Sex Education as "A Passport to Our Children's Future" — The Global Demand Indicated by the Picture Book 'Daiji Daiji Doko Da?' Surpassing 400,000 Copies —

Sex Education as "A Passport to Our Children's Future" — The Global Demand Indicated by the Picture Book 'Daiji Daiji Doko Da?' Surpassing 400,000 Copies —

2025年06月17日 19:10

1. Why "Sex Education for Young Children" Now?


1-1 Global Trends

  • Since the revision of the Council of Europe's "Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexual Education for Children" in 2018, body autonomy education at the preschool stage has become the international standard.

  • #From the perspective of preventing sexual violence post-MeToo, countries like the Nordic countries and Canada have introduced educational materials addressing "private zones" starting from classes for three-year-olds.

  • In 2024, Japan will also revise its sexual crime regulations, making "non-consensual intercourse" a non-complaint offense, leading to a sharp increase in parental interest.asahi.com


1-2 The "Gap" in Japan and the Emergence of Picture Books

  • Traditional health and physical education start from fifth grade. With a lack of comprehensive materials, doctors and childcare workers have supplemented education through picture books.

  • "Daiji Daiji Doko Da?" (2021) sold 430,000 copies in four years, an exceptional pace. The publisher analyzes that "40% of readers are foreign parents."oizumishoten.co.jp


2. In-depth Analysis of the Picture Book "Daiji Daiji Doko Da?"

ChapterObjectiveSpecific MessageExamples of Phrases to Use at Home
1 Let's Know Our BodiesPresenting both anatomical names and nicknames"Omata = Vulva""In English, it's called 'vulva'"
2 Private Parts"Areas covered by swimwear" are specialAlways get consent before looking or touching"Can I touch? If no, it's okay to say no"
3 The Courage to Say NoThe three steps of "NO, GO, TELL"Self-defense skills"If you're in trouble, tell a Trusted Adult"
4 Messages for AdultsIntroduction to consultation services and bookshelvesQ&A for ParentsIntroduction of LINE consultation and multilingual sites

One Point
The publisher's website offers free downloadable support cards with English, Chinese, and Spanish translations (with QR code).



3. Challenges and Solutions Faced by Foreign Families

  1. Language Barrier: Choose picture books with multilingual text and supplement difficult words with the home language.

  2. Cultural Differences: In Japanese daycare centers, "naked time for changing clothes" is common. Explain to children in advance and discuss differences in privacy concepts.

  3. Lack of Information: Municipal Maternal and Child Health Centers offer free English pamphlets.


4. Seven Steps of Teaching (Example: Ages 3-5)

  1. Incorporate into Daily Life (Point and confirm body parts during bath time)

  2. Experience the Difference Between "Secrets" and "Surprises" Through Games

  3. Practice Saying "NO" in Role Play

  4. Name the Feeling of "Unease" with Emotion Cards

  5. Create a List of Trusted Adults Together

  6. Accompany Media Viewing to Immediately Resolve Questions

  7. Regularly Review—Understanding Deepens in a Spiral Manner


5. Recommended Sex Education Picture Books Available in Japan (Multilingual Support ◎)

  1. "The Magic in the Pants" (Kamogawa Publishing)

  2. "The Story of the Body of the Sea and Land" (Doshinsha)amazon.co.jp

  3. "The Picture Book of the Penis" (Poplar Publishing)

  4. "The Picture Book of the Girl's Body" (Pie International)

  5. "With Dr. Sakko! Body and Mind Research Institute" (Little More)


6. Expert Comments

Sonoko Isozaki (Editor-in-Chief of Ehon Navi)
"Sales of sex education picture books have increased about tenfold compared to 2020. The key to success is balancing 'cuteness' and 'medical accuracy'."asahi.com

Saikiko Toomi (Obstetrician and Author)
"Sex education for young children is not taboo but life skills education."The universal truth is 'Knowledge = Prevention.'"



7. Latest Trends in Schools and Municipalities

  • Suginami Ward, Tokyo: From 2024, the use of this book for reading aloud will be officially adopted in the curriculum of ward-run nursery schools.

  • Gifu City: Trial workshops on body autonomy in English in collaboration with ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers).


8. Conclusion

  • The big hit of over 400k copiesis evidence that sex education for young children is rapidly spreading in Japan.

  • Effective for international families: Progress in multilingual support makes it a tool to overcome cultural differences.

  • The next stepis to bridge the "dialogue" between families and schools. Using picture books as a starting point for concrete actions (such as creating a list of consultation contacts).

  • The goalis a society where "all children can respect their own and others' bodies." Picture books are the first step toward this.


Reference Articles and Materials

  • Asahi Shimbun Digital "Picture books on sex, over 400,000 copies sold, addressing parents' concerns on 'how to teach'" 2025-06-14 asahi.com

  • Oizumi Shoten News Release "'Daiji Daiji Doko da?' Surpasses 400,000 Copies" 2025-04-03 oizumishoten.co.jp

  • Amazon Product Page 'Daiji Daiji Doko da?' (Book Details) amazon.co.jp

  • Doshinsha 'Umi to Riku no Karada no Hanashi' Publication Information amazon.co.jp

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