Exhibiting at the 63rd Bologna Children’s Book Fair
#NewsThe Japan Foundation (JF) and the Japanese Board on Books for Young People (JBBY) will have a joint booth at the 63rd Bologna Children’s Book Fair in April 2026 in Bologna, Italy. The booth will exhibit children’s books, including recent picture books and storybooks to present the current children’s book industry that may attract overseas publishers, translators, and illustrators.
1. About Bologna Children’s Book Fair
A book fair specializing in children’s books is held every spring in Bologna, Italy. This largest international children’s book fair was inaugurated in 1964 and has since welcomed people involved in publishing children’s books from all over the world. Approximately 1,500 exhibitors from 95 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. The JF/JBBY joint booth (Hall 29 C15)
JF/JBBY will exhibit Japanese children’s books in the following categories as well as Japanese illustrator’s portfolios:
(1) Japan Ragazzi Selection (62 titles)
This experimental selection of Japanese children’s books, made by the JBBY Selection Committee, is based on the six categories defined for the BRAW, BolognaRagazzi Awards 2026.
a. Fiction
b. Non-Fiction
c. Opera Prima
d. Comics
e. Toddler
f. Fables & Fairytales
(2) Chapter Books and Novels for Young People (11 titles)
(3) Illustrator Portfolios
We will give out a tabloid-sized leaflet summarizing information on the books exhibited.
At the fair and the booth, we will also host various lectures on Japanese children’s books and portfolio reviews.
Events
April 13, Monday
9:30–10:20 Content Café Hall 30
Japanese Manga in Italy
Moderator: Ayami Moriizumi, researcher, curator, art historian
Speakers: Ichiguchi Keiko, manga artist, writer / Andrea Baricordi, editor, writer
15:30–16:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Japanese Picture Book Read Aloud by Moriizumi Ayami, researcher, curator, art historian
April 14, Tuesday
11:00–12:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Portfolio Review by Kakinokihara Masahiro, art director
12:00–13:00 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Portfolio Review by Hiromatsu Yukiko, picture book author, critic, curator
14:30–15:10 Japan Foundation/JBBY Joint Booth Hall 29 C 15
Book Talk – Japan Ragazzi Selection by Hiromatsu Yukiko, picture book author, critic, curator / 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 Takano Naoko, professional editor, international publishing coordinator, founder of aima inc.
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 Read Aloud by Moriizumi Ayami, researcher, curator, art historian
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, Universita’ degli studi di Bologna / Moriizumi Ayami, researcher, curator, art historian