#Japan #Sanseido #Aichi #Kinokuniya #Maruzen

High School Student POP Battle

The much-anticipated event, 'High School Student POP Battle: The Story of My Chosen Books Becoming a Bookstore Fair in Aichi,' is being organized as a collaborative initiative among three prominent bookstores: Kinokuniya, Sanseido, and Maruzen & Junkudo. This unique fair aims to bring the freshness and earnestness of high school life into the world of literature by allowing students to showcase their favorite books, which they believe should resonate with their peers.

Background of the Event

Originally conceived by the Sanseido Sapporo store in 2024, the purpose of this initiative was to promote reading amongst youth through books that represent their experiences and emotions. High school librarians from various institutions in Hokkaido participated by selecting titles for the theme, 'Books I Want My Generation to Read.' These selections were accompanied by enthusiastic recommendation POPs and displayed in 21 bookstores across the region.

This collaboration has expanded to Aichi Prefecture, enhancing its reach and impact. Participating students will have the chance to win prizes, including book vouchers, for top recommendations, while the final 30 selected titles will be showcased in participating stores throughout Aichi.

Involvement of Kengo, the Reading Ambassador

To further enrich the event, Kengo, a creator known for introducing novels and serving as the Nagoya Children's Reading Ambassador, will support the initiative as an ambassador. Kengo emphasized the importance of sharing the joy of reading, stating, "Reading is a quiet activity that can be done alone, but conveying the charm of a book requires connections with others. Creating POPs is a valuable opportunity to experience this 'joy of sharing.'" He encourages students to express their emotional responses to books using their own unique words, free from the constraints of technique or format, as a single POP could unlock a reader's journey into the world of literature.

Event Details

Submission Information

• - Entry Period: July 1, 2025 – August 24, 2025
• - Eligibility: Must be a current high school student in Aichi Prefecture
• - Application Form URL: Entry Form (Forms are also available at local bookstores)

Privacy Considerations

Participants are required to consent to the handling of personal information for the purpose of this fair, strictly used by the involved bookstores for this event.

Where to Find the Fair

The exhibition and sales of the selected books are set to take place in November 2025 at various locations:
- Kinokuniya: Nagoya Airport store, Mozo Wonder City store, Prime Tree Akai Store
- Sanseido: Nagoya Main Store, Ichinomiya Store
- Maruzen & Junkudo: Maruzen Nagoya Main Store, Maruzen Asunal Kanayama Store, and other locations

Final Thoughts

Don't miss this chance to explore a wonderful array of books curated by high school students, each accompanied by heartfelt POPs that reflect their recommendations. This vibrant fair not only celebrates the love of reading but also honors the voices of youth in literature. Join us in Aichi and witness the creative spirit of high school students who are eager to share their literary passions!

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this event, please reach out to:

• - Kinokuniya: [email protected]
• - Sanseido: [email protected]
• - Maruzen & Junkudo: [email protected]

Let's come together to celebrate the next generation's literary journey!