10 Japanese Children’s Books That Celebrate Neurodiversity

Here are some books that will help you and your kid understand why some people’s brains work differently.

Today, children’s books about neurodiversity are gaining ground. Many ask the question: Is there such a thing as a normal brain? Now, we understand that each person’s brain is unique, affecting how we learn, behave and perceive the world. Modern children’s books shine a light on neurodiverse individuals as not defective but unique, not weak but strong, not disabled but different.

What Is Neurodiversity?

© Photo by iStock: hikastock

In the past, there have been attempts to categorize people as neurotypical/ “normal” and neuroatypical/ “abnormal.” In the 1990s, one sociologist named Judy Singer challenged this separation. She coined the term “neurodiversity,” which we hear so much today. She used it to encourage inclusion and acceptance of “neurological minorities,” particularly autistic persons.

Today, neurodiversity includes not only those on the autistic spectrum (Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD) but also those who have other neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and learning disorders (LD) like dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Neurodiversity in Japan

In Japan, with its strong emphasis on fitting in with the group, recognizing and embracing neurodiversity has historically lagged behind. The cultural mindset of 出る杭は打たれる (derukugi wa utareru; “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down”) is especially evident in the education system.

Individuals with developmental problems used to be shunned in the regular classroom or banished to special ed schools. This only fueled more discrimination and stigmatization of neurodiverse children.

Since 2007, things have changed in the tokubetu shien kyoiku (special needs education system). Now, children with hatatsu shōgai (developmental disabilities) can attend regular, special or tsukyu (resource room) classes in regular schools. Those with the most severe problems get help at special education schools.

However, Japanese society still has a long way to go when it comes to how neurodiversity is regarded. We hope these 10 Japanese children’s books help you and your family better understand and celebrate neurodiversity.

1. ひっくりカエル! (Hikkuri Kaeru!)

Many neurodiverse individuals suffer from low self-esteem because they are ridiculed and misunderstood. This fun book helps them reframe their perceived “weaknesses” into strengths. The author created it with his students with developmental disabilities in mind.

• Author: Hiroshi Abe
• Recommended Age Group: 3+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (Check libraries and bookstores if unavailable.)

2. すずちゃんののうみそ (Suzu-chan no Nōmiso)

We meet Suzu-chan, a senior kindergartener who is nonverbal. Her classmates wonder why Suzu-chan cannot do some things, like use a spoon properly. Her story highlights autism and how little kids can better understand their autistic peers. The author was inspired to write this book based on her own experiences with her autistic daughter.

• Author: Minako Takeyama
• Recommended Age Group: 5+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1760)

3. なまけてなんかない! (Namakete Nanka Nai!)

When Rinzou-kun starts elementary school, it’s hard for him to read and write hiragana. Understandably, he becomes very frustrated. He seeks help from his former kindergarten teacher, who explains that he’s not lazy but dyslexic.

• Author: Yuka Shinagawa
• Recommended Age Group: 5+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥2,011)

4. ぼくって、ふしぎくん？ (Bokutte, Fushigi-kun?)

Like Rinzou-kun, Hiro-kun is in the first grade of elementary school. In class, he can’t sit still, and he sometimes hits his friends. Through his story, we learn that his behavior is not spiteful but due to ADHD. This helps the reader develop empathy for Hiro-kun.

• Author: Yasuko Shimada
• Recommended Age Group: 5+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (Check libraries and bookstores if unavailable.)

5. ADHD おっちょこちょいのハリー (Occhokochoi no Harī)

Hari the Hedgehog is not normal. He is clumsy but it’s because he has ADHD. And he speaks in the Kansai dialect! The author works in special needs education and has written other books featuring cute and lovable characters with special needs.

• Author: Shinsuke Narisawa
• Recommended Age Group: 6+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,980)

6. 友だちのこまったがわかる絵本 (Tomodachi no Komatta ga Wakaru Ehon)

A comprehensive picture book that explains developmental disorders. It shows how neurodiverse students may behave in different school settings. In effect, it teaches the reader not to judge but to understand why a classmate may behave in a “strange” way.

• Author: WILL Children’s Education Research Institute
• Recommended Age Group: 6+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,870)

7. たっくんとぼく (Takkun to Boku)

When Kazu-kun enters first grade, he makes friends with Takkun. Takkun has trouble doing simple things like changing his clothes, so Kazu-kun starts helping him. This book can help readers develop friendships with classmates like Takkun.

• Author: Chie Shimizu
• Recommended Age Group: 6+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥355)

8. ニューロダイバーシティってなんだろう? (Nyūrodaibāshiti tte Nandarou?)

This provides a general introduction to neurodiversity, outlining the different characteristics of specific neurodevelopmental conditions. It also highlights famous neurodiverse people, like Tom Cruise (dyslexia) and Michael Phelps (ADHD).

• Author: Inaba Shigekatsu
• Recommended Age Group: 6+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥3,300)

9. ジヘーショーのバナやん (Jihēshō no Banayan)

Like Hari the Hedgehog, Banayan creates problems in the classroom because he is autistic. The teacher tries to explain to the other students why Banayan cannot understand social cues, has particular likes and dislikes and doesn’t like sudden changes and loud noises.

• Author: Shinsuke Narisawa
• Recommended Age Group: 8+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,980)

10. わたしもパズルのひとかけら (Watashi mo Pazuru no Hitokakera)

This is part of a series penned by a person who has Asperger’s Syndrome (now included under ASD). Written by the author when she was in elementary school, this book is honest and self-affirming. It explains what Asperger’s is and how it affects someone’s thinking, feelings and life experiences.

• Author: Fuwari
• Recommended Age Group: 12+
• Where to Buy: Amazon.jp (¥1,320)

We hope these book recommendations can help you and your child better cope with a developmental disorder and, if necessary, seek further support and evaluation. Our article about special needs education in Japan has more information and resources.