Exhibiting at the 63rd Bologna Children’s Book Fair
#NewsThe Japan Foundation (JF) and the Japanese Board on Books for Young People (JBBY) will host a joint booth at the 63rd Bologna Children’s Book Fair in April 2026 in Bologna, Italy. The booth will exhibit a wide range of recent picture books and storybooks and present a number of events to promote Japan’s book industry to overseas publishers, translators, and illustrators.
1. About the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Inaugurated in 1964, this largest international children’s book fair is held every spring in Bologna, Italy and welcomes people involved in children’s book publishing from all over the world. Approximately 1,500 exhibitors from 90 countries and regions will attend the 63rd fair, which will take place in April 2026.
The 63rd Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Dates: April 13 – April 16, 2026
Official website: www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com
2. JF/JBBY Joint Booth (Hall 29 C15)
JF/JBBY will exhibit Japanese children’s books in the categories listed below, as well as Japanese illustrator’s portfolios.
(1) Japan Ragazzi Selection (62 titles)
A selection of 62 works compiled by the JBBY Selection Committee, following the same six categories of the 2026 BolognaRagazzi Award (BRAW).
a. Fiction
b. Non-Fiction
c. Opera Prima
d. Comics
e. Toddler
f. Fables & Fairy Tales
(2) Chapter Books and Novels for Young People (11 titles)
(3) Illustrator Portfolios
In addition, we will distribute a brochure that introduces the exhibited books. Our booth and brochure are designed by Kakinokihara Masahiro (10inc.).
At our booth and elsewhere at the fair, we will also host portfolio reviews and various lectures on Japanese children’s books as listed below.
Events
April 13, Monday
9:30–10:20 Content Café Hall 30
Japanese Manga in Italy
Moderator: researcher, curator, and art historian Moriizumi Ayami
Speakers: manga artist and writer Ichiguchi Keiko, editor and writer Andrea Baricordi
15:30–16:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Japanese Picture-Book Reading by Moriizumi Ayami
April 14, Tuesday
11:00–12:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Portfolio Review by art director Kakinokihara Masahiro
12:00–13:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Portfolio Review by picture-book author and critic Hiromatsu Yukiko
14:30–15:10 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Book Talk – Japan Ragazzi Selection by Hiromatsu Yukiko and Saisu Saori, manager and curator of Pinpoint Gallery
17:00– Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Opening Reception and Announcement of the Bologna JBBY Portfolio Award Winner
April 15, Wednesday
11:00–12:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Portfolio Review by editor, international publishing coordinator, and founder of aima inc. Takano Naoko
14:00–15:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Asian Café – Discussion with Professionals from Southeast Asia
15:30–16:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Japanese Picture-Book Reading by Moriizumi Ayami
16 April, Thursday
11:00–13:00 Translators Café Hall 30
Japanese Picture-Book Translation Workshop 2026: For Translators, Editors and Japan Lovers
Speakers: Maria Elena Tisi, Università di Bologna and Moriizumi Ayami