Froebel-kan

Froebel-kan is a Japanese publisher of picture books and children's books. It was founded in 1907 by Takaichi Jiro in Tokyo. The company name derives from Friedrich Fröbel, the German educator who founded the first kindergarten. Froebel-kan is known for publishing the Anpanman picture books and the 'Where's Wally?' series.

Froebel-kan was founded in April 1907 by Takaichi Jiro, who came to Tokyo from Ehime Prefecture, to research, manufacture, and sell childcare supplies. The company started under the name Shiraya in Iidamachi, Kojimachi-ku, Tokyo (now Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku). In April 1908, it moved to Kudan Nakasakaue (now Kudan Kita, Chiyoda-ku) and changed its name to 'Froebel-kan'. In 1920, it was reorganized into a corporation. In 1921, it produced Japan's first crayon 'Manten Crayon'. In 1927, it launched the picture book 'Kindar Book'. In 1973, the monthly picture book 'Kinder Ohanashi Ehon' featured 'Anpanman'. In 1987, it published the first 'Where's Wally?' book. In 1988, the TV anime 'Soreike! Anpanman' began broadcasting. In 1993, the head office moved to Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo.

1. 1フレーベル館froebel-kan.co.jp
2. 2沿革froebel-kan.co.jp
3. 3企業情報froebel-kan.co.jp