Crowdfunding Launched to Support 'Language Young Carers' by Creating Picture Books of Their Own Stories in Japanese, Aiming to Donate 100 Books
The NPO 'Tomokura' has launched a project for children with foreign roots, known as 'language young carers,' to create picture books of their own stories. This crowdfunding campaign aims to donate 100 completed books to children.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 07:02
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 22:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 20:56 (310h 25m after Collected)
Project End Date: Sunday, April 19th, 12:00 AM
Project Page: https://readyfor.jp/projects/kodomoehon2026
**Social Issue Background: Young Carers and 'Language Young Carers'**
The Children and Families Agency describes young carers as 'children and young people who routinely perform housework or care for family members that would normally be expected of adults,' noting that the weight of responsibility and burden can affect their studies and friendships. With the legal revision in June of Reiwa 6, the Act on Promotion of Child and Youth Development now positions young carers as subjects whom the national and local governments should strive to support.
A survey introduced by the Children and Families Agency found that the percentage of students who reported 'having' a family member they care for was 6.5% among sixth-graders, 5.7% among eighth-graders, 4.1% among eleventh-graders, and 6.2% among third-year university students. For eighth-graders, this equates to about 1 in 17 students, indicating that the issue of young carers is by no means exceptional.
Furthermore, the agency indicates that young carers may not have enough time to study, have less time to spend with friends, and may narrow their future career paths, affecting their academic performance, friendships, and even employment. (Reference: https://kodomoshien.cfa.go.jp/young-carer/about/)
**'Language Young Carers'**
At Tomokura, among these young carers, we focus on those who, for the sake of family members whose first language is not Japanese, handle interactions with government offices, hospitals, and schools.
Project Page: https://readyfor.jp/projects/kodomoehon2026
**Social Issue Background: Young Carers and 'Language Young Carers'**
The Children and Families Agency describes young carers as 'children and young people who routinely perform housework or care for family members that would normally be expected of adults,' noting that the weight of responsibility and burden can affect their studies and friendships. With the legal revision in June of Reiwa 6, the Act on Promotion of Child and Youth Development now positions young carers as subjects whom the national and local governments should strive to support.
A survey introduced by the Children and Families Agency found that the percentage of students who reported 'having' a family member they care for was 6.5% among sixth-graders, 5.7% among eighth-graders, 4.1% among eleventh-graders, and 6.2% among third-year university students. For eighth-graders, this equates to about 1 in 17 students, indicating that the issue of young carers is by no means exceptional.
Furthermore, the agency indicates that young carers may not have enough time to study, have less time to spend with friends, and may narrow their future career paths, affecting their academic performance, friendships, and even employment. (Reference: https://kodomoshien.cfa.go.jp/young-carer/about/)
**'Language Young Carers'**
At Tomokura, among these young carers, we focus on those who, for the sake of family members whose first language is not Japanese, handle interactions with government offices, hospitals, and schools.
FAQ
What are 'Language Young Carers'?
Children who regularly assist their families with interpretation and administrative procedures, especially when Japanese is not the family's first language.
What is the purpose of this project?
To foster self-esteem in children by helping them express their stories and deepen societal understanding through the completed picture books.
How can I support this initiative?
You can support this activity by making a donation through the project page on the crowdfunding site 'Readyfor'.