Japan : A Book-lover’s Paradise

Japan is a book-lover’s dream. Book stores are absolutely everywhere, from major chains like Book Off and TSUTAYA to independent book stores and small neighborhood shops – most convenience stores even have extensive book sections nestled amongst the canned coffees and potato chip bags. Books are plentiful and typically fairly reasonably priced (unlike at home in Canada, where it’s not unusual for a paperback to retail for $20 or more). Moreover, books tend to come as small paperbacks, perfect for slipping into a pocket for reading on a bus or train.

Japan has regimented social etiquette norms regarding acceptable transit behavior, and passengers are expected to refrain from speaking loudly or listening to loud music so as to create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Reading is a socially acceptable way to pass the time on a long commute, and it’s not unusual to see commuters swaying gently as they stand and read their pocket paperbacks. While smartphone users still abound, it’s much more common to see people reading print books on a train in Japan than it is in Canada.

The sheer volume and variety of books available is staggering. Bookstores and libraries often span multiple floors, with shelves packed with books. Aisles are typically filled with browsers standing and reading, and readers can choose from an incredible array of reading material on a daily basis, including an impressive amount of Japanese literature, as well as foreign books in translation. Japanese bookstores are like candy stores for book lovers, with treats around every corner (though being fluent in Japanese certainly helps).

With a literacy rate reported to be as high as 99%, a long literary tradition and easy access to affordable books, Japan is a pretty great place to be a bookworm.