Two Japanese children’s books, 'Totto Chan – The Little Girl at the Window,’ by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, and ‘A Litre of Tears,’ by Kitou Aya have been published by the Nha Nam Publishing House.
A press conference to introduce the books was held at the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange, 27 Quang Trung Street, Hanoi, on May 13.
‘Totto-chan – ‘The Little Girl at the Window’ tells the story of Totto-chan, author Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s nickname when she was a child, as she moves to a new elementary school which had an unconventional educational programme that encourages children’s voices and participation.
“It is such an interesting and meaningful book that I recommend it be in the list of bedtime stories for parents to read to their children to encourage their creativity and imagination,” said Takeji Yoshikawa, Director of the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam.
Because the story was so successful in Japan, writer Kuroyanagi, a former UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was able to found the Totto-chan Foundation to train hearing impaired actors and actresses in live theatre and help them integrate into the community.
The book has sold seven million copies in Japan and has also been published in 35 countries all over the world.
The Nha Nam Publishing House will donate VND 10,000 for each book sold to victims of the recent tsunami and earthquake in Japan.
‘A Litre of Tears’ by Kitou Aya is the diary of her unyielding struggle against an incurable disease. Despite burning pain, she respected every moment she had to live and enjoyed a beautiful life in the most positive way. She passed away in 1988 after six years combating her illness. Her moving story was made into an 11-episode TV drama that won the hearts of many audiences.
The story highlights the undaunted spirit of the Japanese people, who always try to overcome difficult situations instead of blaming fate and others, as can be seen in the aftermath of the recent natural disasters in Japan.
“The two books provide useful lessons not only for children but also for parents who wish to understand their kids better and for those who have experienced childhood,” said Truong Thuy Trang, translator of ‘Totto-chan – The Little Girl at the Window.’
