Japan Rankings
Japan’s picture book market is thriving, with a perfect blend of adorable characters, quirky humor, and heartfelt storytelling.
In 2024, several titles captured the hearts of young readers nationwide—and in some cases, internationally.
Below is a comprehensive look at the Top 10 Best-Selling Picture Books in Japan in 2024, complete with English and Japanese titles, insights into their popularity among children, and details about foreign language availability.
A hilarious “encyclopedia” of everyday kid crises—like losing a balloon or spilling juice.
Children love the playful illustrations and exaggerated reactions, while adults appreciate the subtle humor.
✅ Why it's popular: Helps children process frustration through laughter.
🌐 Translation: Not yet available in English, but strong potential due to universal themes.
A sequel that expands the universe of relatable, silly disasters kids can laugh at. Creative layouts and consistent tone keep readers engaged.
✅ Why it's popular: A perfect follow-up to a breakout hit.
🌐 Translation: Same as the first—currently only in Japanese.
The “Butt Detective” may sound unusual, but this quirky character solves mysteries with brilliance and flatulence. His face is literally a butt—and kids love it.
✅ Why it's popular: Humor, mystery-solving, and fart jokes = kid gold.
🌐 Translation: Available in multiple languages including English, French, Chinese, and Korean. A Netflix animated adaptation has boosted global reach.
The beloved Bread Thief meets a new friend, “Hotcar,” in this heartwarming adventure. It’s the latest entry in a wildly popular series.
✅ Why it's popular: Endearing characters, colorful visuals, and gentle lessons.
🌐 Translation: Some earlier books have been translated into Chinese and Korean.
A gang of mischievous stray cats wreaks havoc at a ramen shop. Structured storytelling with repetition makes it great for read-aloud sessions.
✅ Why it's popular: Predictable chaos + cute cats = endless fun.
🌐 Translation: Some titles are available in Korean; growing international interest.
This “ghost encyclopedia” features quirky monsters like the “Party Toilet” and “Infinite Napolitan.” Kids love the slightly spooky, mostly silly vibe.
✅ Why it's popular: Offers a safe thrill for early readers.
🌐 Translation: Not yet in English, but beginner-friendly Japanese editions are popular in language-learning circles.
A vertical journey through a fantastical 100-floor tower, meeting unique characters on every level. Designed to be held and read vertically.
✅ Why it's popular: Interactive, imaginative, and structurally unique.
🌐 Translation: Available in English, French, and Korean.
A cat + fish hybrid embarks on absurd underwater adventures. No new books were released in 2024, but older titles saw strong sales.
✅ Why it's popular: Wacky concept, bold illustrations, and simple language.
🌐 Translation: Limited; some versions available in Korean.
A dog (Bam) and a frog (Kero) share cozy, humorous adventures filled with visual detail. Each page is packed with Easter eggs to discover.
✅ Why it's popular: Timeless charm + detailed illustrations.
🌐 Translation: Available in Korean and Chinese.
Author: Ken Wakayama（わかやまけん）
Publisher: Koguma-sha（こぐま社）
An adorable polar bear cub makes pancakes with a parent, step by step. Ideal for toddlers, this book teaches sequence, routine, and warmth.
✅ Why it's popular: Easy-to-follow visuals and a soothing rhythm.
🌐 Translation: Available in English and other Asian languages.
Japanese picture books excel at blending:
They’re not just books—they’re experiences.
While only a portion of these titles are available in English or other languages, international publishers are taking notice. Series like Oshiri Tantei, 100-Floor House, and Shirokuma-chan have already made successful debuts overseas.
For parents, educators, and collectors, these books offer both universal charm and cultural discovery.
Whether it’s a mystery-solving butt-faced detective or a pancake-loving bear, Japanese picture books in 2024 have proven that creativity, humor, and heart are a winning formula.
Their continued success points to a rich, evolving literary culture where children’s imaginations are always center stage.
Stay tuned—as more of these titles cross borders, they may soon become family favorites worldwide.
