The Release of Japan's First Multilingual Children's Picture Book

Discovering 'Ichi Ni No San!'

In a remarkable moment for children's literature in Japan, the first multilingual picture book titled 'Ichi Ni No San!' has been announced for release. Written by renowned author Sugiyama Kanayo, this innovative book aims to introduce young readers to the joys of language diversity and cultural inclusivity from an early age.

What is a Multilingual Picture Book?

A multilingual picture book is a story that incorporates multiple languages, catering particularly to children. Given the increasing number of foreign residents in Japan, there has been a rising interest in fostering a multicultural society. 'Ichi Ni No San!' features an impressive total of nine languages: Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, English, Nepali, and Spanish. This ensures that children who speak different languages can engage with the content of the book.

A Vibrant Exploration of Language

The book aims to be both educational and entertaining. Using the catchy phrase 'Ichi Ni No San!', young readers embark on a rhythmic adventure with a vibrant character named 'Maru-chan.' As Maru-chan transforms into various forms, children can delight in the sound effects accompanying each change. This playful interaction encourages engagement, making it a delightful read for both children and adults.

While the challenge of presenting nine languages might result in crowded pages, Sugiyama has creatively used the text as part of the book's visual appeal. Rainbow-colored letters symbolize diversity and joy, enhancing the illustrations and making the reading experience vibrant and engaging.

Japan's First Multilingual Baby Book

This pioneering work targets a unique audience — babies! Sugiyama's motivation for creating a multilingual book tailored for such a young age group stems from the desire to foster inclusivity. Many children in Japan reside in bilingual or multilingual environments, making it essential for their literature to reflect their diverse backgrounds.

Sugiyama shares, "As interest grows for barrier-free reading and inclusivity, I often feel that children who do not speak Japanese natively are overlooked. My aspiration has always been to create a book that allows various children to connect through the same story in the same place. I envision communities coming together through 'Ichi Ni No San!'."

Inclusivity for All Children

As of June 2024, approximately 3.59 million foreigners reside in Japan, marking the highest number recorded. Among babies born in Japan, about 4.66% have one or both parents who are foreign nationals. This changing demographic landscape introduces unique challenges for children navigating school life, language acquisition, and cultural differences.

Multilingual picture books like 'Ichi Ni No San!' provide a vital resource for foreign children, enabling parenting in their native languages and enhancing their sense of self-esteem. For Japanese children, these books spark interest in foreign languages and cultures. As a part of barriers-free literature initiatives, multilingual books are essential for fostering understanding and acceptance.

Additional Resources

'Ichi Ni No San!' also aims to be accessible beyond its written content. The official website offers audio pronunciation guides for each of the nine languages featured in the book. Additionally, pronunciation tips are included at the back of the book for easy reference, and the relevant image files can be downloaded for personal use.

To cater to the hearing-impaired community, sign language interpretation videos are available, ensuring that everyone can share in the joy of reading this book. Requests for tactile copies or assistive text data can also be fulfilled for those with visual impairments, further expanding the book's reach.

Book Information

- Title: Ichi Ni No San!
- Author: Sugiyama Kanayo
- Price: ¥1,320 (tax included)
- Size: 17.6 x 17.8 cm
- Number of Pages: 24
- ISBN: 978-4-494-02256-4
- Release Date: July 7, 2025
- Target Audience: 0 years and up
- More Information: Doshinsha

This groundbreaking book represents a significant step toward nurturing an environment where children of all backgrounds can thrive together through the magic of storytelling.