What is the Sakura Medal?

• The Sakura Medal is a reading program designed  to encourage reading and enjoyment of good quality books. It was initiated in the 2005-2006 school year for students in participating International Schools across Japan. Students read books from short lists prepared by library media specialists in the participating schools and voted in April 2006 for a winner. The winning author received the Sakura medal and a diploma containing a certificate and a piece of original art. There was a student art competition for the design of the diploma art.
   

• The participating schools in 2006-2006 were The American School in Japan (ASIJ, Tokyo), Yokohama International School (YIS, Tokyo), International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH, Tokyo), British School in Tokyo (BST, Tokyo), Canadian Academy (CA, Kobe), Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ, Tokyo), Nagoya International School (NIS, Nagoya), Nishimachi International School (NIS, Tokyo),  St. Mary’s International School (Tokyo), Osaka International School (OIS, Osaka), Seisen International School (Tokyo)
   

• There are five separate categories: Picture Books, Upper Elementary Level Chapter Books, Middle School Books,  High School Books and Japanese Language High School Books.  

• The most important aspect of this program is that it encourages students to read quality books for fun.  Although designed and initiated by teacher-librarians, this program is intended to involve all participants in the educational community: classroom teachers, administrators, librarians, and of course parents.   
   

 Who started the Sakura Medal? How were the books selected for the list?

• The Sakura Medal was started by a group of teacher librarians from International Schools in Japan. A list of fiction books was chosen from books published in the last three years.

• Criteria for selection also included books by international authors, originality, literary quality, interest and appeal. The name of the award originates from the Japanese word for Cherry Blossom, "Sakura", which has long held a special place in Japanese life and culture.

• The culmination of the program is in the spring when students vote for their favorite book.

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