Japanese picture books reach more children in Vietnam - NHKニュース

A project to promote Japanese picture books in Vietnam is in its 10th year, and a local organization has donated hundreds of translated texts.

The initiative came about through a meeting between Empress Emerita Michiko, who was Empress at the time, and a Vietnamese woman.

In a ceremony on Wednesday, a Vietnamese organization donated about 200 Japanese picture books to a kindergarten in the north of the country.

A local education official said the project is helping develop early reading habits. He said that fosters thinking and communication skills.

Reading picture books aloud is not a widespread practice in Vietnam. So staff from the organization demonstrated storytelling sessions for the children. Kindergarten teachers watched and learned.

A teacher at the kindergarten said, "These Japanese picture books have very approachable illustrations and the translated text is wonderful. It's a great chance for the kids to familiarize themselves with the books."

Le Thi Thu Hien, founder of the organization, said, "Hopefully spreading Japanese picture books across Vietnam will bring happiness to people around the country.”

The organization is aiming to expand the initiative to more kindergartens and other facilities.