Sankei Children's Book Award facts for kids

The Sankei Children's Book Award (産経児童出版文化賞 (Sankei jido shuppan bunka sho)) is a very important award in Japan. It's the oldest award for children's books in the country. The name means "Sankei Children's Publishing Culture Award."

This award celebrates the best Japanese children's books and picture books from the year before. It started in 1954.

About the Sankei Children's Book Award

What is the Award For?

Each year, the Sankei Children's Book Award looks at all the children's books published in Japan. They pick the ones that stand out the most. This includes both longer stories and picture books for younger kids.

When are Winners Announced?

The winners are announced every year on Children's Day, which is May 5th. A special ceremony is held later, usually in late May or early June. A member of the Japanese royal family, Kiko, Princess Akishino, often attends this ceremony.

Past Grand Prize Winners

The Grand Prize is the top honor given by the Sankei Children's Book Award. It was first introduced in 1961. Many amazing books and series have won this award over the years. Here are a few examples:

• The 8th Award (1961) went to Sekai Dowa bungaku Zenshu 1 (World Children's Literature Complete Works Volume 1). This book was published by Kodansha.
• The 10th Award (1963) was given to Kodomo No Tomo (Children's Friend). This series was published by Fukuinkan Shoten.
• The 12th Award (1965) honored Anderusen Dowa Zenshu (Andersen's Fairytales Complete Works). This collection of stories by Hans Christian Andersen was published by Kodansha.
• The 20th Award (1973) recognized Kachi-kachi Yama No Sugu Sobade (In the immediate side of the mountain Kachi-kachi Yama). This book was written by Keisuke Tsutsui and had pictures by Yasuo Segawa. It was published by froebel kan.
• The 30th Award (1983) went to Hajimete Deau Sugaku No Hon (The picturebook for mathematics for the first time). This three-volume series was created by Mitsumasa Anno and published by Fukuinkan Shoten.

Learn More

• Praemium Imperiale - This is another international award for arts.
• Kiko, Princess Akishino - She is a member of the imperial family in Japan.
• Sankei Shimbun - This is a daily newspaper in Japan.
• Fujisankei Communications Group - This is a large media company in Japan that includes Sankei Shimbun and Fuji Television.
• Japan Railways Group - This is a group of companies that operate most of Japan's railway network.