The Unique Foreign Book Festival Returns to Tokyo's Koshokai

Tokyo is gearing up for its only festival dedicated to foreign books, known as the "Foreign Book Festival" or "Yoshomatsuri." Scheduled for October 17-18, 2025, this vibrant event will take place at the Tokyo Koshokai, located in the historic Jinbocho district. The festival is a joint venture between new bookstores and secondhand bookstores, showcasing a wide variety of foreign literature.

This annual festival has become a staple for bibliophiles, particularly attracting university professors, students, and avid readers of art books, picture books, and novels. Participants can explore an astounding selection of books, reflecting numerous languages from English, French, and German to Hindi, Bengali, and Arabic. This diversity is what makes the festival exceptionally appealing, as it brings together works that are seldom seen in the regular market.

A Hub of Literary Exploration

This year's festival promises to be no different, featuring specialized secondhand bookstores that focus exclusively on the acquisition and sale of foreign books. Notable participants include shops like Isseido Bookstore, Kono Bookstore, and Takamura Bookstore, as well as new publication vendors such as Maruzen & Junkudo and Kikuya Shoten, all of whom will display their unique selections.

The festival is not limited to literature in widely spoken languages; it offers a rare opportunity to discover literature written in languages less commonly found in Japan, enriching the cultural fabric of the event. Visitors can expect to walk through aisles filled with titles from across the globe, deepening their appreciation for international literary works.

Shipping Services Available

For those serious about their book collections, the festival provides a paid shipping service, allowing enthusiasts to haul numerous boxes filled with scholarly books and rare finds without the hassle of carrying them home. Last year, many visitors could be seen purchasing large quantities of research materials and valuable texts, which speaks to the festival's reputation as a hotspot for serious readers.

Event Details for 2025

Mark your calendars for this two-day literary extravaganza where you can immerse yourself in the world of foreign literature:

- Dates: October 17 (Friday) 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and October 18 (Saturday) 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Tokyo Koshokai Basement Multipurpose Hall, Chiyoda-ku, Kanda Ogawamachi 3-22
- Access: A short 5-minute walk from JR Ochanomizu Station and the subway at Jinbocho Station
- Official Website: Foreign Book Festival

Participant Bookstores

The festival features a mix of both secondhand and new book vendors:

- Secondhand Stores: Isseido, Kono Bookstore, Suichu Books, Sobunso Books, Tamura Bookstore, Shoshi Tokeikusa, Nishimura Foreign Books, Furuhon Annai, Mikazuki Bookstore, and Yoto Books.
- New Book Stores: Kyokuto Bookstore, Maruzen & Junkudo, Sanzen, MHM, Folios, and French Books.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual reader, the Foreign Book Festival in Tokyo is an event not to be missed. It's an extraordinary occasion to connect with literature from all corners of the world and a celebration of the joy of reading. Plan your visit today for an unforgettable literary experience.