By Patricia Funaki and Kyle Cardoso

How do you introduce children to a world of cultures, languages, and friendship? The Besties Visit Japan does exactly that—with warmth, charm, and purpose.

This vibrant picture book follows five best friends, including Minato the Shiba dog, as they journey through Japan. From Tokyo’s glowing skyline to cherry blossom parks, ancient temples, and even a robot café, the story is an invitation to explore not just a country, but the joy of diversity.

A Whirlwind Tour of Japan

The book opens just after the Besties’ tour in America. Eager for their next adventure, they fly to Tokyo in a “big, big gig hikōki” (Japanese for airplane), kicking off a culturally rich, visually engaging exploration.

With each page turn, readers encounter iconic Japanese landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree, Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the high-speed Shinkansen. But what makes this book truly special is its multilingual inclusivity: phrases in Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Portuguese are seamlessly woven into the dialogue, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the characters—and young readers.

“Friendship sees beyond borders, beyond words, beyond abilities.”

This powerful message, delivered at the story’s end, underscores the book’s deeper themes: unity, curiosity, and empathy.

Why This Book Matters: Benefits for Young Readers

🌏 Cultural Awareness

Children gain early exposure to Japanese culture and landmarks, helping them appreciate different ways of life. The book’s gentle presentation encourages curiosity, not just about Japan, but about the world at large.

🧠 Cognitive and Language Development

The use of multiple languages—including Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese—stimulates language awareness and vocabulary acquisition. It also sets the stage for bilingual or multilingual learning.

👫 Social-Emotional Growth

By highlighting the friends’ different abilities, backgrounds, and languages, the story promotes inclusion, empathy, and emotional intelligence—skills essential for growing minds.

🎨 Visual Engagement

Young readers are captivated by the bright illustrations and the expressive characters, supporting visual literacy and attention span development.

How Parents and Educators Can Use This Book

• Language Lessons: Use the foreign language phrases as a springboard to introduce basic greetings and expressions.
• Cultural Projects: Follow up with a mini-unit on Japanese food, geography, or festivals.
• Friendship Activities: Discuss what makes a good friend, especially across cultures and abilities.
• Story Time Fun: Encourage kids to pick their favorite stop on the Besties’ trip and draw their own version.

Where to Buy The Besties Visit Japan

The Besties Visit Japan is available directly from Olivia Languages, a publisher devoted to multilingual and inclusive children’s literature. Currently on sale for $10.12, it’s a valuable and affordable addition to any home or classroom library.

Final Thoughts

In an increasingly global world, The Besties Visit Japan is exactly the kind of story we need—one that’s playful and profound, simple yet significant. Whether read aloud at bedtime or shared in a classroom, this book reminds children (and grownups) that what unites us is stronger than what divides us.

Perfect for ages 3–8.
A must-have for families, schools, and libraries seeking inclusive, global stories.