What exactly is a library? According to the Library Law, it is: “where books, records, and other important documents are collected, organized and stored for public use. A place with the purpose to contribute to pursuits such as education, research and recreation.” (from Library Law, Chapter 1, Article 2 (Definition))
A “Town Library” is a small library in a town where people from the area come together and bring books and share knowledge. Building a book shelf in a cafe, office, hospital, temple, or even a private home, and have everyone bring a favourite book to share. The giver of the book gives a card with their thoughts on the book along with the book to the person who takes it out. The person who borrowed the book then writes their thoughts regarding the book on the same card. With sharing these thoughts, the books become a new community to connect people.

Choteruyama Hiunji Temple in the Yotsuya area of Tokyo enshrines Oiwa-san of the famous ghost story Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan. On weekdays, the temple attracts endless stream of visitors. Beside the Inari fox, the Shinto god’s messenger, there’s a bench and a small birdhouse-shaped bookshelf. Worshippers here often take a small break, and take a book. Hiunji Temple started participating in the Town Library program in 2011 when it was invited to by advocate Yoshimitsu Isoi. According to Vice Priest Kenro Uematsu, “in the past, they were a place where people gathered together, for the temple schools, Noh or Kabuki plays, and so on. ”Hopefully this will resurrect the temple as a place for the community.” With this in mind, they agreed to take part. The library inside the temple itself is open on the first day of each month in conjunction with the prayer for good fortune. The birdhouse-shaped bookshelf outside can be used by anyone as long as the temple gates are open.

Hiunji Temple is located right in the middle of office buildings. Recently high-rise apartments have been increasing, and with new residents in the area, there is a weakening of connections amongst the neighbours. “The first step is to have a place where people can come together,” says Uematsu. If one borrows a book, they’ll come to return it, and this is the birth of communicating with others. With the cards to write thoughts regarding the books, people can share their values, and touch on new experiences. There is also the possibility to meet new people through these books. Currently, there are 460 Town Libraries all over Japan. With their gradual increase, this is a new GOOD Japan.

In cooperation with:
Town Library
Choteruyama Hiunji Temple