“Biribiri” and “Kushakusha” Become Art! Onomatopoeia-Based Craft Picture Book 'Birikusha Flower' Launches July 2

Gakken Inc. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / President: Tatsuya Minami), a group company of GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD. (Tokyo, Shinagawa / President: Hiroaki Miyahara), has launched pre-orders on June 16, 2026, for the picture book 'Birikusha Flower,' which combines onomatopoeia with paper crafts and is scheduled for release on July 2, 2026.

“Biribiri,” “kushakusha,” “kurukuru,” “chokichoki” —

Introducing 'Birikusha Flower,' a new type of participatory picture book that blends instinctively fun onomatopoeic sounds with creative paper crafts, appealing to both adults and children.

Suitable for children from age 0, this book allows kids to play by tearing, crumpling, rolling, and cutting paper—actions they naturally enjoy—paired with expressive onomatopoeia.

Additionally, the book includes an original song that parents and children can sing together, matching the onomatopoeic sounds. By playing along with music and vocalizing “biribiri” and “kushakusha,” families can naturally enjoy quality time and creative expression.

“Biribiri” and “kushakusha” become art! A sensory, experiential picture book

'Birikusha Flower' values not just the final product, but the process of creation itself.

The texture of paper, the sound of tearing, the feeling of crumpling, the joy of moving hands —
Each child’s unique pace of free expression becomes an irreplaceable experience.

Rather than focusing on making something perfectly, the book emphasizes the desire to “want to try.” This makes it enjoyable even for very young children.

Gather your materials!

Cut with scissors!

Fold in half…!

Make small cuts!

A one-of-a-kind “flower field” is born
Each finished piece is a unique and precious “work of art”

Your child’s creation, your family’s artwork, your friend’s project — when displayed together, they form a colorful flower field-like space.

Both “big hands” and “small hands” bring their own “biribiri” and “kushakusha” to life, fostering free expression and joyful communication.

Perfect for sparking parent-child communication and expressions of love, this book is ideal for quality family time at home.

Examples of actual 'Birikusha Flower' creations

Message from the author, Mayuko Tsunoda

'Birikusha Flower' was born from playtime with my 1.5-year-old daughter, wondering if we could create something together.

Biribiri, kushakusha.

The act of creation begins within these hand movements.

Start by moving your hands along with the onomatopoeia.

You don’t need to follow steps exactly.

It doesn’t need to look neat.

Even if it’s messy or fails, it’s all correct.

If the process was fun, that’s already enough.

The finished piece is a work that could only be created at that age, in that moment.

Please share in the joy together.

I hope this book gently lowers the barrier to creation, leaves warm memories, and becomes an entry point to making things.

Here they are in the middle of creating — their faces show both concentration and joy.

Having fun with “biribiri kushakusha” while looking at the book. Their hands are clearly enjoying it too!

[Author Profile]

{Author & Lyricist}

■ Mayuko Tsunoda (Tsunoda Mayuko) / minna

Mayuko Tsunoda

Born in Miura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Graduated from Musashino Art University.
Designer, CEO of minna, craft artist, and mother of three.

She considers crafting a form of expressing love for children and has made it her life’s work.

Together with her partner Hasegawa Tetsushi, she founded the design team minna, blending personal and professional life under the “work-life blend” philosophy. She aims to make design a force for everyone through joyful, happy design.

Skilled in designing experiences across graphic design, product design, and spatial design.

Publications include the 'Kami Kousaku: Pretend Play Made Easy' series (Kumon Publishing).

Notable works include art direction and design for the cover of 'Japonica Study Notebook: Coexistence Edition,' planning, spatial composition, and graphics for the 'NIFREL ~Touching Nature~' zone, and store design and graphics for the 'familiar Lifestyle Shop'.

• Official website: https://minna-design.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minna_design/

{Composer}

■ Yuuta Mori

Composer and arranger, primarily active in film, drama, and theater scores.

Composed music for NHK’s TV novel 'Tora ni Tsubasa,' dramas 'Your Thing is Here' and 'Problem Property,' among others.

{Photography}

■ Daisuke Hashibara

Photographer. Based in Kanazawa and Tokyo, father of one. Interested in people’s daily lives, craftsmanship, nature, and architecture, capturing what lies between words. Frequently involved in video production and branding. Motto: 'Connections and health.'

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helloelmer

{Video}

■ Makoto Kubota

Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1984. Graduated from the Spatial Design Department at Musashino Art University.

Works on video direction and animation for music videos, TV program openings, and children’s content.

• Web: https://makoto-kubota.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makoto_kubota

[Product Overview]

■ 'Birikusha Flower'

Author: Mayuko Tsunoda
Photography: Daisuke Hashibara

Video: Makoto Kubota

Composer: Yuuta Mori

Price: 1,595 JPY (tax included)
Scheduled Release Date: July 2, 2026
Format: 175×175mm / 24 pages
Digital Edition: None
ISBN: 978-4-05-206269-8
Publisher: Gakken Inc.

Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1020626900

[Pre-order & Purchase Links]
• Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/0asEwunR
• Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18591376/
• Sevennet: https://7net.omni7.jp/detail_isbn/978-4-05-206269-8

■ Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/
• President: Tatsuya Minami
• Incorporation Date: January 13, 2009 (Company name changed on October 1, 2022)
• Capital: 50 million JPY
• Address: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416
• Business: Publishing & content, global operations, medical & nursing publishing, products for kindergartens & schools, classroom-related services, e-commerce & online services, advertising