Yomokka!: Enhancing Reading Experience for Children
In July 2025,
Yomokka!, an e-book library designed specifically for elementary and middle school students in Japan, reached a significant milestone by surpassing
5,000 titles. This remarkable achievement has been made possible through the collaboration of Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. and
42 other participating publishers, who share a common vision of inspiring students’ diverse interests in reading.
Understanding Yomokka!
Yomokka!, accessible via the
MottoSokka! educational ICT platform, is built on the concept of allowing children to enjoy unlimited reading anytime and anywhere. This service not only provides access to an extensive range of books but also encourages students to discover new titles, helping to foster a love for reading among avid bookworms while also offering a welcoming gateway for those who may struggle with literacy.
With a focus on inclusivity,
Yomokka! offers various genres spanning from picture books and children's stories to young adult and general literature, catering to reading needs from early elementary school to high school. The library boasts an eclectic mix of entertainment, classics, nonfiction, and picture books, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Notably, it includes works used in Japanese language classes and books suitable for research projects.
Expanding Horizons
As of January 2024,
eight new publishers have joined the
Yomokka! initiative. Newly onboarded publishers, including
KADOKAWA and
Shueisha, will begin adding titles throughout 2024 and into 2025, further enriching the library's offerings. This continuous expansion aims to further fulfill children's diverse literary interests and create a vibrant reading environment that promotes exploration and learning.
The Importance of Reading in Education
Yomokka! serves not just as a recreational reading platform but as an educational tool that enhances classroom instruction. Schools across Japan utilize this resource during morning reading sessions, allowing students to read the same titles simultaneously. This ability to engage in parallel reading fosters collaboration and discussion, making learning a shared experience. Furthermore, the platform supports a range of learning activities and research, effectively blending enjoyment and education.
MottoSokka!: A Comprehensive Learning Platform
To complement
Yomokka!, a suite of services known as
MottoSokka! is available. It aims to create a cycle of self-driven learning inspired by curiosity through reading experiences and projects. Alongside
Yomokka!,
MottoSokka! includes an online encyclopedia service called
Sagasokka!, which further enriches educational resources available to students.
Collaborating for a Brighter Future
Poplar Publishing has committed itself to fostering children’s learning through a project called
Kodomo Motto Lab since 2021, built on the motto