BUNKO (library) is a Japanese word, which means ‘Storehouse of Literature’. It is made up of two ideographs-BUN (sentence) = literature and KO (warehouse) = storehouse.

The word BUNKO is used in English, French, German and Spanish, as there is no adequate translation to interpret this unique concept, which offers more than just a regular mini or home-library. BUNKO means a self-help method of making books available to young children. As in the case of IC Bunko it may also offer a range of activities in which children can have rich cultural, language and literacy experiences.

The first IC Bunko, Dan Dan Bunko, in English was co-founded by Mrs. Opal Dunn, a specialist in child language development, in Tokyo in 1977. Dan Dan Bunko was the model for other IC Bunko.

In 1979 International Children’s Bunko Association (ICBA) was created in Tokyo to help with the administration of the growing number of IC Bunko in different international languages in Japan and now world-wide.

IC Bunko are organized for these ‘International’ children who have an understanding of other countries’ culture and language. ICBA aims to help these children:
•    keep and develop and be proud of their valuable experiences and bi-language skills though reading and borrowing ‘real’ picture books and information books (ie not text books)
•    communicate with other children and adults whilst taking part in related book activities like story telling as well as cultural activities in the language of the IC Bunko.

IC Bunko are private and voluntary run mini-libraries for bilingual and bicultural or multicultural children. IC Bunko differ from special educational classes such as Juku (Tutorial Schools), in that Bunko is a place where children can re-find the atmosphere of their other language environment and enjoy reading and taking part in activities at their own level without any pressure to attain results.

At present, IC Bunko exist within Japan in French, German, Korean and English and outside Japan in England, America, Australia, Brazil, France, Italy and Germany in Japanese language.

All IC Bunko have the fundamental aims world-wide, yet each IC Bunko is individual reflecting the skills of the Bunko staff and the needs of the children; each child’s experiences and needs are unique. Every IC Bunko has their own stock of books to be borrowed and Kamishibai, which are regularly renewed.

Activities may include:
•    story telling
•    rhyme times
•    kamishibai
•    drama
•    singing
•    playing games
•    handwork
•    cultural activities eg celebrating seasonal festivals

IC Bunko are staffed by volunteers many of whom are mothers. Foreign language IC Bunko in Japan also include native speaking staff volunteers.