100 original Japanese Ehon comic books come to Vietnam

From October 14 to 22, an exhibition of 100 Ehon comic books, including the original Japanese version and Vietnamese translation, will take place at the Embassy of Japan (Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi).

Japan introduces 100 Ehon comic books to Vietnamese children.

On October 14, the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam held a press conference to inform about this program.

According to Ms. Kamitani Naoko, First Secretary, Head of Press and Culture Department, Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, this is an event within the framework of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 - September 21, 2023) implemented by the North Bridge Foundation under the auspices of the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Business Association in Vietnam.

Ms. Kamitani Naoko said that "Ehon" in Japanese is a noun referring to short stories with illustrations for children of preschool age or under 10 years old, known as "food that nourishes children's souls".

“Ehon is very familiar to Japanese children. The conversation between parents and children while reading Ehon together stimulates creativity, emotional connection and creates wonderful emotions. For me personally, Ehon has opened up a new and interesting world, so I am very grateful for the values that Ehon brings. Now, I want to share those things with Vietnamese children," said Ms. Kamitani Naoko.

According to the Organizing Committee, building a reading generation requires a lot of time, effort, perseverance and consensus from the whole society. Therefore, reading to children from an early age is necessary. This is also the meaning of organizing the Ehon Connecting Book Week.

The exhibition of 100 Ehon books of different ages is expected to help readers make clear comparisons and gain more perspectives on the world of children's books, while encouraging children to love books more, while parents with young children will pay more attention to choosing and reading books to their children every day.

Along with that, an exhibition of original illustrations in two books "Cosette the Sparrow" and "Snail's Sorrow" by Japanese artist Yasumasa Suzuki will take place from October 14 to 18 at the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange (27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi). At the event, readers will also have the opportunity to interact with artist Yasumasa Suzuki.

“Snail Sadness” is a famous Ehon book mentioned in the book “Bắc Cầu” by Empress Michiko (mother of the current Emperor Naruhito). Sadness is expressed through the brilliant colors on the shells of snails through the talented artist’s drawings, helping readers have a new perspective on “sadness.”

In “Bắc Cầu”, Empress Michiko wrote: "Reading sometimes gives us roots, sometimes gives us wings. Those roots, those wings will help us build bridges both with the outside and the inside, helping us to gradually nurture and expand our own world."

Meanwhile, “Cosette the Sparrow” is an Ehon book drawn and rewritten based on a true story. The book depicts the losses and disasters that occurred during the earthquake and the consequences that people had to bear. The Sparrow character appearing in the story is a testament to the efforts to overcome all difficulties, bringing joy and light to everyone.

In addition, within the framework of the book week, there will also be many interesting activities such as reading books for preschool children; workshops for children; exchanges with Japanese Ehon comic book author, Ms. Hideko Nagano and Vietnamese author Pham Thi Hoai Anh; Connecting Book Fair taking place on October 20 at Du Parc Hanoi Hotel (84 Tran Nhan Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi).

Readers will also have the opportunity to receive free Ehon books when attending events within the framework of book week.

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