Books About Japanese · 59 titles considered

The Best Japanese Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about japanese? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Hachiko Waits
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Japanese

Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2012

The Way of the Samurai

By Geronimo Stilton · Book #49 in the Geronimo Stilton series

A timid mouse becomes embroiled in a quest to save an ancient treasure from falling into the wrong paws

128 pages· 8,854 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,726 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2011

Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure

By Thea Stilton · Book #6 in the Thea Stilton series

A group of mice must solve a mystery and save their friend's father from a villainous rat.

176 pages· 12,278 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,097 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2004

Hachiko Waits

By Machiyo Kodaira (Illustrator)

A loyal dog waits years for his master, embodying devotion.

96 pages· 13,607 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,399 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2020

Junko Tabei Masters the Mountains

A determined girl defies expectations to conquer the world's tallest peak.

128 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 259 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2013

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011

By Lauren Tarshis · Book #8 in the I Survived series

A young boy and his family are swept away by a tsunami in Japan, and he must find a way to survive and reunite with his loved ones

112 pages· 9,531 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,819 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2013

Underground

By David Boyd (Translator) · Book #4 in the Chirri & Chirra series

Discover hidden tunnels and magical caves beneath the basement.

34 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 297 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Young Samurai

A young samurai faces deadly rivals and a life-or-death test.

386 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 6,156 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2020

On the Horizon

By Lois Lowry, Kenard Pak (Illustrator)

Witness the echoes of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima through poignant verse and haunting illustrations.

80 pages· 3,737 words· Est. 25 min read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,389 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2019

The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden

By Heather Smith, Rachel Wada (Illustrator)

A silent boy finds his voice through a mysterious phone booth connecting villagers to lost loved ones.

32 pages· 541 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 875 ratings
$19.95Save 5%
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2013

The First Samurai

A samurai showdown in feudal Japan as Geronimo faces the Pirate Cats' mysterious scheme.

56 pages· 4,426 words· Est. 50 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 447 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
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Japanese Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about japanese for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Ojiichan's Gift

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A girl must preserve her grandfather's stone garden as he moves away.

Magic Ramen

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A man's quest to create instant ramen changes the world.

Kamishibai Man

Ages 4–7 · 2005

An old storyteller returns to find his audience has grown up, but are they still eager for his tales?

Chirri & Chirra On the Town

Ages 3–8 · 2005

Two adventurers uncover a hidden surprise in town.

Chirri & Chirra

Ages 3–8 · 2016

Two girls embark on enchanting adventures through nature, uncovering mysteries and delights.

Honda

Ages 6–11 · 2008

A boy's dream of building cars sparks a journey to global innovation.

Tea with Milk

Ages 4–8 · 1999

A young woman battles cultural identity and expectations in a foreign land.

The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks

Ages 4–8 · 1990

A couple risks everything to reunite separated mandarin ducks.

A Place Where Sunflowers Grow

Ages 5–8 · 2006

In a bleak internment camp, Mari finds hope through art and friendship.

Dodsworth in Tokyo

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A nervous traveler and a clumsy duck explore Japan with hilarious mishaps.

The Star Festival

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A festival unites stars and family, but can wishes guide them through the crowd?

Grass Sandals

Ages 6–9 · 1997

A poet's journey reveals the beauty of Japan through haiku and simplicity.

View all japanese picture books
Browse by age

Japanese Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about japanese for developing and independent readers.

While I Was Away

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl navigates identity and belonging in 1980s Japan, caught between two cultures.

Ninjas and Samurai

Ages 7–9 · 2014

This book explores the history of ninjas and samurai in ancient Japan.

Grenade
Sale price
$1799

Grenade

Ages 9–12 · 2018

Two young soldiers collide in war-torn Okinawa, facing choices that could change everything.

Kensuke's Kingdom

Ages 9–12 · 1999

A boy is stranded on an island, facing survival and an unexpected ally.

Dragon of the Red Dawn
Sale price
$699

Dragon of the Red Dawn

Ages 7–10 · 2007

Two siblings travel back in time to ancient Japan to find a secret of happiness for a wizard.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Ages 8–12 · 1977

A young girl races against time, folding paper cranes to fulfill a wish for healing.

All the Ways Home

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A boy's quest for belonging leads him to Japan, where family ties are tested.

Temple Alley Summer

Ages 9–12 · 2011

A boy encounters a mysterious girl linked to a temple's secret of life and death.

Nordic Tales

2019

Embark on Nordic adventures with fearless heroes and mythical creatures.

Tales of Japan

2019

Discover 15 enchanting Japanese folktales of adventure, mystery, and mythical creatures.

Beyond Me

Ages 9–12 · 2020

A young girl faces fear and finds strength after Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Bounce Back

Ages 9–13 · 2021

New country, new school, new challenges. Can Lilico find her place?

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