Kumon Publishing Co., Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Yoshinori Izumida) released the picture book "How Do I Make My Own Chair?" on June 30, 2026, which connects to "creativity." This book allows children to enjoyably experience the process and joy of creation within the story, fostering creativity from an early age, which is gaining attention as a "non-cognitive skill" necessary for children living in the AI era.

Synopsis

"I want a chair that no one else has ever seen, my very own chair!"

To "I" who thought this, the chair maker says:

"Then... why don't you try making it yourself?"

First, let's look at the many chairs that have been made so far.

Let's come up with lots of ideas with the secret spell "Chair Make."

Let's make it small and try it out. You don't have to try to make it alone; let's overcome failures.

...What is the "chair of my own" that is created after going through the process of creation?

Comes with a practical appendix, not just for reading!

This book includes worksheets and mini paper crafts that can be used not only for parent-child use but also in classes and workshops. It is a book that can be used as a trigger for children to think for themselves, rather than just reading it.

A Message from the Author, Niho

"Creating" might sound like a special thing, but I believe "creation" exists right beside us in our daily lives. Putting your favorite button badges on your bag, sprinkling spices not found in the recipe... (omitted), the world begins to change from the moment you take that first step yourself.

It's okay to do something small, or something that's a little outside the box.

"That's it! I'll make it myself."

I would be happy if such feelings could be born in your everyday lives (from the bookmark "Picture Book Treasure Box").

Author Profile

Niho (Niho)

A unit of Yuki Nishimura and Koki Hoshi.

"Ni" from Nishimura and "Ho" from Hoshi, making it "Niho."

Yuki Nishimura is in charge of planning and picture book creation, and Koki Hoshi is in charge of workshop planning and coordination. Other works include "Kotoba Circus" (Alice Kan), "Konna Kao Shite Aiueo" (Poplar Publishing), and "Kono Kabe Do Suru?" (Kumon Publishing).

Book Information

How Do I Make My Own Chair?

Written and illustrated by: Niho

Price: 1,540 yen (tax included)

Target audience: Toddlers and up

Format/Pages: A4 modified, 32 pages

ISBN: 9784774339368

NDC: 913

https://shop.kumonshuppan.com/view/item/000000003777

Previous titles in the "Power for the Future" series

What Should I Do About This Wall?

Written and illustrated by: Niho

Price: 1,540 yen (tax included)

Target audience: Toddlers and up

Format/Pages: A4 modified, 32 pages

ISBN: 9784774337456

NDC: 913

Release Date: March 2024

https://shop.kumonshuppan.com/view/item/000000003531

Synopsis

A wall taller than a notebook stands before "Boku," who is about the size of an eraser.

This is a story about "Boku," who desperately wants to move forward in a straight line, thinking of various ways to get past the wall.

This picture book connects to "problem-solving skills" for children facing challenges with no single answer in the future.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 出版