Japanese Public Libraries for the Non-Japanese Reader

Apr 25, 2022

Japanese Public Libraries for the Non-Japanese Reader

After a while, you’ll notice the sheer amount of bookstores and reading materials there seem to be in Japan. While print media has been declining in the West, with the occasional revival, physical books and media are still very much a thing in Japan.  Part of the reason may be the literacy rate, which has been one of the highest in the world for a decade.  With that many people able to read, It’s no wonder the publishing industry churns out more books, newspapers, and other reading materials to keep people informed and entertained. If you are an avid reader, you may be a little envious at the sight of all the books that you can’t read due to the language barrier. Sure some bookstores specialize in selling books in English and other languages, and Amazon’s Kindle service is also highly recommended as well, but sometimes you might want to borrow a book from the local library or need a place to stretch out and study. This begs the question: What do Japanese libraries have to offer native English readers? Quite a lot! 

Take advantage of the lending network

Some libraries either have many foreign language books due to a partnership with a university or other local libraries in the area that allows for cross-collection lending. For example, residents of Minato Ward can borrow from Temple University Japan’s library by using their online catalog and then submitting a lending request that will have the publication sent to the nearest branch where they can check it out. Other university-city library cooperatives exist as well; it wouldn’t be a big surprise that the university in your area allows residents to borrow books from their facility as well. This is good because most academic institutions in Japan also participate in an inter-library lending scheme with other libraries, which could also be accessible by you as a resident.

In the Tokyo area, most municipal libraries of the 23 wards and the Kawasaki, Yokohama, Chiba, and Saitama city libraries participate in such a scheme, as may others.

It is not just about the books

Many libraries in Japan lend out movies on DVD.  While many of these DVDs are pedestrian public service videos on earthquake preparedness or tomes on cooking the perfect tonkotsu ramen, you may find first-run Hollywood movies in the mix. If you’re looking to save money on date night and need a good flick to watch, your local public library might have your hook-up.

Kick back and relax

Some may also wonder if the same vibe that exists in the libraries back home also can be found here. You can find a lot of misinformation on the internet stating that libraries in Japan only allow those with library cards to enter the building or that you can’t bring your own study materials into the building and spend time there. I’ve never had any of these experiences. In fact, quite the opposite. The librarians would go out of their way to help me to a free table or even let me use a power outlet to recharge my mobile phone while I read something. Not saying this is the norm and should be expected, but as long as you treat the library in the same manner as the ones you have in your home country, there shouldn’t be any issues.

Multipurpose roles

Your local library may double as a community center and even offer local government services, depending on where you live. Many also offer conference room rentals that you can use to host group meetings for business or a hobby. Because of this, there sometimes will be a bulletin board with postings of the different hobby groups meeting in the rooms looking for members. It’s a great way to meet others and learn something new from your new neighbors. Or, perhaps you may want to start one yourself?

Digital Alternatives

Let’s not overlook the fact we’re in the 21st century, and there are those out there who may have immediately clutched your e-reader and cocked a very skeptical glance at the title of this article. Many libraries have digital collections that include English books in various formats for different devices. The selection might not be up there with the libraries back home, but you’ll find that they offer quite a few options for those of us who are trying live a fully digital life.

In summary, check it out!

There’s plenty more on offer in your local library, but remember the first rule is likely that you’ll need to live in the area the library serves, although some offer lending if you merely work or go to school in the area. Make sure you have a proper ID (Zairyu Card with current address in the area served), and you should be well on your way to toshokan bliss.

Kakidai, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons