Kyoritsu Women's University to Host Special Children's Faculty Program: Picture Book Live & Talk Event by Visiting Professor Yoshifumi Hasegawa in Commemoration of the 2026 Faculty Launch and 20th Anniversary of the Department of Child Studies

Kyoritsu Women's University (Chiyoda City, Tokyo) will host a special program to mark the launch of the 'Faculty of Child Studies' in 2026 and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Child Studies within the Faculty of Home Economics. This initiative aims to widely share the university's long-standing commitment to child education.

For this event, the university once again welcomes Professor Yoshifumi Hasegawa, a highly popular picture book author and visiting professor at the university, to present a 'Picture Book Live & Talk' session themed 'The Future of Children and Picture Books Part 2,' designed to be enjoyable for both children and adults.

The Department of Child Studies will take a new step forward in 2026 as the 'Faculty of Child Studies.' This special program, held in the year commemorating both the new faculty launch and the 20th anniversary of the department, aims to deliver an engaging experience for all ages through Professor Hasegawa's unique worldview, while also communicating the tradition and future of child studies cultivated by the university together with the local community and alumni.

Program

【Part 1】Picture Book Live (13:00–14:15) Audience: Families, high school students, general public (partially child-participatory) A live stage performance by Professor Yoshifumi Hasegawa, known for his humorous illustrations and heartwarming stories. Experience a powerful performance blending storytelling with live painting. Enjoy a thrilling and exciting moment as the entire venue comes alive with anticipation.

【Part 2】Talk Event (15:00–16:30) Audience: High school students, general public A talk session featuring visiting professor Yoshifumi Hasegawa and faculty members from the Faculty of Child Studies. The session will explore behind-the-scenes stories of his popular work 'Dajare Nippon Isshuu' (Pun Journey Across Japan), include comments on 'pun artworks' created by students in a sculpture class, and delve into discussions about the future of children and picture books. Join us on a fun pun-filled journey across Japan.

【Special Feature】Pop-up Picture Book Sale by Book House Cafe (12:30–)

In cooperation with 'Book House Cafe,' a well-known picture book specialty store in Jimbocho, a pop-up book sale featuring Professor Hasegawa's works will be held simultaneously in the lobby of Kyoritsu Hall.

※ After the program concludes, a 'Commemorative Ceremony and Celebration Reception for the Launch of the Faculty of Child Studies and the 20th Anniversary of the Department of Child Studies' will be held on campus for school affiliates, local kindergarten and nursery school staff, and former faculty members.

How to Apply

Advance online registration is required to attend this event. Please complete the necessary information via the URL below to apply.

Application URL: https://forms.gle/nRsxDouLmmHyXKmR6

※ Registration will close once capacity is reached.

Event Overview

Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 13:00–16:30 (Doors open at 12:30)

Venue: Kyoritsu Hall (2-2-1 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo)

Access: From 'Jimbocho' Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Mita Line, Toei Shinjuku Line), Exits A3, A8, A9, and others

Participation Fee: Free (Advance registration required)

Organizer/Operator: Department of Child Studies, Faculty of Child Studies, Kyoritsu Women's University

Cooperation: Book House Cafe

Speaker Profile

Yoshifumi Hasegawa / Visiting Professor, Kyoritsu Women's University Made his picture book debut with 'My Great Grandfather's Great Grandfather's Great Grandfather's Great Grandfather.' Awarded the 34th Kodansha Publishing Culture Award for Picture Books for 'Otama-san the Shopkeeper' and the 57th Shogakukan Children's Publishing Culture Award for 'When I'm Eating Ramen,' among numerous other accolades. He actively engages not only in picture book creation but also in parent-child activities and social contributions through picture books.

Contact Information

Department of Child Studies, Faculty of Child Studies, Kyoritsu Women's University & Junior College

E-Mail: idou.gr@kyoritsu-wu.ac.jp

Public Relations Group, Admissions and Public Relations Office, Kyoritsu Women's University & Junior College

E-Mail: koho.gr@kyoritsu-wu.ac.jp