Various book festivals and literary events scheduled across Japan

Several literary events and book festivals are scheduled to take place in Japan, aiming to transform bookstores into cultural experience hubs and foster community engagement.

In Shiga Prefecture, the ‘Autumn Book Festival’ will be held at Heiwa Shoten’s Viva City Hikone store from October 24 to November 8. The event features a diverse lineup, including a signing session with Naoki Prize-winning author Shogo Imamura, workshops with picture book authors, and lectures on the book-making process. The festival is designed to combat the decline in bookstore numbers by offering sensory experiences such as workshops, storytelling, and mystery-solving games.

In Saitama Prefecture, the ‘Menuma Hon no Numu’ event will take place on October 25 at Menuma-kan in Kumagaya City. Set in a traditional folk house, the event includes a market featuring over 15 vendors selling secondhand books, new releases, and ZINEs. The program also offers a reading club, storytelling sessions, and a talk show regarding the experience of running a solo publishing house.