① "Osechi: A Fascinating Story" ⇒ Clearly explains Japanese culture. Osechi cuisine, eaten during the New Year. Each dish has a special meaning. This story explains this important Japanese ceremonial food in an easy-to-understand way for children. ● Author: Asae Suto ● Illustrator: Kaori Saito ② "The Chopstick God" ⇒ Recommended for introducing chopstick etiquette. A story about the history and use of chopsticks, taught by the Chopstick God. It's a story that sparks interest in chopsticks by showing how convenient they are. ● Author: Miki Yamashita ● Illustrator: Kaori Okamoto ③ "The Curry Story" ⇒ Perfect for introducing curry cooking. Curry, said to have been spread by the British who were surprised by its spiciness and deliciousness in India about 200 years ago. The story covers the history of curry and the invention of curry roux in Japan. ● Author: Ichiro Okamoto ● Illustrator: Toru Kaichi ④ "The Secret of the Donut Hole" ⇒ Also recommended for a quick read before snack time. Speaking of donuts, they have a hole in the middle, right? Actually, this hole was born from one person's inspiration. This is the story of how donuts began. ● Author: Kazuyo Toda ● Illustrator: Toto Sonoda ⑤ "The Beginning of Nigiri Sushi" ⇒ Learn about the origins of nigiri sushi! This tells the story of how nigiri sushi began. The story of Yohee, who sold "hakozushi" in Edo, and how he created nigiri sushi based on a certain food, which then spread throughout Edo. ● Author: Masao Kogure ● Illustrator: Atsuko Suzuki