Japan’s local bookstores are facing decline as more people turn to online retailers and digital titles. The government is now stepping in to try and breathe new life into the business.
Japan’s industry and education ministers visited a publisher for an event to discuss the struggles that small bookstores are facing.
Imamura Shogo is a novelist who has been working to help salvage the business.
He says: “Japan has a wide range of cultural content, including some niche segments of manga and other literal works. I believe that local bookstores have been the key source of support for these diverse offerings.”
Industry Minister Saito Ken said the government is mulling plans to promote collaboration between local libraries and bookstores. Libraries would buy more titles from local shops. People would also be able to borrow or return library items using nearby booksellers.
Saito said a quarter of municipalities in Japan lack a bookstore, a situation that deprives children of the joy of visiting such shops.