#Japan #picture book #Omiya #Miraiya Bookstore #Hami-gaki Samurai

Commemorating Good Tooth Day with 'Hami-gaki Samurai'

On November 8th, Japan celebrates Good Tooth Day, a time to promote dental hygiene habits among people of all ages. This year, Marukawa Publishing (located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo) has taken a unique approach to this awareness campaign by releasing a special reading video of the picture book titled 'Hami-gaki Samurai' (Tooth-Brushing Samurai) featuring the dedicated staff from Miraiya Bookstore in Omiya. This engaging video can be found on YouTube and encourages everyone to have fun while brushing their teeth!

About the Picture Book: 'Hami-gaki Samurai'

'Hami-gaki Samurai' is an educational yet entertaining picture book intended to make tooth brushing an enjoyable activity for young children. The story follows a character named Momonosuke, a young samurai who aspires to become the best 'Hami-gaki Samurai' in Japan. Throughout his journey, he encounters lazy animals who dislike brushing their teeth and engages in hilarious battles to teach them the importance of dental care.

• - Author: Yasunori Kidani
• - Illustrator: Aya Watanabe
• - ISBN: 9784867166000
• - Format: B5-size, 38 pages
• - Price: ¥1,430 (¥1,300 + 10% tax)

In the book, we learn about Momonosuke's determination to conquer dental hygiene challenges, and more importantly, whether he will succeed in cleaning everyone’s teeth. The delightful battles between him and the lazy creatures promise to deliver both laughter and valuable lessons.

Synopsis

Momonosuke introduces himself as the noble aspirant of becoming the best 'Hami-gaki Samurai.' Through daily training, he aims to conquer the reluctance of various cute and clumsy animals who are hesitant about brushing their teeth. Will Momonosuke manage to transform this fun-loving group and impress upon them why oral hygiene is essential? The narrative is crafted to resonate with children, making the often mundane routine of tooth brushing fun and inspiring.

Author and Illustrator Profiles

Yasunori Kidani is a talented author from Ishikawa Prefecture. He graduated from Kanazawa College of Art, specializing in oil painting, and later completed his master's degree in fine arts at Tokyo University of the Arts. His previous works include 'Thinking with Artistic Words' published by H & S Company, along with collaborations with illustrator Aya Watanabe.

Aya Watanabe, hailing from Saitama Prefecture, graduated from Musashino Art University, specializing in design. She has illustrated various children's books, including the 'Vegetable Life Picture Book' series and stories like 'Pampan Train' published by Froebel-kan. Her colorful and engaging art style enhances the narrative, making it visually captivating for young audiences.

Marukawa Publishing's Commitment

Marukawa Publishing's children's book editorial department has a strong track record of producing a diverse range of children’s literature, including the internationally acclaimed 'Mother, You Know?' which has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. They also have notable titles like 'Hello, Lunch Box!' and 'Taste the Kind Cat!' which were selected for the Future Book Prize.

In addition to launching entertaining and educational books, the editorial team actively shares insights and playful activities through various social media platforms. Follow them for updates on new releases, educational tips, and engaging campaigns designed for children. Check out their social media pages on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

This November 8th, join the celebration of Good Tooth Day with 'Hami-gaki Samurai.' Let's brush up on our dental habits while enjoying this charming picture book together!