FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kappa Jizo: Interactive Picture Book App

Kaori Hamura Long, an artist, illustrator, and character designer, has released "Kappa Jizo," an interactive picture book app designed to teach children about equality and tolerance. Living in a time of a divided world, Long felt the need to create a tool to educate the next generation about the importance of open-mindedness and respect for people with different backgrounds. The app is available for Apple and Android devices, featuring hand-drawn illustrations, audio in English and Japanese, interactive characters, and a coloring page.

The app was developed over several years, starting with the creation of the manuscript and dummy book in October 2007 in Vermont, U.S.A. The app development began in 2015 and was officially released in June 2017 in Fukuoka, Japan, with an updated version released in October 2020. Kappa Jizo aims to encourage children to be friends with people from different backgrounds and to show love and respect for one another.

Long faced the challenge of creating an app without extensive programming knowledge. However, she successfully utilized the Photoshop extension program called Kwik to bring her interactive picture book to life. The app allows children to tap, drag, and pinch characters and objects while the story plays, providing an engaging and educational experience. The app is a testament to Long's dedication to promoting equality, world peace, and environmental protection through her art.

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