EXPO 2025 – Osaka, Japan

Nordic Literature Day

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When children and young people learn to read, it’s not just a new skill that lets them play their part in democracy.
Ida Heimann Larsen, Deputy Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

At Nordic Literature Day, authors, publishers, and cultural experts from the Nordics and Japan came together to explore how literature strengthens democracy, mutual understanding, and creativity. Discussions focused on storytelling as a force for civic participation and intercultural exchange, with a special emphasis on children’s and young people’s literature.

"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," said Ida Heimann Larsen, Deputy Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

How do you think that the Japanese stakeholders perceive Nordic Children’s Literature?

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Conclusion

The day demonstrated that both the Nordics and Japan share deep respect for culture, education, and imagination. Literature was presented not only as an art form but also as a democratic tool – strengthening critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to engage in dialogue. Together, Nordic and Japanese participants highlighted how cooperation in literature supports diversity, youth creativity, and cross-cultural understanding.

Nordic Contribution

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. At EXPO 2025, the Nordic Council of Ministers contributed with Nordic perspectives on literary policy and democratic education, including participation from Jenny Lucander, winner of the 2020 Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize.