EXPO 2025: Literature, democracy and bridges between Japan and the Nordics

“When children and young people learn to read, it’s not just a new skill that lets them play their part in democracy. It also introduces them to a world of imagination, where they can dream big or learn to look at themselves and their lives in a different light. Nordic literature for children and young adults makes a virtue of taking seriously its target audience and what they think. Reading books from other Nordic countries broadens their horizons, and they intuitively relate to them because our cultures have so much in common. Having said that, the love of reading is on the wane in both Japan and the Nordics. If we want children and young people to read more, we need to inspire them with fantastic material. That is why we are talking to a Japanese audience at EXPO 2025 in Osaka about what it will take, and we are proud that some of the leading authors, illustrators and experts in children's and young adult literature in the Nordic Region are participating in the Nordic pavilion,” the Deputy Secretary General said. Her words marked the start of two days of literature in the Nordic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. Families, authors and publishers gathered to learn more about Nordic literature for children, young people and adults.

Japan boasts world-famous culture and literature of its own, but there is also great interest in the Nordic Region, which is why so many Nordic authors attended the Literature Days in the pavilion at EXPO 2025. The idea, of course, is to promote their works to both Japanese and international markets. One of the high points of the programme was the panel debate “Writing for Children – in the Nordic Region and Japan” was one of the highlights. The illustrator Jenny Lucander, winner of the Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize 2020, spoke about the Nordic style at the event.

“The style of Nordic picture books is known for its bold and progressive themes and artistic expression. It is slightly different from the Japanese style, but there are many similarities between illustrators and authors in the Nordic countries and Japan,” she pointed out. 

The Japanese culture expert Yukiko Duke chaired the discussion and explained that there is a general trend in Japan to look for a new way of being a child and young person – a freer way – and many find inspiration in the more daring literature for children and young people from the Nordic countries.  

The Nordic Council of Ministers contributes to children and young people’s culture by funding the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize, which raises awareness of authors and the genre. As a partner in the Nordic pavilion, it is creating opportunities for Nordic authors to meet a Japanese and international audience.

“For individual authors, this event can open the door to a new market. It is good for the author, and it is good for the Nordic countries and their competitiveness,” adds Ida Heimann Larsen. The Deputy Secretary General also highlights the positive impact of people learning about each other’s cultures and literature at events like this one at EXPO 2025, which helps build understanding, trust, and a desire to work together, all of which provide a boost to security and resilience in the Nordic Region.