#Japan #Shibuya #Osiro Inc. #Book Clubs #Top Authors

Introduction

In a recent study, Osiro Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, announced the ten most read authors from 574 book clubs held on its dedicated community platform, OSIRO. This analysis, which covers events from January 1 to November 10, 2025, offers fascinating insights into reading trends influenced by significant cultural events.

Results of the Survey

Methodology

The survey included a total of 574 book clubs, aggregating both the number of held events and the communities involved. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough examination of the reading preferences among participants.

Most Popular Authors

Here are the top ten authors in 2025's book clubs:
1. Yukio Mishima
2. Kouichirou Kokubun
3. Thomas Mann
4. Natsume Sōseki
5. Han Kang
6. Kaho Myake
7. Kazuo Ishiguro
8. Keiichirou Hirano
9. Shinpei Inoue
10. Greg Mckeown

Mishima topped the list, largely due to the centennial celebrations of his birth. Additionally, the 150th anniversary of Thomas Mann coincided with 2025, leading to renewed interest in his works. Such anniversaries often spurred events and exhibitions celebrating the authors, encouraging communities to explore their literature together.

Examining Trends

Noteworthy trends emerged in the book selections for 2025:

• - Anniversaries Matter: The celebration of authors' milestones significantly influenced their popularity in book clubs.
• - Cultural Relevance: Prize-winning and film-adapted authors captured the community's attention, providing shared themes for discussion.
• - Challenging Reads: Books that were perceived as difficult or extensive often encouraged group participation, allowing for deeper understanding through shared dialogue.
• - Community Dynamics: Works that fostered safe spaces for discussion thrived, particularly with themes reflecting psychological safety allowing members to share openly.

For instance, Kouichirou Kokubun’s philosophical writings encouraged discussions that individuals might find daunting alone. Shinpei Inoue’s Kowasa wo Kangaeru sparked multiple discussions across various groups, demonstrating how community settings could enhance engagement with challenging content.

Conclusion

The results of Osiro's analysis shed light on the preferences and strengths of book clubs for 2025. The highest frequency of selections often aligned with specific author milestones, cultural relevancies, and the intrinsic need for dialogue among community members.

Osiro emphasizes community engagement and fosters connections through literature with features like the ‘Book Log’. This function allows users to share their reading journeys and connect with others interested in similar titles. Alongside promoting emotional sharing beyond mere information exchange, OSIRO aims to enhance artistic cultural expression in Japan.

For those interested in learning about how to conduct book clubs, more information is available in our supplementary articles, which provide insights and diagnostic charts for readers contemplating their own book discussion gatherings.