Promoting Children's Learning and Creativity: Kodansha's Charity Book Offerings

Cultivating Young Minds: Kodansha's Book Donation Initiative

Kodansha, a well-established publisher in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has started offering books as rewards for donations through the hometown tax initiative since March 2025, gaining remarkable popularity. As of July, for the second round of offerings, they are presenting five sets of books, including educational comics and classic picture books that foster a love for learning in children and provide valuable study assistance for examinations. These carefully selected books are crafted to captivate young readers and make complex concepts easily digestible, ultimately helping to broaden children’s futures and possibilities.

While donating to causes like food and daily necessities is commendable, how about considering books that enhance exam readiness and cognitive development, especially as children prepare to delve into reading during their summer break?

The selection process is led by members of the “Let's Play with Books – National Storytelling Team,” a program aimed at promoting reading among children that has been running since 1999. With experience from visiting approximately 24,000 locations and performing storytelling for over two million families, they have a unique perspective on what books effectively nurture children’s minds and hearts.

Featured Book Sets

1. $670 Donation: Kodansha Learning Manga - Complete Set
Featuring the comprehensive “Kodansha Learning Manga - Japanese History 20 Volume Set, 2022 Edition,” this collection is not only high in educational value but also engaging enough to make learning history enjoyable. This set has received praise from notable instructors like Mr. Shoichi Ito of Study Supply, who emphasizes its ability to adequately prepare students for both junior high and university entrance exams. It includes valuable extras such as character data cards and important historical timelines to deepen understanding.

2. $370 Donation: Picture Book Set of 'Cells at Work'
The adaptation of the best-selling comic “Cells at Work” into picture books is a hit, with over ten million copies sold. This series creatively portrays blood cells and their functions, allowing children to learn about the human body through entertaining stories. The six-volume set includes engaging activities that stimulate curiosity and scientific thinking in young readers, particularly with the volume dealing with common illnesses.

3. $210 Donation: Timeless Classic Collection
Comprising three iconic titles including “The Cat Who Lived a Million Times,” “Mottainai Grandma,” and “The Rainbow Fish,” this set is ideal for instilling a lifelong love for reading in children. Each story carries valuable lessons about love, appreciation for resources, and the importance of friendship.

4. $200 Donation: Mottainai Grandma Picture Book Set
This charming series encourages children to value resources and understand the meaning behind the concept of ‘mottainai.’ It covers diverse themes such as gratitude for food and the importance of sharing, aiming to instill good values in young readers.

5. $400 Donation: The Complete 'In a Stormy Night' Series
This collection portrays the profound theme of friendship across species between a wolf and a goat, making it a beloved narrative for over 30 years. With a whopping 3.8 million copies sold, it has even been included in school curriculums, proving its educational merit.

Best Selling Picture Books

Previously popular sets are also worth mentioning. The first round of offerings in March featured the celebrated picture books and the “MOVE” series, a top hit with over six million copies sold, accompanied by special DVD features.

The National Storytelling Team

Since its inception in July 1999 as part of Kodansha’s 90th Anniversary project, the “Let’s Play with Books - National Storytelling Team” has traveled the equivalent distance of circling the Earth about 28 times. Supported by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, their efforts have reached over two million families, ensuring that engaging stories and picture books continue to enchant and educate young minds across Japan. Their efforts have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Kikuchi Kan Prize and the Mecenat Award in 2018.

This initiative not only nurtures children's minds through reading but also builds a brighter future through the simple act of sharing good stories.