As Japan's ravaged Tohoku region scrambles to deliver a sense of normalcy back to its beleaguered citizens, eye-opening social efforts have been launched, including The Ehon Book Project. The project hopes to return the majesty of fiction to the children who lost so much.
Chieko Suemori, the editor of the children's publisher Suemori Books, first launched the Ehon (Japanese for picture) Book Project in the months following the devastating quake. After an initial investment, Suemori retrofitted a fleet of vans, filling them to the brim with children's novellas and illustrated works. So instead of merely mailing books to relief camps in bulk, the kids can personally select which novels they're interested in and grab them! Over 50,000 hard copies have already been collected and a volunteer staff of dozens intends to ensure that each one reaches the hands of an eager child.
I've always upheld the idea that crises lead to innovative, often altruistic change -- the Ehon Book Project ostensibly proves the logic.
Picture Book Philanthropy
The Ehon Project Promotes Levity and Literacy in Northern Japan
Trend Themes
1. Disaster Recovery Support - Opportunity for organizations to provide innovative solutions and support for communities affected by natural disasters.
2. Interactive Book Programs - Growing trend of interactive and personalized book programs, allowing children to select books that interest them.
3. Community-led Efforts - Increasing trend of community-led initiatives to bring normalcy and support to affected regions.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - Publishing companies can explore creating interactive and customizable book programs to cater to individual preferences.
2. Education - Educational institutions can integrate interactive book programs that encourage reading and foster a love for literature.
3. Philanthropy - Philanthropic organizations can collaborate with community-led efforts to provide resources and support for disaster-affected regions.