A New Voice for Literacy in Japan
Aditi Paudel, a 17-year-old high school student in Tokyo, has been appointed as Japan's first literacy ambassador by the World Literacy Foundation, a global nonprofit headquartered in Australia. The appointment marks the first time an ambassador from Japan has been named to the program, according to Andrew Kay, CEO and founder of the foundation.
Paudel was born in Japan and spent part of her early childhood in Nepal. Her connection with reading began early: one of her earliest memories is of her grandfather giving her a newspaper written in Devanagari script when she was in preschool. Despite her young age, she could make sense of what she was reading.
A Journey Shaped by Books
Paudel returned to Japan when she was in third grade, and alongside adjusting to a new life, she had to learn Japanese again. Books became an important part of that journey. Her father regularly bought her books, and she developed a fondness for fantasy literature, falling in love with Enid Blyton'sThe Wishing-Chair.
Reading also shaped her views on education and equality. She credits Malala Yousafzai's autobiography,I Am Malala, with helping her develop interests in female empowerment and access to education.
The Ambassador Program
The World Literacy Foundation's ambassador program brings together around 900 young people aged 16 to 25 from 101 countries and has been running for 12 years. Kay said Paudel was selected "for her leadership, passion for literacy, and commitment to empowering young people in Japan." He added that her "curiosity about English shaped thoughtful advocacy, strengthening the program's global voice and cultural reach."
Paudel defined literacy broadly as "something that helps you open doors for more opportunities." She noted that her parents grew up in a "completely opposite environment," adding, "Being literate is so important because even though you have the potential, you can never unlock it if you do not have literacy."
Addressing Declining Reading Habits
Paudel's appointment comes amid concerns about reading habits among young people in Japan. According to a study by the Benesse Educational Research & Development Institute and the University of Tokyo, around half of elementary, junior high, and high school-age children in Japan do not read books.
Kay warned that fewer young people are choosing to read for pleasure, particularly books that require sustained attention. He cautioned against the impact of AI, noting that it allows people to skip the process of researching, reading, and wrestling with theories. "It's turning our clock back 150 years," he said, "where most people couldn't read or would have limited ability to read."
Paudel acknowledged the challenge, saying, "You will always be more inclined to go for your phone rather than a book." She believes young people should find books that genuinely interest them, ideally books that also challenge them to see the world from a different perspective.
Plans for the Future
Paudel plans to work with the Shanti Volunteer Association to collect and donate books to Asian countries with lower literacy rates, including Nepal. She advises that making reading a habit is critical and encourages finding something that resonates and broadens perspective.