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Talk Event: Asian Currents 2026—Leading Editors and Illustrators Discuss the Appeal of Southeast-Asian Picture Books (October 6, 2026)

#Children’sBookPublishingProfessionalsFromSoutheastAsia2026#News

The Japan Foundation is pleased to host a talk event by five professionals in the field of children’s books and picture books from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The speakers will introduce picture books they have worked on while discussing publishing trends and developments in their respective countries. Drawing on their unique perspectives, they will share the appeal of these projects as well as the current publishing landscape and challenges surrounding children’s literature and picture books. The moderator will be Hiromatsu Yukiko, a picture-book critic who works internationally.

A mini exhibition of picture books produced by the five speakers will be shown at the venue.

When: October 6, 2026, 4 to 6 PM (Doors open at )3:30 PM

Where: The Japan Foundation Headquarters, Sakura Hall

  • 2-minute walk from Yotsuya Station
    (JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines)
  • Access map here

Registration:
Advance registration is required. Seating is limited to 40 people.
Please register via this Microsoft Forms link:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/mbP8jPef0t
(The registration form is available in Japanese only.)

Note:

  • Admission is free of charge.
  • A networking session with the speakers is planned after the event; participation is optional.
  • A recording of the event will be made available later on the Japan Foundation’s YouTube channel. There will be no live streaming.
  • Consecutive interpretation will be provided.

Speakers:
Evelyn Ghozalli (Illustrator / Agent, Indonesia)
Zulfa Utami Adiputri (Hujan & Bumi, Indonesia)
Fran Alvarez (Illustrator / Graphic Designer, Philippines)
Natapat Urupongsa (Barefoot Banana, Thailand)
Nguyen Huu Quynh Huong (Slowbooks, Vietnam)

Moderator: Hiromatsu Yukiko (Picture-book critic; executive committee member, IBBY)

We are grateful to the Japanese Board on Books for Young People (JBBY) for their cooperation in planning this event.