Welcome to the Sakura Medal Wiki

What is the Sakura Medal?

The Sakura Medal is an annual library reading program in international schools across Japan that encourages students to read recently published books of literary quality from around the world. There are several categories, each with 25 nominated books. One book from each category receives a Sakura Medal Award. Winning authors and illustrators are presented with a specially minted medal and a certificate.

The categories are:

 Students select and read books from the appropriate category and vote for the book they think should win the Sakura Medal.

What does the word “Sakura” mean?

Sakura means "cherry blossom" or "cherry blossom tree".  Sakura hold a very special place in the Japanese heart. As far back as the 10th century the blossom has been considered the national flower, and it has been the subject of poetry, prose, and paintings over the ages. From the 10th century to the present day, hanami or "flower viewing" parties have been held in March and April to celebrate the ephemeral beauty of the delicate pink flower.

Who started the Sakura Medal and who selects the books for each list?

The Sakura Medal was started by teacher librarians from international schools in Japan.  Each spring the International School Librarians Group selects 25 books published within the last two years for each list. The lists include authors from all over the world whose works exemplify originality, literary quality, interest, appeal, and are developmentally appropriate for the designated age level.

Which schools in Japan are part of the Program?

Please indicate which programs your school is participating in.....

When does the program begin and end?

Each school decides on their own approprate start time. Most schools launch the program in October or November.

The program finishes in April. Votes should be submitted by Friday, 24 April 2009. Winners will be announced on 27 April 2009.

Enter your school's dates here......

American School in Japan Elementary:    Start October 1, 2008 - End April 2009

St Maur International School:                 Start December 2008 -  End April 2009

Nishimachi International School:            Start November 2008 - End April 2009

Seisen Elementary:                                Start October 31, 2008 - End April 2009

St. Mary's MS/HS:                                  Start November 2008 - End April 2009

Tokyo International School:                    Start November 2008 - End April 2008.

How does the program work? How do students participate?

Schools participating in the program offer various incentives and activities, and requirements vary from school to school.

Students are generally required to read at least 5 titles from their chosen list. They are then entitled to cast a vote for the winning book.

Add details of what your school does here........

ASIJ ES : Students who participate in the Sakura Medal Program are invited to a voting party.  Those who also participate in the Reading Challenge are invited to a sleepover (grades 3-5), party (grade 2) or library lunch (grade 1).  All details on the website http://www.asij.ac.jp/elementary/library/index.htm

St Maur MS:  Voting Party.

Seisen Elementary:  Students who participate are invited to vote and then celebrate the winning titles at a party after the winner has been announced.  Grades 1-3 have a party in the library, grades 4-6 go to a Karaoke party.

Tokyo International School:  Students who participate are encouraged to read with incentives along the way and a celebration party at the end.  Incentives include free personalised library passes and book gift vouchers.