Harmony, Empathy, Loyalty, and Patience in Japanese Children's Literature

• Published in: Social studies (Philadelphia, Pa : 1934) Vol. 99; no. 2; pp. 61 - 70
• Main Author: Kelley, Jane E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heldref 01-03-2008; Heldref Publications
• Subjects: Asian Culture; authenticity; children's literature; Childrens Literature; Cultural Pluralism; Empathy; Foreign Countries; ideology; Japan; Japanese culture; Multicultural Education; Picture Books; Social Attitudes; Social Influences; Social Systems; Social Values; Japan
• ISSN: 0037-7996; 2152-405X
• DOI: 10.3200/TSSS.99.2.61-70

Multicultural children's literature is a passport to foreign cultures. Because we live in a global and multicultural society, it is important to help children understand cultures different from their own. Many educators use picture storybooks to introduce the social life and customs of other societies. This article highlights four realistic picture storybooks that depict commonly held values, beliefs, and attitudes of Japanese culture. Specifically, this article focuses on four aspects that contribute to the foundation of the Japanese social system: harmony, empathy, loyalty, and patience. When introducing culture to children, it is imperative to share realistic picture storybooks that depict current ideology, social life, and customs.