#Japan #Bunkyo-ku #What Is Money? #Animal Village #YOMO Bookstore

Discovering Money Through 'What Is Money?'

A delightful new children's book titled 'What Is Money? Thoughts from Animal Village', authored and illustrated by Fumito Ito, is set to hit the shelves on September 5, 2025. This book is part of a promotional initiative called the Children's Book Award for Learning About Money, sponsored by Sony Bank. It aims to introduce complex financial concepts to young readers in a fun and engaging way.

The story unfolds in a small village populated by a trio of charming characters: a squirrel, a panda, and a monkey. These adorable animals embark on a journey to understand money, starting from the basic idea of barter. As they navigate their village, readers will see how the concept of money evolved from simple trades to a more structured form of exchange.

Learning Through Stories

The narrative of 'What Is Money?' is crafted with the intention of making financial literacy accessible for children. By depicting relatable animal characters and their adventures, Ito provides a platform for children to question and understand the purpose of money. The storyline encourages critical thinking about why money exists, its functions, and how it affects our day-to-day lives. It serves not only as entertainment but also as an educational tool, empowering children to think about the value of money in a practical context.

A Message from Fumito Ito

Fumito Ito, who has previously published various children's books and visual art projects, expresses his gratitude for receiving this prestigious award. He hopes that through this book, many children will enjoy reading and gain a clearer understanding of money. His artistic flair and educational fun merge beautifully in this new offering, making it a much-anticipated addition to children's literature.

About the Book

• - Title: What Is Money? Thoughts from Animal Village
• - Author/Illustrator: Fumito Ito
• - Publisher: Nicomo Co., Ltd.
• - Release Date: September 5, 2025
• - Price: 1,430 JPY (including tax)
• - Format: B5 variant, 24 pages
• - ISBN: 978-4-86828-270-9

You can purchase 'What Is Money?' online, including on platforms like YOMO, Amazon, and various bookstores across Japan. Check with your local bookstore for availability.

Participate in the YOMO Book Award

The Third YOMO Picture Book Award is currently underway, encouraging both aspiring and professional authors to submit original children's works. More information can be found on the YOMO book website.

Visit YOMO to explore original picture books. Here, creators can publish their work and readers can enjoy sample reads. It's a perfect hub for nurturing young artistic talents and enhancing children's literary experiences.

Company Profile

Nicomo Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Koyosha Co., Ltd., headquartered in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. Founded on April 1, 2019, the company focuses on children's book publishing, offering a platform that connects readers and authors directly.

Through this new book, parents and educators will have an essential resource at their fingertips, making financial concepts accessible to children at an age when these ideas can shape their future understanding of money.