Navigating the World of English Children's Books in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Parents
Updated: May 29
Moving to a new country is exciting, but for parents, finding familiar comforts for their children quickly becomes important. For many foreign families living in Japan, access to English children’s books is one of those comforts. Reading in their native language helps children maintain literacy skills, stay connected to their culture, and feel more comfortable while adjusting to a new environment.
Although Japan has a rich literary culture, finding English children’s books can feel challenging at first, especially for newly arrived families. Fortunately, there are many great bookstores, online retailers, libraries, and community resources that make the search much easier than expected.
Whether you’re looking for bedtime picture books, beginner readers, bilingual stories, or chapter books for older children, Japan offers more options than many parents realize. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to find English children’s books in Japan, along with recommended Japanese books by age group to support your child’s reading journey.
Established Brick-and-Mortar Stores
Kinokuniya is one of the most well-known bookstores in Japan and a favorite among foreign residents looking for English books. The Shinjuku flagship store is particularly impressive, with a large international section that includes children’s picture books, early readers, educational materials, and novels for older kids. Many Kinokuniya locations across Japan also carry English books, though the selection varies by branch. Their staff are often helpful when it comes to locating specific titles or recommending books based on age level and reading ability. For parents who prefer online shopping, Kinokuniya’s website is also worth exploring.
While primarily focused on Japanese children's books, Crayon House is a gem worth visiting. Their dedication to quality children's literature often means they may have a small but carefully curated selection of English books, especially those with universal themes or beautiful illustrations.
Their online store, where you can filter by age, is also a fantastic resource, even if the English selection online is limited. It reflects their strong commitment to children's reading and education.
Book House Cafe in Jimbocho is a haven for book lovers, and they also have a dedicated section for children, particularly for older kids. Jimbocho itself is Tokyo's famous book district, making it worth exploring the smaller independent bookstores nearby, where you may stumble upon unexpected English finds. The café atmosphere also makes it a pleasant place to browse with your children.
While Tsutaya is a large chain offering various forms of entertainment, the Daikanyama T-Site location stands out for its sophisticated atmosphere and curated selection of books, including some English titles.
Although it may not focus entirely on children’s books, it’s still a great place to discover beautifully illustrated books or classic English literature suitable for older children, alongside resources for parents.
Ehon House, with its online store, specializes in picture books (“ehon” in Japanese). While its primary focus is Japanese titles, the store occasionally stocks bilingual editions or English picture books as well.
Their online store is particularly worth browsing because of its focus on visual storytelling, which can easily transcend language barriers for young children.
As a second-hand bookstore in Jimbocho, Kitazawa Bookstore can be a treasure trove for finding affordable English children's books. Second-hand stores often carry unique and out-of-print titles, making them especially exciting for parents searching for hidden gems. If you don’t mind pre-loved books, this store is definitely worth visiting.
Online Retailers
Amazon Japan remains one of the most convenient places to buy English children’s books. Their extensive collection includes picture books, hardcovers, paperbacks, board books, and educational materials for children of different age groups. Parents can easily filter books by age, format, author, and customer reviews. Delivery is also usually fast and reliable throughout Japan. That said, browsing books in person can still lead to delightful discoveries that online shopping sometimes misses.
Online Bookstores Specializing in English Books
Parents can also explore online bookstores that specifically cater to the English-speaking community in Japan or international bookstores that ship directly to Japan.
Websites specializing in international book sales can be particularly useful when searching for titles that are difficult to find locally.
Alternative Options
International Schools and Libraries
If your child attends an international school, the school library will likely have a strong selection of English children's books. Some international schools may even allow community borrowing for a small fee.
Public Libraries
Although Japanese public libraries primarily focus on Japanese-language materials, some larger city libraries also carry small collections of foreign-language books, including English children's books.
It’s always worth checking your local city or ward library to see what is available.
Book Clubs and Expatriate Networks
Connecting with other foreign parents through online forums, social media groups, or expatriate communities can also be extremely helpful. These communities often share information about where to find English books and may even organize book swaps or second-hand sales for children’s books.
Subscription Services
Some subscription services also allow families to rent foreign books for a fixed monthly price. Digital services like Libby and similar platforms may provide access to English ebooks and audiobooks, depending on availability. They’re also a great option for families who don’t want to buy every single book.
Online Reading Platforms
Parents can also explore online reading platforms that offer English children’s ebooks and audiobooks. Some services provide free access, while others use subscription-based models.
These platforms are particularly useful for travel, quiet time, or children who enjoy listening-based learning.
Tips for Foreign Parents
Start Early
Introducing English books from a young age helps children build language skills naturally while developing a love for reading.
Offer Variety
Providing a mix of picture books, storybooks, beginner readers, and chapter books keeps reading fun and engaging for children of different ages.
Make Reading Fun
Creating a cozy reading corner, visiting bookstores together, and making reading part of your daily routine can help children develop positive reading habits.
Don’t Forget Bilingual Books
Bilingual books can help bridge the gap between English and Japanese while supporting vocabulary development in both languages.
Utilize Audiobooks
Audiobooks are excellent for car rides, bedtime, quiet time, or children who learn better through listening.
Finding English children's books in Japan is definitely achievable with a bit of exploration. By combining the convenience of online shopping with the joy of browsing physical bookstores and connecting with other parents, families can build a wonderful collection of books for their children to enjoy during their time in Japan.
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