#Japan #Tokyo #Pink Shirt Day #I Saw Bullying #Mannabu Wakuta

Stop Bullying: Show Your Support with Pink Shirts!

In February, the Pink Shirt Day movement encourages people to stand against bullying, and World Culture Press has decided to join this important cause. To mark this event, they are launching T-shirts featuring illustrations from the children's book I Saw Bullying on their T-shirt sales site, pTa.shop.

The Origin of Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is a globally recognized anti-bullying movement that started in Canada. In 2007, a boy who wore a pink shirt to school was bullied for his choice. Two peers witnessed the bullying and decided to take action. They rallied their fellow classmates to wear pink shirts the next day, purchasing 75 shirts to start the movement. The result was overwhelming; hundreds of students showed up clad in pink, creating a powerful wave of support against bullying. Since that day, the school reportedly saw a significant drop in bullying incidents.

The inspiring story gained traction through local media and quickly spread across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Today, it is a worldwide initiative celebrated in approximately 180 countries.

Wear Pink, Stand Against Bullying!

Pink Shirt Day is held annually on the last Wednesday of February. On February 25, 2026, individuals can wear their pink shirts as a statement against bullying. World Culture Press is offering four unique T-shirt designs inspired by I Saw Bullying, perfect for this occasion.

• - BULLYING STOPS HERE!! T-Shirt: This shirt carries a strong message declaring that bullying stops here!
• - Believe in Kindness T-Shirt: Promoting kindness, this design expresses the importance of believing in and spreading kindness.
• - Two Point T-Shirts: Practical for everyday wear, these shirts feature simple designs with tasteful accents.

Each T-shirt retails for 4,950 yen (including tax), and they are available in sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL, in light pink and regular pink. To purchase or inquire further, visit: pTa.shop.

The Role of Bystanders in Combatting Bullying

The story behind Pink Shirt Day highlights how bystanders can be key players in stopping bullying. The book I Saw Bullying focuses on the perspective of children who witness bullying. It provides concrete ways these children can take action to help prevent such situations from occurring. The author, Mannabu Wakuta, is an expert in bullying prevention, having conducted extensive research on children's behavioral issues and effective interventions.

About the Book I Saw Bullying

• - Author: Mannabu Wakuta

- Director and Chief Researcher at the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Child Development Science. Graduated from Shizuoka University with over 20 years of experience as a special needs school teacher, later earning a doctorate in child developmental science from Osaka University.

• - Illustrators: Yu Imokawa and Chihiro Imokawa

- This illustrator unit based in Kamakura City engages in diverse artistic fields including illustrations, graphics, character design, and children's books. They have created various collaborations, establishing a beloved character named 'KAMAKUMA'.

• - Supervised by: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Child Development Science

- Focused on supporting the healthy development of children. They work closely with educational institutions to analyze and tackle bullying and truancy.

• - Publication Details: I Saw Bullying

- Release Date: October 31, 2024,
- Price: 1,650 yen (including tax)
- A4 size, 32 pages.
- Published by World Culture Press.
- World Culture Press Book Info
- Amazon Purchase Link.

Stay tuned for the new release about recognizing misconceptions that lead to bullying, titled Your Neighbor Class Pea, scheduled for March 19, 2026. Help raise awareness and support the fight against bullying by getting involved in Pink Shirt Day!