Why does motivation vanish the moment you're told to 'do your homework'? A Kyoto University professor explains the 'common' mysteries of the child's mind in the new book 'The World of the Mysterious Heart'

Gakken Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; Tatsuya Nanjo, President), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd., released 'The World of the Mysterious Heart' (authored by Yusuke Moriguchi) on March 27, 2026.

'The moment I'm told to do my homework, my motivation suddenly disappears.'

'During class, I find myself thinking about other things.'

Many adults have likely experienced these feelings themselves.

The mental processes behind those 'I just end up doing it' or 'I can't stop doing it' moments that everyone experiences are deeply connected to the mechanisms of the brain and mind. This book, written by Professor Yusuke Moriguchi of Kyoto University, gently explains various familiar and simple questions children have, based on insights from developmental psychology. With Professor Moriguchi's conversational, easy-to-read style and humorous illustrations that will make readers chuckle, the book is packed with features that will keep children engaged. It is filled with hints for understanding one's own heart and living each day a little more positively.

■ Survey of 100 elementary school students! Featuring all-too-real 'Why?' questions

The book includes a survey of 100 elementary school students, featuring real questions that are sure to captivate children. From things adults can relate to, such as 'I always put off things I have to do' or 'I want to see my friend's test score,' to questions that highlight children's unique personalities, like 'Is it weird that my stuffed animal is important to me?' or 'Why do I show my butt and dance for my parents and family?', the book covers 30 varied 'Why?' questions. Each question is summarized concisely in 4 to 8 pages, allowing readers to enjoy the book whether they start from the beginning or jump to the parts that interest them most.

■ A new sensation! Professor Moriguchi's writing sparks intellectual curiosity

Some parents might think developmental psychology sounds a bit difficult. However, Professor Moriguchi's writing is easy for children to understand, using gentle, conversational language that allows them to smoothly grasp the mechanisms behind the 'Why?' of their hearts as they read.