dutch, Esperanto, and, most recently, Vietnamese.

Another notable book is Friends and its Vietnamese translation, Chuyến Bay Hạnh Phúc (Happy Flight). Friends is penned by prolific Japanese author Aihara Hiroyuki, who has published over 100 ehon, and beautifully illustrated by Vietnamese artist Vu Thuy Ngoc Ha. This cross-cultural collaboration was published by Hanoi’s Kim Dong Publishing House in 2020, offering a unique bilingual edition.

“My wish is that this becomes an annual tradition, providing children with a week filled with the joy of discovering new books,” shared Le Thi Thu Hien, the founder of the Bac Cau Fund. “It is also a way to raise awareness and encourage a society that values reading to children from a young age.”

Fostering a love of reading in the younger generation requires a collective effort, and Hien emphasizes the importance of starting early. The Week of Ehon Book aims to contribute to this mission by bringing together a diverse array of Japanese and Vietnamese books for children to explore.

During the week, hundreds of books will be on display, offering a rich tapestry of stories and illustrations. The International Book Council for Children in Vietnam has carefully selected these titles to ensure a varied and inclusive range suitable for different age groups.

Ehon are not just for children who can already read—they are for everyone, including those who are yet to learn. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging narratives, ehon help children make sense of the world around them, guided by the gentle voices of their parents and caregivers.

The week also includes a book fair at the Melia Hanoi on October 20 from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm, where parents can continue their journey into the world of ehon, reading alongside their children and fostering a lifelong love of reading.

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