I Live in Tokyo
on Goodreads (186)
What’s inside...
Have you ever been to Tokyo, Japan? Far away, in the Pacific Ocean, Tokyo is a busy city of color, activity, celebrations, gigantic buildings, and much more. Seven-year-old Mimiko lives in Tokyo, and here you can follow a year's worth of fun, food and festivities in Mimiko's life, month by month. Learn the right way to put on a kimono and see Mimiko's top ten favorite meals—just try not to eat the pages featuring delicious wagashi!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some differences and similarities between your daily life and the life of a child living in Tokyo?
How do you think celebrating traditional festivals like those shown in the book helps bring families and communities together?
What new foods mentioned in the book would you like to try and why?
Can you imagine what it would be like to go to school in Tokyo? What do you think would be the most exciting part?
Which part of Tokyo's culture shown in the book interests you the most, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on cultural diversity by comparing their everyday experiences with those depicted in the book.
Discuss the importance of cultural traditions and festivals, and plan a family activity to explore more about Japanese culture, perhaps through cuisine or craft.
Foster curiosity by exploring more about Japanese cuisine. You can cook a simple Japanese dish together, enhancing both cultural and culinary knowledge.
Help your child make connections between their schooling and the schooling shown in Tokyo through positive discussions about different educational experiences around the world.
After reading, use a globe or map to locate Tokyo and explore more about Japan’s geography and other cultural aspects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through the eyes of Mimiko, a seven-year-old girl living in Tokyo, children are introduced to Japanese customs, festivals, and daily routines.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures in their community and beyond, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family Traditions
Explanation: The book highlights various Japanese family traditions and their roles in strengthening family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in their own family traditions or even help create new ones, enhancing family cohesion and creating lasting memories.
Example Lesson: Learning through Curiosity
Explanation: Mimiko’s curiosity about her surroundings leads to various learning experiences throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore and ask questions about their own environment, thereby driving their intellectual and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Seasonal Changes
Explanation: The story showcases how different seasons are celebrated in Tokyo which can educate children about the importance and impact of seasonal cycles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe and appreciate the seasonal changes around them and understand the cultural significance of various seasonal events.
Example Lesson: Trying New Foods
Explanation: Mimiko explores a variety of Japanese foods throughout the book, illustrating a willingness to try new things.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more open to trying different foods and enjoying a varied diet, which is beneficial for their health and wellbeing.