ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Masahiro Okafuji, President & CEO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) opened ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE in the CI Plaza, a commercial facility situated next to ITOCHU’s Tokyo Head Office, in October 2012. The gallery was part of ITOCHU’s social contribution activities, with the aim of developing the next generation through art, contributing to the local community and promoting both local and overseas art and culture. Various exhibitions have since been held in the space.
The “Children’s Books Power Exhibition” will be held at ITOCHU AOYAMA ART SQUARE with the objective of informing society in autumn, the ideal season for reading, that children’s books have the unique ability to cross borders and transcend the space-time continuum.

The Japanese Board on Books for Young People (JBBY) was established in 1974 with the aim of conveying the pleasure of reading to all children and developing a culture of peace for the future on the basis of international cultural exchanges through children’s books. It has now been carrying out its activities for 40 years. ITOCHU established the ITOCHU Foundation in 1974 with the purpose of assisting with the sound development of young people. It has helped inspire children’s reading by providing subsidies to children’s libraries since 1975, and continues to provide assistance to organizations and individuals. JBBY and ITOCHU plan to hold an exhibition and events to celebrate the 40th anniversary.

Outline of the plan for the 40th anniversary of JBBY – Children’s Books Power Exhibition- To achieve peace, start with the children first -