Japan

Materials from Japan

The Mochi Makers

In this heartwarming story, a young girl and her grandmother take joy in a timeless tradition that celebrates family, heritage, and the power of memory. As Emi and Obaachan come together to make mochi, they honor a recipe that has been passed down through generations. With each step, they mix, pound, twist, and wrap, transforming simple ingredients into sticky, chewy Japanese rice cakes bursting with color and flavor.

Through the joyous act of making mochi, Emi and Obaachan find solace in the shared experience, weaving threads of love and tradition into each bite. As they laugh, reminisce, and embrace the present moment, they discover that the true magic of mochi lies not only in its delicious taste but also in the bonds of family and the memories that endure.

Momo Arashima Breaks The Mirror Of The Sun

When kids begin to disappear, Momo teams up with the magical fox spirit, Niko, and her friends to confront a dangerous enemy from Shinto legend, Tamamo no mae, and embark on a quest to the Sky Kingdom to steal the legendary Mirror of the Sun to save their world.

The Bear And The Wildcat

Bear is inconsolable when his little bird friend dies. He locks himself away in his house, consumed by his grief. But one day, when the smell of spring grass comes through his window, he ventures out again, making a new friend who will help him through his grief by reminding him of the beauty he experienced and instilling hope that comes with new friendship. Tender and senstive, The Bear and the Wildcat tells a delicate story of loss, grief, hope and friendship. Originally published in Japan in 2008, now translated into English from the Japanese edition by Cathy Hirano.

Okinawa

This heartbreaking manga, by an award-winning mangaka, examines the effects of World War 2 and post-war military colonization in Okinawa. An essential manga classic presented in English for the first time.

Okinawa is the WOW Recommends Book of the Month for April 2024.

Catfish Rolling

Years after a major earthquake, which is said to have been caused by a rising and falling catfish under Japan, creates different zones in which time passes differently, Sora and her father secretly investigate the off-limit zones in order to find the answer behind the time anomalies and the disappearance of Sora’s mother. But one day her father begins to act strangely – his memory appears to be deteriorating. When he disappears, Sora has no choice but to venture down deep into the time zone to find her father and, perhaps, the catfish itself.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XVI, Issue 4.

Houses With A Story: A Dragon’s Den, A Ghostly Mansion, A Library Of Lost Books, And 30 More Amazing Places To Explore

Houses with a Story brings more than 30 imaginative houses together, along with the people who make them into homes. Taking readers to unexpected worlds to explore, we are introduced to inhabitants such as as the mischievous bridge-tower keeper, a witch who grows a garden and a postal worker who must tame his delivery dragons. We also discover the contents of the rooms and closets, the rooftops and where shadowy hallways lead. Featuring  lush full-color illustrations and sectional drawing, combined with detailed descriptions of each character and house, artist Seiji Yoshida’s award-winning art book opens doors to wonder and endless possibilities.

Zero Waste: How One Community Is Leading A World Recycling Revolution (Green Power)

In this fifth installment in Allan Drummond’s picture book series about green living, a town in Japan takes a stand against its throwaway past and shows that it really does take a village.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XVI, Issue 4.

Chirri & Chirra, In The Night (Chirri & Chirra, 8)

With the light of their trusty bicycles and a glorious full moon illuminating the darkness, Chirri and Chirra take on the night, accompanied by their new cat friends.

Chirri and Chirra in the Night is a WOW Recommends: Book of the Month for March 2023.

The Sky We Shared

Set during WWII and told in alternating voices, Nellie, a young Oregonian and survivor of a balloon bomb sent over by the Japanese, strives to understand how the war has torn her community apart and created prejudice against Japanese-Americans, while across the ocean, as part of her nationalist duty, Tamiko helps create the balloon bombs, but in her struggle to survive hunger and starvation, Tamiko muddles her way through her anger against the United States for the war.