In 1983 the first IC Japanese (language) Bunko (Korisu Bunko) was opened in London, by Mrs. Opal Dunn.

In 1985 Mrs. Opal Dunn together with Mrs. Yoko Morishima founded the ICBA London Branch.

In 2006, to facilitate the administration of the growing number of IC Bunko in UK, the London Branch became ICBA UK Branch with Mrs.Yoko Morishima as Leader.

At present 22 IC Bunko in Japanese are established in ‘Japanese’ residential areas of London, as well as in  Newcastle, Birmingham, Chelmsford/Colchester and Guildford.

ICBA believes that it is very important for children in British/Foreign education to maintain their Japanese (mother tongue) language skills and cultural identity, if they are to become International Children. IC Bunko aim to create an atmosphere in which Japanese children feel ‘at home’ and can enjoy speaking Japanese to other adults and children whilst taking part in interesting activities.

Each IC (Japanese) Bunko in the UK has its unique character as has every child (and their family) attending IC Bunko. Some IC Bunko meet in local Church Halls or School Halls, others in a member’s home. It is the initiative of IC Bunko leaders and staff cooperating with IC Bunko members’ mothers that make the character of each IC Bunko different. Staff organizing IC Bunko are not baby-sitters, but people who are concerned about children’s level of literacy and spoken language in Japanese. Through children’s active participation and parents co-operation, staff lead children towards developing a love of books and reading and a better understanding of their culture.

List of Bunko in U.K.
KORISU BUNKO: Southwest London, Kingston and Richmond Area
DONGURI BUNKO: Finchley Area
SUGINOKO BUNKO: Wimbledon Area
KIRAKIRA BUNKO: Croydon Area
CHIBIKKO BUNKO: Southeast London, Bromley Area
KOMADORI BUNKO: Northwest London, Kenton and Harrow Area
MITSUBACHI BUNKO: Finchley and Totteridge Area
HIKARI BUNKO: Ealing and Acton Area
PIYOPIYO BUNKO: Ealing and Acton Area
KOZARU BUNKO: Southwest London, Staines Area
ZOUSAN BUNKO: Essex (western side), Brentwood and Chelmsford Area
KOZIKA BUNKO: Ealing Area
HIMAWARI BUNKO: Colchester Area
LONDON SAKURA BUNKO: Surrey, Cheam and Sutton Area
KIRINSAN BUNKO: Birmingham Area
AOZORA BUNKO: Guildford Area
IRUKA BUNKO Newcastle Area

For contact with ICBA UK or to get information about any IC Bunko, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it