Exciting Opportunity for Kids: Become a Young Editor with Kodansha!

Higashiyamato City is thrilled to announce a special event in collaboration with Kodansha Publishers, allowing children from pre-school to elementary school ages to dive into the world of publishing. Scheduled for October 11, 2026, this unique experience will take place at the Higashiyamato City Central Community Hall, where kids and their parents can explore what it’s like to be an editor.

A Unique Learning Experience

The event titled “Special Classroom with Kodansha! - Become an Editor by Reading Pre-Release Books!” aims to create opportunities for children to express their opinions and develop their communication skills. By engaging with books before they hit the shelves, participants get a chance to offer feedback that could influence the actual publication process.

The collaboration is made possible through a partnership with the Private-Public Partnership Research Institute, linking Higashiyamato City and Kodansha in a meaningful way. The goal is to cultivate a generation of readers who feel empowered to share their thoughts and understand that their voices matter in the literary world.

What to Expect at the Event

1. Learn from Experienced Editors

During the event, children will have the opportunity to hear from actual editors at Kodansha's Children’s Book Publishing Division. These professionals will explain the editing process and how books are created, making it accessible and fun for young minds eager to learn.

2. Engage with Unreleased Books

Participants will interact with pre-release manuscripts, allowing them to experience the thrill of reading something that isn't publicly available yet. This sneak peek into the publishing world will be unforgettable for budding young readers.

3. Your Feedback Matters!

The event has a unique feature where children can share their opinions on the books with the editors. Their feedback might even be utilized in the book’s final production! This provides an invaluable confidence boost, realizing that their insights can contribute to a book people will read.

This event is more than just reading; it’s about thinking, discussing, and expressing oneself in a supportive environment. It’s designed to appeal to not only book-loving children but also those who may not usually engage with reading. By making reading, thinking, and communicating enjoyable, the event encourages all kids to explore the literary world.

Event Details

- Event Name: Special Classroom with Kodansha! - Become an Editor by Reading Pre-Release Books!
- Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Time: Two sessions; 1st Session: 1:00 - 2:00 PM, 2nd Session: 3:00 - 4:00 PM (Content is identical in both sessions)
- Venue: Higashiyamato City Central Community Hall (Chuo 3-926, Higashiyamato City, Tokyo)
- Participants: Children from pre-school to elementary school and their parents
- Cost: Free
- Capacity: 50 participants per session (via lottery)
- Application Deadline: Apply by September 13, 2026, through the designated form.

Organizers

- Main Organizers: Higashiyamato City and the Higashiyamato City Board of Education
- Co-organizers: Kodansha and the Private-Public Partnership Research Institute

For any inquiries, please contact the Higashiyamato City Education Department, Lifelong Learning Division at 042-564-2451 or visit the official website.

This is a fantastic chance for children to step into the shoes of an editor, stimulate their creativity, and participate in something truly special. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to foster a love for books and the joy of expression!