#Japan #Itabashi #Children's Books #Miraiya Bookstore

Itabashi's New Initiative to Boost Children's Reading

In the heart of Itabashi City, known as the 'Book Town,' a collaborative project among Itabashi City, Miraiya Bookstore, part of the Aeon Group, and Joshibi University of Art and Design has birthed a new and exciting space tailored for children – the 'Miraiya no Mori' or 'Forest of the Future.' This initiative was launched as part of a comprehensive revitalization strategy, designed to promote a greater appreciation of books and reading among the younger generation.

The Birth of 'Miraiya no Mori'

The 'Miraiya no Mori' section opened on the fourth floor of the Aeon Itabashi Shopping Center, transforming the Miraiya Bookstore into a hub for children’s literature. This new area emphasizes accessibility and a child-friendly atmosphere, making book selection a leisurely and enjoyable experience for families.

The bookstore aims to provide an enriching environment filled with picture books, children’s literature, and educational texts that convey the joys of reading and learning. Notably, the store features large screens displaying live storytelling sessions, which families can also access from their smartphones, thus bridging the gap between in-store and at-home reading experiences.

A Design Rooted in Local Culture

In collaboration with Joshibi University, the bookstore has not only been refurbished but also enhanced through a creative partnership that focused on community-oriented design. The interior boasts artwork based on the local bird, the white wagtail, which wanders around the area and culminates near the Itabashi Bologna Children's Book Museum, a prominent landmark of the district. This design integrates local narratives into the bookstore, ensuring that it is a welcoming and relatable place for the community.

The project’s design aspect has been overseen by renowned picture book author Taro Miura, alongside design director Yuko Sugiyama and students from Joshibi University, who played a crucial role in the conception and execution of the spaces.

Miraiya Bookstore Overview

The bookstore, now dubbed the Miraiya Bookstore Itabashi, is located at 2-6-1 Tokumaru, Itabashi, Tokyo, on the 4th floor of the Aeon Itabashi Shopping Center. Here are the details:

• - Phone Number: 080-4800-6208
• - Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

With over 100,000 titles covering a vast range of subjects, the store also offers a wide array of game and anime merchandise, ensuring that visitors can find unique thrills and joys not found elsewhere. Future plans include pop-up shops featuring popular culture products and various special events, reinforcing its role as a community hub aimed at promoting children’s literacy.

Itabashi's Strong Connection to Literature

Itabashi City proudly embraces its identity as a 'Book Town,' leveraging its ties with Bologna, Italy, known for its art and literature. The city is home to numerous children’s books from around the world, as well as the Itabashi Bologna Children's Book Museum, further solidifying its commitment to fostering a vibrant literary culture. Through initiatives like 'Miraiya no Mori,' Itabashi seeks to elevate its unique cultural assets, advocating the importance of reading and storytelling in the lives of the youth in the community.

As the 'Book Town of Itabashi' continues to flourish, this new children's section promises to be a vital part of the local tapestry, supporting not just literacy but also a love for reading that will resonate for generations to come.