[Kita-Nagoya city] Children's Secondhand Book Store Tsunagibata Main Store

​Children's Secondhand Book Store Tsunagibata Main Store is located in Kitanagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. It was born out of the realization that there were used bookstores for adults, but no used bookstores for children to enjoy.

A cute building that looks like it jumped out of a picture book in a large lawn garden. You can feel the commitment to creating a store that excites children with an atmosphere that you wouldn't expect from a bookstore.

This time, we interviewed them at the Tsunagibata Main Store, a second-hand children's store that has been attracting attention from media such as TV and magazines for its new initiatives.

*Information is current at the time of the interview.
Please check the latest information of each facility and store.

In spring, go through the tunnel of roses, where beautiful yellow flowers are in full bloom, to the world of picture books.

What is "Children's Secondhand Book Store Tsunagibata Main Store"?

We want to pass on picture books that are no longer read as children grow up to the next generation with the message, "Take good care of them". This initiative started with this in mind, and was initially launched through an online store.

As the number of bookstores in the city is decreasing, the "Children's Secondhand Book Store Tsunagibata Main Store" opened in 2021 so that children can actually pick up picture books and choose them.

The circle of sympathy with the initiative has expanded, and picture books filled with the thoughts of each person are sent to the "Children's Secondhand Book Store" almost every day.

The picture books that come from all over the country are sometimes accompanied by a letter from the previous owner.

You can also accept picture books that are no longer read at the “Tsunagu Post” in the store.

Inside the store filled with more than 10,000 picture books

The "mottainai book" wagon next to the entrance. You might come across a bargain.

"Picture book town" where picture books for 3 to 6 years old are collected

If you look closely, the bookshelf is also shaped like a cute house. Searching for picture books seems to be getting more and more fun.

As soon as you enter, you will be greeted by the Rabukku-go, which carries many picture books. You can relax and read a picture book in the driver's seat.

Each genre is arranged so that even children can easily reach it, so you can enjoy shopping as if you were on your first errand.

If you have any questions, please contact the picture book coordinator. It seems that there is a new discovery that you can select from a professional point of view.

The signs that guide you to the location of each book are also cute.

"Forest of picture books" where you can take off your shoes and enjoy picture books slowly

A section where you can find picture books for small children aged 0 to 2 and books for mothers.

At the miscellaneous goods section, you can purchase rare goods and toys of characters that appear in picture books.

The cornerstone of a children's secondhand book store! "Picture book cleaning studio"

In the studio where you can observe through the glass, craftsmen use various tools and demonstrate their skills.

It is carefully cleaned with a special cleaner that is safe even if it gets in the mouth of a child, and the book disinfection machine sterilizes and disinfects every detail to bring it to the cleanest state. Even if the book is torn, repairing it with a special tape made of the same paper as the paper used in the book will make the repaired marks disappear.

At the "Picture Book Cleaning Studio", you can try on a craftsman's uniform and experience cleaning and repairing picture books (reservation required). The written pop of the book is also made by the children themselves. It's heartwarming to see the pop written from the perspective of children.

Through experience, we convey the spirit of cherishing things, the meaning and reward of work.

▼Click here for details of the “Picture Book Experience Class”
kodomofuruhonten.net/form/21

"Children's small room" where children's books for elementary school students are lined up

Antique bookshelves are lined up, and wonderful reading materials and children's books are packed in a relaxing space with a nostalgic scent of wood.

If you take a quick look, you'll notice that there's also a device by the window. When the sun is shining, a fairy tale world is projected in silhouette.

Write your favorite parts and impressions of recommended books that you want to tell someone and share them with other friends in a “tsunagu (connecting) notebook”. Adults and children alike want to recommend interesting books to someone.

Ohisama Terrace, a relaxing space where you can eat and drink

Meals and snacks are also available on the sunny terrace. Drinks and sweets are also sold. You can bring your own snacks, too.

In one section of Ohisama Terrace, there is a diaper changing table, a breastfeeding room, and even a microwave oven, making it safe for families with small children.

"Book Tree" towering over the atrium

The "book tree" is the symbol tree of the children's secondhand book store. Climb the spiral staircase and look up at the picture books displayed from different angles.

In addition to this, the store is also characterized by an abundance of picture books that children love. The dynamic picture book is so interesting that even adults will wonder, "How does it work?"

At the "Gallery" at the top of the stairs, wonderful works by various creators are lined up on a regular basis.

It is a place where parents and children can come into contact with a variety of sensibilities and where talented creators can work.

"Hall" where live picture book readings are held

A popular event with many repeat customers, "Picture Book and Storytelling Live! (every Saturday and Sunday from 15:00) is held in this hall. Looking up at the large arched ceiling, you will see decorations of the moon, stars, and clouds watching over you.

In addition, classes for children such as "baby massage lesson", "children's writing class", "children's English trial lesson" are also held.

A lawn square that makes you want to enjoy reading time under the blue sky

The HOURS CAFE, a specialty store for nuts and dried fruits, is also located on the same premises. There is also an eat-in space inside the store.
Parked in front of the building is the first mobile picture book store, "Sora-iro," which will be active at the event.
On a fine day, I would love to lie down and read a picture book surrounded by the sound of the wind and the gentle greenery.

On the lawn square, the "picture book country marche", which can be said to be a festival of "children's secondhand bookstores", is held on the first Sunday of every month. Workshops, street foods, miscellaneous goods shops, etc. are lined up, and it is a popular event with about 1,000 visitors.

▼ Click here for details
https://www.kodomofuruhonten.net/news-detail/1168

Picture Book Select Pack is Popular
Online Shop

Of course, all picture books in the online store, which boasts more than 6,000 in stock, have been safely cleaned. You will surely find your favorite picture book.
We also recommend the most popular "picture book select pack" that the picture book coordinator selects according to your favorite things and growth.

▼ Click here for details of the online store
https://www.kodomofuruhonten.net/page/66

Depending on the child's reaction, the reading speed can be changed, or the child can look back or stop. Picture books read together become memories and are engraved in the hearts of the children. The desire to pass on the importance of picture books to children in the future as well was clearly conveyed to us.

How about spending a holiday indulging in reading at the "Children's Secondhand Book Store Tsunagibata Main Store" where anyone can feel comfortable at any time?