#Japan #Tokyo #Unconscious Bias #Hiroko Ota #Education Workbook

New Workbook to Help Children Recognize Unconscious Bias

On August 8, aligned with the special day dedicated to awareness of unconscious bias, the Shakai Hojin Unconscious Bias Research Institute, based in Minato, Tokyo, announced the release of a new workbook titled Children’s Potential Expands! Recognizing Unconscious Bias Workbook, authored by Hiroko Ota and published by Toyokan Publishing. This resource consolidates the practical experiences that the institute has developed alongside children, educators, and parents, aiming to disseminate valuable insights to schools and families across the nation.

Recognizing unconscious bias—those subtle preconceived notions that inform our perceptions of others—is a vital step in broadening the potential of each individual. The workbook is crafted primarily for teachers and parents, providing children with opportunities to learn about unconscious bias and to make personal discoveries through engaging exercises.

Three Key Features of the Workbook

1. Comic Strips and Interactive Learning: The workbook uses four-panel comic strips to illustrate everyday scenarios in schools, encouraging children to reflect on their biases. Additionally, the comics are equipped with furigana so that elementary students can independently read them.
2. Promoting Inquiry: With the catchphrase, “Could this be an unconscious bias?” the workbook encourages children to engage in self-reflection and critical thinking, fostering behavioral change.
3. Expanding Horizons: It aims to broaden the understanding of potential—both personal and of those around them—and instill a sense of hope for the future.

Table of Contents

1. What is Unconscious Bias?
2. Unconscious Bias in Classrooms
3. Could This Be an Unconscious Bias? – Finding Biases
4. Tips for Recognizing Bias:
- Tip 1: Recognizing Defining Language
- Tip 2: Challenging Limiting Thoughts
- Tip 3: Questioning Generalizations
5. Theme-Based Exploratory Work

The Origin of the Workbook

The inspiration for this workbook can be traced back to a lesson on unconscious bias conducted in 2021 at a public elementary school in Hokkaido. Feedback from fifth and sixth graders revealed profound realizations: “Thinking ‘there's no way I can be number one’ was an unconscious bias!” and “Without recognizing this bias, I would have limited my own potential!” These insights highlighted the significance of awareness surrounding unconscious biases, motivating ongoing educational activities.

Following this initial lesson, the institute has conducted various outreach programs in elementary and middle schools, trained teachers, and held lectures for parents. In 2024, they are set to launch “Dr. Hattonyar's Research Institute,” aimed at elementary school children. The event, which will be co-hosted with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2026, has already seen overwhelming demand, with 2,800 applicants vying for just 300 spots, indicating a growing parental interest in the subject matter.

This workbook not only captures the thoughts and challenges faced by many children but also emphasizes how recognizing unconscious bias can serve as a stepping stone toward realizing their potential.

Teachers have greatly contributed to the book through lesson plans and practical examples, making it an essential read for educators and parents who wish to pass on the significance of recognizing unconscious bias.

Special Purchase Offers for Educators

To encourage the practical use of the workbook in educational settings, exclusive resources such as PDFs of worksheets and lesson plans for chapters 2 to 5 will be provided to teachers and educational stakeholders who purchase the book.

Book Details

• - Title: Children’s Potential Expands! Recognizing Unconscious Bias Workbook
• - Author: Hiroko Ota
• - Publisher: Toyokan Publishing
• - Release Date: August 8, 2026
• - Price: ¥2,310 (tax included)
• - Pages: 140
• - ISBN-10: 4491065098
• - ISBN-13: 978-4491065090
• - Language: Japanese

About the Author: Hiroko Ota

Hiroko Ota, born in 1977, is a director at the Unconscious Bias Research Institute. She has a background in education and organizational development, having established the institute in 2018. Ota actively speaks and educates leaders and managers while conducting outreach lessons, training educators, and speaking to parents. Currently, she also runs a column “Is This an Unconscious Bias?” in the Mainichi Elementary School Newspaper.

About the Unconscious Bias Research Institute

Dedicated to creating a society where recognizing biases enhances individual potential, the institute has delivered training and lectures to over 100,000 participants across various institutions, including government bodies and educational organizations.

For inquiries regarding this book, please reach out to the Unconscious Bias Research Institute (Contact: Sakamoto).
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