{"id":66,"date":"2026-07-01T02:40:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T02:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/lttf\/?p=66"},"modified":"2026-07-01T02:40:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T02:40:23","slug":"blog-2-hyperlinked-environments-a-peek-into-japans-public-libraries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/lttf\/2026\/07\/01\/blog-2-hyperlinked-environments-a-peek-into-japans-public-libraries\/","title":{"rendered":"Blog #2 – Hyperlinked Environments: A Peek into Japan’s Public Libraries"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u3088\u3046\u3053\u305d\u307f\u306a\u3055\u3093\uff01\u65e5\u672c\u306e\u56f3\u66f8\u9928\u306b\u3064\u3044\u3066\u5b66\u3093\u3067\u307f\u307e\u3057\u3087\u3046\u3002<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\nHello everyone! Let's learn about libraries in Japan.<\/span><\/strong><\/pre>\n
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The United States library system is deeply embedded throughout the country. Approximately 97% of Americans live within 5 miles of a public library (IMLS, 2019). I was interested to know how Japan’s library system compared to ours. While there are some similarities in general practice and traditions of librarianship, I discovered that more than 20% of Japan’s towns and municipalities have no access to a library (Omori & Ueda, 2024). What could be the reason for the gap in library access in Japan?<\/p>\n
Challenges and Changing Times<\/h3>\n
After World War II, Japan notably did not have a robust library system, and in fact instead had many “home libraries” (known as\u00a0bunko<\/em>) scattered about the country and intended for use within their respective neighborhoods (Kanna, 2003). These were some of the early roots that spawned immense growth in the 1970s, particularly with a focus on children’s literacy (Kanna, 2003; see also Omori & Ueda, 2024). However, there were still lingering challenges within the library profession that may have contributed to slower growth and spread of Japan’s public library system.<\/p>\n
In his study, Alix (2021) identified three categorical challenges in Japanese libraries today: recognition of librarians as professionals, inadequate quality of LIS education, and disconnects in community engagement.\u00a0 Further, with Japan’s significant and increasing aging population (29.4% in 2025<\/a>), programs were not always sufficient or otherwise patrons were not able to access library services (see Donkai & Mizoue, 2014).<\/p>\n
However, ongoing changes with approach to librarianship, mindfulness of community needs, and infrastructure have manifested across the country (see Aoyagi, 2026). In particular, the IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2022 has had a global effect on public libraries in many countries\u2014Japan included\u2014repositioning libraries as critical entities in building “a more equitable, humane, and sustainable society” (Aoyagi, 2026). Worthy of note, a cohort study of Japanese adults found an association between the environmental factor of public libraries (having libraries available, size of collection, availability of digital books, the community aspect, etc.) and a reduction in functional disability (Otani et al., 2025). It is clear that another wave of library “growth” is occurring in Japan, echoing its previous boom in the 1970s, but with the benefits of today’s technology, modernization, and changing views in librarianship (see Aoyagi, 2026; Kanna, 2003; Omori & Ueda, 2024).<\/p>\n
Exploring New Library Approaches<\/h3>\n
Let’s take a tour of some of Japan’s modernized libraries that have adopted more strategic and user-centered approaches than in the past. You will notice a common thread of large, open, airy spaces that encourage people to not only visit, but to stay and use the library however they wish. These library environments, augmented by awe-inspiring (but also functional) architectural design, bring not only community members through their doors, but welcome both local and foreign visitors, as well.<\/p>\n
Just for Kids \u2014 Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest (Osaka, Japan)<\/em><\/h5>\n
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Children reading inside Nakanoshima (Web Japan, n.d.)<\/p><\/div>\n
Designed and funded by famed architect Tadao Ando and opening in July 2020, this library contains books and materials geared specifically towards children. Every wall is a bookcase containing approximately 20,000 books not strictly organized into sections: the intent is to encourage children and their caregivers to explore freely (Creative Island Nakanoshima, n.d.; Time Out, 2025; Web Japan, n.d.). However, books cannot be checked out; rather, patrons are encouraged to read anywhere within the library or out on the grounds, which is the public Nakanoshima Park (Time Out, 2025).<\/p>\n
Library + Community Center = Musashino Place (Musashino, Tokyo, Japan)<\/em><\/h5>\n
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Musashino Place interior (Mineta, 2013)<\/p><\/div>\n
Musashino Place is actually a combination of a library and a community center, emphasizing a place of social connection for all ages. Programming includes opportunities for individuals to come together to peruse hobbies and take classes. This is of particular importance for the elder Japanese population to have welcoming institutions such as Musashino Place to stay connected with their community while also participating in lifelong learning endeavors (Mineta, 2013; Web Japan, n.d.).<\/p>\n
A Community’s Heart “Above the Clouds” \u2014 Yusuhara Community Library (Yusuhara, Takaoki District, Kochi, Japan)<\/em><\/h5>\n
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Exterior, Yusuhara Community Library (Kengo Kuma & Associates, 2018)<\/p><\/div>\n
Yusuhara has been dubbed as a “town above the clouds”. The library has become an important part of this rural town, promoting community, social connections, and exchange of information between and among the generations of those living there. Further, the Yusuhara Library follows Japanese tradition of removing shoes upon entering a home: patrons are encouraged to do the same here (Kengo Kuma & Associates, 2018). The image at the top of this blog post shows the architecturally-striking, open interior of the library, which encourages a welcoming third space<\/a> in this closeknit community.<\/p>\n
Consumerism Lends a Hand \u2014 Takeo City Library (Takeo City, Saga, Japan)<\/em><\/h5>\n
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 @kevandchen<\/a> <\/p>\n
There were students studying for free, wrapped in calm, surrounded by pages, and the lingering aroma of Starbucks in the air. \u2615\ud83d\udcda Does your country have a library like this? #takeo<\/a> #saga<\/a> #takeocity<\/a> #japan<\/a> #sagacity<\/a> <\/p>\n
 \u266c equinox – Beetlebug<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n