Our favourite Japanese children’s books in English

Originally published in Japan in 1977, ‘Everyone Poops’ introduces the novel concept that yes, everyone poops. Each page has an adorable and hilarious illustration of a human or animal pooing (child friendly, of course) and a simple statement about the animal and its waste. The colourful illustrations are sure to bring a smile to your face no matter what age you are. 

Already exhausted 'Cinderella', 'Goodnight Moon' and 'The Cat in the Hat'? 'Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories' is a selection of traditional stories that children across Japan know by heart. Each tale features illustrations by famed children’s book illustrator Yoshisuke Kurosaki. Children will be introduced to classic characters like the rabbit who lives on the moon, and Momotaro, a boy born in a peach who grows up to fight oni (demons). Published in 1958, this book has introduced traditional Japanese fairy tales to many generations. 

An oldie but a goodie, ‘Guri and Gura’ is a series of picture books starring twin mice on their daily adventures. The plots are simple – in the first book, Guri and Gura stumble upon a giant egg in the forest and use it to bake a cake. Children will love following the cute mice as they have a picnic, clean and go to the beach. The series began in 1963, and there are now ten ‘Guri and Gura’ books translated into English. 

Written and illustrated by Sunny Seki, a Japanese-born, American-educated artist, ‘Yukochan and the Daruma Doll’ is an inspiring story of resilience. Yukochan is a blind orphan who enjoys helping out in her small village. One day, she discovers a daruma doll, the Japanese symbol of perseverance. Just like Yukochan, no matter how many times the doll is knocked over, it always gets back up. The story is written in both Japanese and English, perfect for bilingual families or beginning Japanese learners.

Everyone knows of Studio Ghibli’s wholesome movie ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’, about a young witch who moves to a new town and sets up her own flying courier business. Kids enthralled with the movie can pick up the original book and read all about Kiki and her black cat Jiji as she sets up her delivery service. There are some differences between the book and the movie but the former is equally as charming. With 11 chapters, this book is a little more advanced than some of the others we’ve listed, but it should be an ideal read for children in later elementary school.