According to UNICEF, 6000 children die every day in developing countries from infectious diseases - often transmitted through dirty hands.​This Inspired ANGFA, a Japanese health and hygiene company to take the Japanese sales of their germicidal soap and ‘gift’ the same amount to the children of Cambodia - where handwashing is not a part of the culture. But soap wasn’t enough - they needed to educate the children that soap doesn’t just clean their hands - it can also protect their futures.​

The Washable Book is a low-tech innovation that transforms reading into a physical activity to inspire behavioral change. The book’s characters reach their colorful futures only by having their dirty hands physically washed on the pages. The repeated action helps the children make the connection between handwashing and reaching their future goals.

​Over 1.5 billion media impressions in 3 weeks resulted in 18 times more bars of soap being gifted than projected. ANGFA is now in negotiation to bring the book to other developing countries. But most importantly, the Washable Book is changing children’s futures, by changing their behavior.

Credits

• Shunsuke Kakinami (McCann Health Japan): Group Creative Director, Creative Director

• Noriaki Tanimura (McCann Health Japan): Art Director, Illustrator

• Hisashi Matsui (McCann Health Japan): Art Director

• Mai Kaneda (McCann Health Japan): Copywriter

• Hideki Kanishi(McCann Health Japan): Print Producer

• Shin'ichiro Oku(McCann Health Japan): Account Director

• Sean Riley(McCann Health Japan): Executive Creative Director

• Kyoichi Hara (Seio Printing): Production Manager

• Misa Syouriki (Seio Printing): Production Manager

• Go Watanabe (Hakushodo): Production Manager

• Manami Sakamura (ANGFA): Head of Corporate Communications