Interview #40

Book Corner: 《不可思議的朋友》 by Yukihiko Tajima

Calvin林偉豪

Written and Images by Calvin林偉豪
Translation by Wendy Yiu

A book is like a friend. We understand the world and life, or even observe ourselves through texts, and have a deep realization of oneself that we are not alone. PMQ invites different people from design and culture sectors to recommend a book, so that you can enrich yourselves as book therapy.

Why would you recommend this book?

Calvin Lam: Some books would not be your first choice for children; And there’s something you would not want to reveal to children.

After a few months of school suspension, parents worry about their children’s homework and studies. I am even more worried about the months of not having social life, and what impact it will have on children. After all, they are living in a generation where real and virtual life collide.

Outspoken university junior once shared: “Eunice really wants to go back to school, she misses her teachers and being hardworking.” This full-time working mother " takes care of the homework and daily life of the three daughters, among them, Little Eunice is an autistic child.

Koyasu and Yusuke are friends on Awaji Island. Koyasu is autistic and always mumbling, though being accepted and loved by many in school, still gets bullied by junior schoolmates. Yusuke arrives in this community and gets closer gradually with Koyasu.

《不可思議的朋友》

Author: Yukihiko Tajima

Every child is unique. Little Eunice can remember English words that she only read once; a piece of white paper can be cut into a castle. Who would have thought that Miss Eunice, who has grown up and keeps sensitive to sound, could save the grey-haired me, suddenly twitching in the park alone. Did I ever dismiss those "weird people" who passed by?

Unlike a typical picture book, Yukihiko Tajima spent 3 years in researching and creating this story. I truly recommend this book for parents and children. It’s not only an on-trend STEM material, but a forever friend, who will accompany you throughout your life journey.

Written by 80-year-old Master Yukihiko Tajima, the picture book won the 20th Japanese Picture Book Award. Inspired by true events and people: Kazuma and Yosuke have been good friends for 20 years, revolving around their teachers, friends and a principal who has long promoted the entry of disabled children into ordinary schools on Awaji Island.

The world will not be the same after the epidemic, do we still choose to live in the perfect world of fiction? Is reality that horrifying?

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