Press Release
29/05/26, 01:30
5,000 Copies of Classic Japanese Picture Books Translated and Donated to Children in War-Affected Ukraine.
Realized Entirely Through Donations from Japanese Companies — Presentation Ceremonies to Be Held in Kyiv and Tokyo
To the children of Ukraine suffering under the devastation of war — a message of peace and emotional support through Japanese picture books.
Ukraine House Japan, a non-profit organization, together with Japanese picture book publisher Shiko-sha Co., Ltd., is carrying out the “Ukraine Picture Book Donation Project,” through which five Japanese picture books are being translated into Ukrainian and published in editions of 1,000 copies each, for a total of 5,000 books.
The project aims not only to provide books to libraries and schools, but also to deliver them directly to displaced families and children living under especially difficult circumstances throughout Ukraine.
We are pleased to announce that the translation, printing, and binding processes in Ukraine have now been completed, and all five books — including a work authored by Her Majesty Empress Emerita Michiko of Japan — have been published in Ukrainian.
This project has been realized entirely through donations from Japanese companies. To commemorate this achievement, official presentation ceremonies and publication announcements will be held in Kyiv, Ukraine, and later in Tokyo at the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan, in the presence of representatives of both the Japanese and Ukrainian governments.
Official Foundation and Authorization of the Project
This initiative is being carried out as a state-level cultural and humanitarian support project under the official authorization of the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan and the International Affairs Division of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT).
On July 29, 2024, the project was included in the “MEXT Ukraine Support Package” under the Joint Summary of the First Japan–Ukraine Joint Committee on Education, Science and Technology Cooperation, signed by then Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan Masahito Moriyama and then Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi.
https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/activity/detail/2024/20240729.html
Full Support Through Donations from Japanese Companies (Phase One)
All costs related to translation, printing, binding, and free distribution in Ukraine have been fully covered through generous donations from Japanese companies.
For the first phase of the project — involving the donation of 5,000 copies (1,000 copies of each title) — substantial support was provided by:
Japan Management Association (JMA)
Two anonymous companies
Additional companies are currently considering support for the second phase (second print run) of the project.
Publication Announcements and Presentation Ceremonies in Both Countries
Presentation Ceremony in Kyiv, Ukraine
Prior to the ceremony in Japan, an official publication announcement and presentation ceremony will be held on a special stage at one of Ukraine’s largest international book fairs.
Date and Time:
May 31, 2026 (Sunday), 15:30
Venue:
Special Stage, Book Arsenal Festival, Kyiv
Program:
His Excellency Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, will officially present the books to representatives of local libraries, kindergartens, children’s hospitals, and other institutions in Ukraine.
Reporting Event and Presentation Ceremony in Tokyo, Japan
A reporting event and presentation ceremony will also be held at the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan for Japanese supporters and members of the Ukrainian community living in Japan. The event will present the results of the Kyiv ceremony and encourage the further expansion of support initiatives.
Venue:
Embassy of Ukraine in Japan
Date:
Mid-June 2026 (currently being coordinated)
Expected Presenters:
One of the following representatives is expected to attend and make the presentation:
Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan Masahito Moriyama
Director of the International Affairs Division, MEXT
Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Japan–Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Association
Recipient:
H.E. Yuriy Lutovinov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan
Future Outreach and Activities for Peace
This project is not simply a donation of books. It is also intended as an international message of peace and cultural solidarity.
Summer 2026 — Paris, France
The completed Ukrainian-language editions will be exhibited at Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris together with Shiko-sha’s international picture book collection.
October 10, 2026 — Kyoto, Japan
To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Kyoto and Kyiv, Ukraine House Japan will hold a presentation and exhibition of the completed books at kokoka Kyoto International Community House, contributing to further cultural exchange between Japan and Ukraine.
Contact Information
Ukraine House Japan
Specified Nonprofit Corporation Ukraine House Japan
Representative Director:
Tetyana Solotska
Address:
Ginza Fugetsudo Building 5F
6-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Email:
info@ukrainehouse.jp
Website:
https://www.ukrainehouse.jp/ja
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573448529085
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ukrainehouse.jp/
X (Twitter):
https://x.com/UkraineHouseJP
Shiko-sha Co., Ltd.
Representative Director:
Haruki Takeichi
Address:
2-10-12 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Email:
h-takeichi@shiko-sha.co.jp
Website:
https://www.shiko-sha.co.jp/
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT)
International Cooperation Planning Office, Minister’s Secretariat
Director:
Takeshi Miyazawa
Address:
3-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8959, Japan
Telephone:
+81-3-6734-4968
The Five Ukrainian Editions Included in the Project
Published by Ranok Publishing House (Ukraine)
https://www.ranok.com.ua/
Snow on My Birthday
Illustrated and written by Chihiro Iwasaki
Translated into Ukrainian by Dr. Tymur SandrovychDonkuma-san’s Bread
Illustrated by Kozo Kakimoto
Written by Chizuko Kuratomi
Translated into Ukrainian by Dr. Tymur SandrovychThe Friendly Puppy (Nora Inu)
Illustrated by Kota Taniuchi
Written by Chizuko Kuratomi
Translated into Ukrainian by Monica NagashimaMy First Mountain Climb
Illustrated by Kazuko Takeda
Written by Empress Emerita Michiko
Translated into Ukrainian by Inna IlinaThe Forest Baby
Illustrated and written by Kazuo Iwamura
Translated into Ukrainian by Anastasiia Doroshyna
