Dive into Imagination: Sanseido Bookstore Refreshes Its ‘Connecting Bookshelf’ with Nine New YOMO Picture Books This January

Sanseido Bookstore’s ‘Connecting Bookshelf’ Unveils Fresh YOMO Picture Book Collection

Sanseido Bookstore, a prominent name in Japan’s literary landscape, has announced an exciting refresh to its unique ‘Tsunagaru Hondana’ (Connecting Bookshelf) initiative. From January 2026, the dedicated YOMO picture book corner will feature an expanded selection, welcoming five brand-new titles and bringing the total to nine enchanting stories for children and families to discover.

This collaboration with Nicomo Co., Ltd., the operator of the YOMO picture book e-commerce site, aims to introduce a diverse range of carefully selected and newly published picture books to a wider audience across Sanseido Bookstore locations (excluding some stores).

Discover the World of YOMO Picture Books

The ‘Tsunagaru Hondana’ (Connecting Bookshelf) YOMO picture book corner is a special section within Sanseido bookstores designed to offer readers new literary discoveries. This latest update, marking its fifth installment, introduces a delightful array of themes, from whimsical creatures to heartwarming family tales and educational journeys.

The nine featured works for January include:

• 『カップねこ』 (Cup Cat)

• 『おばけのおにぎり』 (Ghost Onigiri)

• 『アイスゆうえんち』 (Ice Cream Amusement Park)

• 『おまめがっこうだいずぐみ』 (Bean School Soybean Class)

• 『バスがきたよ』 (Here Comes the Bus)

• 『とうちゃんはりょうりにん』 (Dad is a Chef)

• 『おせちさん はーい！』 (Osechi-san Here I Am!)

• 『よるのはじまり』 (The Beginning of Night)

• 『おにぎりばぁ！』 (Onigiri Baa!)

What is ‘Creators’ Picture Book YOMO’?

YOMO stands as an innovative online platform where creators can freely submit, preview, sell, and purchase picture books. It empowers aspiring and established artists to share their stories with the world, offering a vibrant marketplace boasting over 1,800 titles. This digital hub supports the creation and dissemination of unique children’s literature, bringing diverse voices to the forefront.

Explore more at the Creators’ Picture Book YOMO website.

Featured Works for January 2026

Each new addition promises a unique adventure, sparking imagination and joy in young readers. Here’s a closer look at some of the captivating titles:

『カップねこ』 (Cup Cat) by Yasushi Tsukamoto

What exactly is a ‘Cup Cat’? This whimsical tale invites readers to let their imaginations soar as they ponder whether these mysterious felines are toys or living creatures. The illustration, reminiscent of a cup noodle container, features a grumpy black cat, adding a humorous touch. Read more about Cup Cat.

『おばけのおにぎり』 (Ghost Onigiri) by Yasushi Tsukamoto

Following ‘Cup Cat,’ this is the second installment in author Yasushi Tsukamoto’s imaginative picture book series. It’s a charmingly spooky story about ghost onigiri (Japanese rice balls), perfect for summer reading. Read more about Ghost Onigiri.

『アイスゆうえんち』 (Ice Cream Amusement Park) by Sayaka Noshi

Join Chocolate Ice Cream-kun, Strawberry Ice Cream-chan, and Matcha Ice Cream-kun on a thrilling adventure at the Ice Cream Amusement Park. What exciting, cool experiences await them? This colorful story, featuring ice cream characters on a rollercoaster under a rainbow, is ideal for warm days. Read more about Ice Cream Amusement Park.

『おまめがっこうだいずぐみ』 (Bean School Soybean Class) by Keiko Yokomichi

Welcome to the bean class meeting! The little beans wonder what kind of food they will become. This book, with its lively classroom scene filled with expressive bean characters, is highly recommended for food education. Read more about Bean School Soybean Class.

『とうちゃんはりょうりにん』 (Dad is a Chef) by Etsuyo Hashimoto

Ichita loves fish dishes, just like his chef dad. But when he bravely asks for a hamburger, his dad is shocked! This heartwarming story, depicted with a chef dad serving a beaming child, explores how small moments can lead to understanding and appreciation within a loving family. Read more about Dad is a Chef.

『バスがきたよ』 (Here Comes the Bus) by Tomohiko Fujimoto

As Panda-kun waits for the bus, a parade of quirky buses arrives—a fish bus? A ninja bus?! This colorful and engaging book, featuring a panda driver and various animal passengers, encourages parents and children to talk and imagine what kind of bus will come next. Read more about Here Comes the Bus.

『おせちさん はーい！』 (Osechi-san Here I Am!) by Etsuyoshi Miyamoto

With New Year’s approaching, it’s time for Osechi-ryori, the traditional Japanese New Year’s food! This vibrant book, with its adorable Osechi characters like shrimp and black beans, helps children understand the meaning behind each dish. It’s a fun way to learn and enjoy Osechi-ryori. Read more about Osechi-san Here I Am!.

『よるのはじまり』 (The Beginning of Night) by Ashita Umino

“Boooooong, boooooong, boooooong”—as the sun sets and darkness falls, ghosts gather for their exercise time. Where do they go after their spooky workout? This charming ghost story, featuring cute, round white ghosts with big yellow eyes, is perfect for bedtime reading. Read more about The Beginning of Night.

『おにぎりばぁ！』 (Onigiri Baa!) by Ashita Umino

What’s inside the onigiri (rice ball)? A parade of unique and fun fillings appears one after another! This rhythmic picture book, designed for babies aged 0-1, offers delightful surprises and discoveries, making it an excellent choice for read-aloud sessions. Read more about Onigiri Baa!.

The ‘Tsunagaru Hondana’ Initiative

Launched in May 2024, ‘Tsunagaru Hondana’ is Sanseido Bookstore’s original initiative to create dedicated bookshelves within its stores. These shelves serve as a platform for new discoveries, featuring recommended books from publishers, store staff, and even online seminar instructors from Sanseido. The goal is to provide visitors with new insights and joys that begin with a book.

“The joy of turning a physical page and discovering a new world is truly special,” shared a delighted parent browsing the YOMO corner. “These books, with their vibrant illustrations and imaginative stories, bring such warmth to our home.”

A Bright Future for Kawaii Literature

This ongoing collaboration between Sanseido Bookstore and YOMO exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to children’s literature. By regularly refreshing its selection and highlighting creators’ works, the ‘Tsunagaru Hondana’ project not only supports emerging talent but also enriches the reading experience for countless children. This initiative helps bridge creators with readers, potentially introducing unique Japanese storytelling and artistic styles to a broader audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for Kawaii culture in children’s literature worldwide. It’s a testament to the enduring power of picture books to connect hearts and minds, one delightful story at a time.