Kizuna Picture Book Series
SERIES
“Kizuna” Picture Book Series are written to give very young children an understanding of how to create bonds with other people, a skill vital to a harmonious world and personal success; a crucial skill in public relations and “relationship management”.
NAKANAORI
Ambassador Uiichiro Niwa
Recommendation
"Nakanaori" means hope for a world in which conflict is replaced with harmony. There are many people in the world with various ideas and with conflicting opinions, this leads to misunderstanding and conflict. In such a world, there is an urgent need for "Nakanaori."
Biography
Professor at Waseda University. Professor, Chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Association, Public Utility Corporation, Chairman of the Global Business Association
Born in 1939. Graduated from Nagoya University Law School. Served as president and chairman of ITOCHU Corporation, Director of Japan Post Co., Ltd., and President of the United Nations World Food Program WFP Association. From June 2010 to December 2012, served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China, and currently holds the position of Professor at Waseda University, and Chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Association, and Chairman of the Society of Global Business.
He is the author of several books, including: ‘Raising people to save Japan: the only prescription’, (Asahi Shimbun, 2015), and ‘Wisdom for the Japanese which can break through or crisis’ (Kadokawa Shimpo, 2015) etc.
Nakanaori (Friends Again)
Walking early one morning, Bear sees a house being built by Beaver and wants to build one too. Bear finds cut logs in the forest and starts taking them, when Beaver runs up shouting, “Bear, Bear, those are my logs! Give them back!” Bear ignores Beaver and walks away. He starts to build a house, but just can’t do it by himself. All alone without a friend, Bear starts to cry. Just when all seems lost, Old Grandmother Squirrel comes to teach him the magical NAKANOURI, “friends again,” song. Bear starts to sing, and then…
How to use Picture Books
Parents:
“Nakanaori”, the first book in the KIZUNA Picture Book series, explores the skill of building lasting bonds with others, and how to create harmony in one’s life and in society. It also teaches how to be successful in life as a member of a community. In order for these skills to be truly learned, it should be read to very young children repeatedly.
Teachers and others taking care of children:
"Think about other people’s feelings, talk to them about it with courage, and apologize if you think you did something bad." From the simple message of this picture book, children can learn to be mindful of the feelings of those around them.
