Books About Japanese · 58 titles considered

The Best Japanese Books for Kids

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.

Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Japanese

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Magic Ramen

By Andrea Wang, Kana Urbanowicz (Illustrator)

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

40 pages· 835 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,539 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In post-war Japan, Momofuku Ando sees endless lines for ramen and dreams of a quick, tasty solution. In his backyard shed, he tirelessly experiments, facing failure after failure. Driven by the belief that peace follows a full stomach, Ando's persistence and creativity lead to a culinary breakthrough. Discover the true story of how one man's vision transformed global dining habits forever.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

While I Was Away

By Waka T. Brown

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

310 pages· 65,800 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,086 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Waka is sent from Kansas to Tokyo to reconnect with her roots. Struggling with language and fitting in, she faces culture shock and a strict grandmother. As the 'smart Japanese girl' in America and the 'dumb foreigner' in Japan, Waka questions where she truly belongs. Can she find her place in a world where she feels like an outsider?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2014

Ninjas and Samurai

By Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boyce, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Magic Tree House: Fact Tracker series

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

128 pages· 6,413 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 352 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Summary: Join Jack and Annie as they unravel the mysteries of ninjas and samurais after their magical journey. What secrets lie in ancient Japan? Discover the truth behind these legendary figures with fascinating facts, photos, and insights. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore the real stories behind their favorite adventures. Will Jack and Annie find the answers they seek, or will the past hold more surprises than they imagined? Dive into a world where history meets magic, and every page reveals a new discovery. Embark on this educational quest and see history come alive!

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2005

Kamishibai Man

By Allen Say

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

32 pages· 1,193 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 725 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: An aging Kamishibai storyteller, once beloved by children, returns to town after years of silence. As he shares his own story, he wonders if the magic of his tales can still captivate an audience now grown up. Will the nostalgia of his clappers and candy rekindle their childhood wonder, or has the world moved on? Discover a heartwarming journey through memory and change, where the past meets the present in unexpected ways.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Ojiichan's Gift

By Chieri Uegaki, Genevieve Simms (Illustrator)

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

32 pages· 868 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 505 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Mayumi cherishes summers in Japan, tending a unique stone garden with her grandfather. But when he can no longer care for it, she faces the challenge of keeping their cherished memories alive. Can Mayumi find a way to honor their bond and the garden's legacy? This touching tale explores family ties, change, and the enduring power of love.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2013

The First Samurai

By Geronimo Stilton · Book #12 in the Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel series

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 · 448 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In feudal Japan, Geronimo Stilton and his team chase the Pirate Cats, who seek a fiefdom from the emperor. Amidst sword fights and unexpected inventions, can Geronimo thwart their plan?

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 · 1,730 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Geronimo Stilton embarks on a thrilling journey to Japan with Wild Willie to recover a legendary samurai scroll. This ancient artifact, holding secrets of a lost fighting technique, has fallen into the wrong hands. As they face off against skilled ninjas, the stakes are high. Will they retrieve the scroll and save the day, or will the secrets remain lost forever? Join Geronimo in an unforgettable adventure filled with danger and excitement.

Sale price

$858

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 · 6,102 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Thea and her friends embark on a cultural exchange in Japan, but their trip takes a twist when a priceless doll is stolen. Amidst Kyoto's cherry blossoms, the Thea Sisters must unravel clues to catch the elusive thief. Will their sleuthing skills be enough to solve the mystery and save the day? Join the adventure and see if they can piece together the puzzle before it's too late.

Sale price

$858

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 · 3,402 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Every day, Hachi waits at the train station for his master, Professor Ueno, who never returns. Despite the efforts of young Yasuo, Hachi's unwavering loyalty turns him into a symbol of devotion. What keeps Hachi waiting, and will his patience ever be rewarded? Discover the heartwarming tale of a dog's enduring love in this true story-inspired novel.

Sale price

$1597

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%

Summary: Chirri and Chirra stumble upon a hidden world beneath their basement. As they explore mysterious tunnels, they encounter moles, glowing flower caves, and a subterranean lake. Their journey leads them to a cozy night with a family of badgers. What other secrets does this underground realm hold? Dive into this enchanting adventure and uncover the wonders that lie beneath.

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Japanese Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1995

The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden

Ages 5–8 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1695

Chirri & Chirra On the Town

Ages 3–8 · 2005

Two adventurers uncover a hidden surprise in town.

Sale price

$1695

Chirri & Chirra

Ages 3–8 · 2016

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

Sale price

$799

Tea with Milk

Ages 4–8 · 1999

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

Sale price

$1795

Honda

Ages 6–11 · 2008

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

Sale price

$1699

The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks

Ages 4–8 · 1990

A couple risks everything to reunite separated mandarin ducks.

Sale price

$1895

A Place Where Sunflowers Grow

Ages 5–8 · 2006

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

Sale price

$1499

Dodsworth in Tokyo

Ages 6–9 · 2013

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

Sale price

$1699

The Star Festival

Ages 4–7 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1399

Grass Sandals

Ages 6–9 · 1997

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

Sale price

$799

The Boy of the Three-Year Nap

Ages 4–7 · 1988

A lazy son faces unexpected consequences from his clever mother's scheme.

Sale price

$899

The Funny Little Woman

Ages 2–5 · 1972

A woman chases a dumpling and faces three-eyed oni in Old Japan.

View all japanese picture books

Browse by age

Japanese Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about japanese for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1299

Young Samurai

Ages 8–12 · 2009

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

Sale price

$599

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011

Ages 7–10 · 2013

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

Sale price

$1699

On the Horizon

Ages 10–12 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1299

Junko Tabei Masters the Mountains

Ages 7–12 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1799

Grenade

Ages 9–12 · 2018

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

Sale price

$799

Kensuke's Kingdom

Ages 9–12 · 1999

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

Sale price

$399

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.

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.

Sale price

$1699

All the Ways Home

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1800

Temple Alley Summer

Ages 9–12 · 2011

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

Sale price

$2495

Nordic Tales

2019

Embark on Nordic adventures with fearless heroes and mythical creatures.

Sale price

$2495

Tales of Japan

2019

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

View all japanese chapter books

Our 10 Favorite Books About Japanese

Great books, picked for their age.

Japanese Picture Books

Japanese Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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