#Japan #Tokyo #BFC #Book Fair #OVOL

The Exciting World of the Book Fair Championship

The Book Fair Championship (BFC), presented by OVOL Shimpaku Paper, is back with its second iteration, showcasing the most innovative and entertaining bookstore events across Japan. The competition, which has garnered considerable attention, aims to highlight the creativity and engagement of bookstore staff in curating unique experiences that attract readers.

On January 16, 2026, the final judging session took place, where the top 10 bookstore events were announced. Out of the 82 submissions that presented fairs carried out by bookstores over the past year, three standout events were selected based on originality, innovative themes, and unique methods of delivering books to audiences.

Top Three Events

1. Pair Reading - Presented by Hiroki Eto and Sayuri Fujiwara, Tsutaya Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture
This event encouraged readers to explore the world of literature through pairs, fostering connection and shared experiences.

2. Life Roulette with Books - Led by Hiromi Nagayama, Umeda Tsutaya, Osaka Prefecture
This imaginative event allows participants to navigate their life choices through literature, presenting a creative way to explore personal journeys through books.

3. Ensuring My Body Isn't Lonely: Between Giving Birth and Not Giving Birth - Presented by Satomi Funaki, Saki Yoshimoto, and Chieko Asakura, Book & Beer, Tokyo
This thought-provoking fair addresses the complexities of motherhood and identity, inviting attendees to delve into critical societal narratives through compelling literature.

Additional Notable Entries

Other noteworthy entries in the top 10 include:

• - Story Break (Konyasu Yoshihiro, Masakado-do, Osaka Prefecture)
• - Pokemon Book Card Battle (Tomoka Oda, Coach and Four Wakabadai, Tokyo Prefecture)
• - Book Gacha: Decide Your Next Read with Fortune Telling (Kanae Matsushita, MARUZEN & Junkudo Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture)
• - Cover Art Museum (Naiori Okada, HMV & BOOKS Shinsaibashi, Osaka Prefecture)
• - This is an Experiment: Which Do You Prefer? (Yuki Yamanaka, TSUTAYA Nakamawa, Kochi Prefecture)
• - Scary Bookstore (Sotaka Kawaguchi, Miraiya Shijo Nawa Shop, Osaka Prefecture)
• - Wishing Origami: Wanting to Become (Hiromi Usui, Junkudo Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture)

The Showdown for BFC Champion

The event that took first place, Pair Reading, will compete in the championship defense against the first BFC champion's new event, MJ Shizuoka's Book Story on February 2, 2026. This challenge will determine the next champion of the BFC, as the previous champion defends their title.

Prominent judges for the finals include award-winning authors Michiyo Kadota and Yuuki Takiguchi, along with bookstore owner Ryota Kure. They will provide critiques and feedback about each fair, encouraging further growth and creativity within Japan's bookstore community.

In an exciting twist, professional wrestling icon Hiroshi Tanahashi, known for his passion for reading, will be presenting the championship belt, embodying the book industry’s spirit. This prestigious moment will highlight the importance of bookstores in enriching cultural engagements in Japan.

The Essence of BFC

The BFC aims to promote unique and engaging bookstore fairs, encouraging professionals in the industry to expand their creativity and attract wider audiences. The winner of this year’s championship will receive a 100,000 yen prize and a champion belt as recognition for their exceptional event. This initiative spearheaded by Hiroshi Kitada of Umeda Tsutaya, is supported by various publishers, showcasing the collective effort to shape the future of the publishing industry positively.

For further details and updates, check the BFC's official website and social media channels.

Official BFC Website
Official X
YouTube Channel

Join us in celebrating the creativity of Japan’s bookstores!