#Japan #Tokyo #antique books #Wayo-kai

Discover the Rich Heritage of Antique Books at the Wayo-kai Antique Book Fair

Are you a book lover? Mark your calendars for May 30 and 31, 2025! The Wayo-kai Antique Book Fair, which has a history of over 60 years, is set to take place at the Tokyo Antiquarian Book Fair held in Kanda, Chiyoda. This event gathers a diverse collection of antiques, from Edo-period books to modern literature, offering a plethora of items that showcase the essence of past eras.

What to Expect at the Fair

The Wayo-kai Antique Book Fair is cherished among enthusiasts and attracts eager visitors who line up before the gates open. This year’s fair will feature an impressive lineup of artifacts, including:

• - Edo-era Japanese books (Wahon)
• - Signed copies of modern literature
• - Paintings and calligraphy pieces
• - Ukiyo-e prints
• - Postcards from various historical periods

One of the highlights of the fair is the collection of pre-war postcards, a rare delight for collectors. Vendors will present numerous postcards that capture the nuances of daily life and culture in Japan from a bygone era.

Featured Items

Notably, 吉本書店 (Yoshimoto Shoten) is putting forth several fascinating postcards that highlight important cultural aspects:

• - Yamato Transport Postcard
• - Korean Customs
• - Herring Fishing
• - Postcard from Karafuto (Sakhalin)
• - Yumeji Postcards
• - Mitsui Coal Mine Postcards

These items, amongst many others, typify the eclectic scope of materials available at the fair. Antiquities like classical texts, artworks, and specialty items reflect the rich history and intricate art of bookmaking and postcard design.

Frequent Features and Future Plans

The Wayo-kai Antique Book Fair occurs bi-monthly around the end of odd months, consolidating various sellers from Tokyo and beyond, including Saitama and Tochigi prefectures. Attendees are encouraged to explore a wide variety of genres at affordable prices, potentially unearthing books they have been hunting for or discovering unique pieces that they may not have known existed.

However, it's important to note that many of the items on the catalog may be sold out by the time of the event, due to preorders. Therefore, visitors should review the catalog and understand the ordering process provided in the booklet sent by participating bookstores.

Mark Your Calendar

Event Details:

• - Dates: May 30-31, 2025
• - Opening Hours:

- May 30: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- May 31: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• - Venue: Tokyo Antiquarian Book Hall, Basement Multipurpose Hall, 3-22 Kanda Ogawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Entrance Fee: Free

Transportation to the venue can be easily accessed via JR Ochanomizu Station or the Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro stations at Jimbocho.

Various sellers, including Natsume Shoten, Hatanodaniwa Shoten, and others, will be present. Please remember the following details when planning your visit:

• - Bag check is available upon entrance.
• - Cash payments only.
• - The next fair is scheduled for July 25 and 26, 2025.

As the opportunities to interact with physical books diminish in today's digital age, the Wayo-kai Antique Book Fair offers a unique chance to engage with numerous collectible and historical works. We cordially invite everyone to join us for an enriching experience surrounded by the world of antique books!