EXPO: Nordic Literature Days

Nordic children’s books have enchanted readers across generations and continents, featuring unforgettable characters like the Moomins and Pippi Longstocking. These stories do more than entertain—they gently address themes such as independence, perseverance, and the importance of community.

Families and young readers are invited to immerse themselves in the enduring charm of these tales. Through live readings, we’ll reflect on how Nordic authors thoughtfully tackle complex issues with sincerity and warmth, offering meaningful insights for audiences of all ages.

Deputy Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Ida Heimann Larsen, will open the event by stressing the vital role of literature. She will highlight how reading fosters education, culture, personal growth, and active participation in democracy, while also presenting how the Nordic Council of Ministers works to inspire more people to read.

Through literature, we discover new worlds and perspectives—an experience many remember from childhood, being fully absorbed by a book rather than endless scrolling. To rekindle this joy, the Nordic Council of Ministers promotes literature through the Nordic Council’s literature prizes, which spotlight Nordic authors and spread the joy of reading across borders.

We are also excited to share that one of the Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize Winner from 2020, Jenny Lucander, will be part of the panel: "Writing for children – in the Nordic countries and Japan – different perspectives? Similarities?"

Nordic mystery novels are renowned for their moody atmospheres, complex characters, and the compelling way they weave suspense with social commentary.

This special gathering brings together acclaimed authors and critics from both the Nordic region and Japan to delve into the cultural richness of the genre. Together, they’ll examine how these stories go beyond traditional crime-solving to probe deeper societal questions and moral dilemmas.