CHILDREN’S LITERATURE GETS A VOICE
Four popular writers of children’s books from Japan will be speaking on “Why We Write For Children?” at the Japan Foundation, Sukhumvit 21, today from 7-9pm.
The talk will explore the fascinating world of children’s books by revealing the messages put into the works by three award-winning writers — Kyoko Hamano, Mito Mahara and Soko Jinsaki — and Tetsuta Watanabe, a scholar/ translator of children’s literature.
Hamano made her debut as a children’s book writer in 2006 after winning the Mainichi Children’s Literature Contest in 2002, while Mahara received an honourable mention at the Kodansha Children’s Literary Works for Newcomers in 2005 and won two awards at the Tsubota Joji Literature Award and the fourth JBBY Award in 2011.
A picture book artist and poet, Jinsaki won an honourable mention at the 50th Kodansha Children’s Literary Works for Newcomers. Watanabe is a picture book writer based in Melbourne, Australia, where he has turned his house into a library of Japanese children’s books.
The four speakers will provide an insight into the culture in Japan, talking about children and how children’s books can deepen international understanding across borders.
The talk will be moderated by Kimiko Matsui, a children’s book journalist and founder of Might Book publishing house, who writes a series of articles for the Library Advancement Foundation.
The talk will be conducted in Japanese with Thai interpretation. There is no admission fee but reservations are required.