"Yomikake Bunko," a must-see magazine library  for culture magazine fans! 

This time, I would like to introduce the magazine library "Yomikake Bunko", which opened last year in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture.

“Yomikake Bunko” stores many rare and valuable magazines, such as culture magazines collected by the owner Watanabe, discontinued magazines, and commemorative first issues of popular magazines. It is a library specializing in magazines. If you pay the entrance fee, you can freely read all the books in the library.

About 20 minutes from Meitetsu Nagoya Station and 3 minutes on foot from Shin-Kisogawa Station, it is easy to access.

The exterior of the library has a stylish and retro atmosphere that could be mistaken for a cafe.

The simple and pure white noren with the “Yomikake Bunko” mark is very nice. "What is going on inside the library?"

When you enter the building, the retro appearance and atmosphere are completely different. The contrast between the walls painted white and the colorful collection of books is well-balanced, creating a pop and stylish space. The nice scent of wood is soft and relaxing.

Neatly stored and displayed magazines are no longer an interior decoration. One wall is full of bookshelves, and the collection is packed from top to bottom! It's a masterpiece.

Recently, it seems that there are more and more events where second-hand books are sold on the go, so at the entrance there were flyers of events scheduled to open. Event information is being sent on SNS at any time. Do not miss it!

On a sunny day, the warm sunshine makes you feel like you are basking in the sun.

What's Yomikake Bunko?

It's a library, but it's not your typical library. No matter which shelf you look at, whether you look to the right or left, most of the books in your collection are magazines. It is an irresistible space for people who like culture magazines. Please be assured that the librarian will not get angry if you do not make noise and keep quiet.

Most of the books in the library are magazines collected by Mr. Watanabe himself, but some of them were given by friends or donated by neighbors.

It was a great opportunity for me, so I donated a small amount. I hope many people will read it....

I was able to hear a lot of interesting stories from Mr. Watanabe this time, so I will also introduce the inside of the library and the interview.

How to use Yomikake Bunko

What you can do at Yomikake Bunko. Here are the prices and how to use them.

Part 1 Reception

Admission fee is 480 yen. Residents and students of Ichinomiya City can use the facility freely from the time it opens until it closes by paying 330 yen. All you need is an admission fee and no time constraints.
Don't forget to check the opening date when you visit! They will keep you updated on Instagram or Twitter. Reserving a visit to the library is also easy online. Regarding opening reservations, please feel free to contact them first as they accept reception even on dates and times that are not open days.

They also sell small drinks to accompany your reading. You can bring in food and drinks. (Be careful not to stain or damage the magazine.)
Also, even after entering the building, you can freely go in and out of the building, so you can say, "I'm going to the convenience store for a while."

Part 2 Relax while reading a magazine

There are four low chairs in the library, so you can relax and enjoy magazines in the comfort of your own home. Looking at the back cover of a magazine and wondering which one to choose is an exciting time. There may be new encounters and discoveries such as "A magazine that I'd never read was surprisingly interesting!", "I wanted to read this!". THey do not lend out books, so please read carefully to your heart's content.

Part 3 Let's use the coworking space freely

There are various ways to use the Yomikake Bunko.

I want to telework and study, but I don't have a place! In such a case, you can also use the building as a coworking space.

In addition to free wi-fi, Lightning cables, MicroUSB cables, power extension cords, and power outlets are available for rent!

Part 4　Casually shop for magazines only available here.

At the entrance of the building, they sell ZINE, a personal magazine that is difficult to obtain at other stores, and Little Press. ZINE/Little Press is a magazine in which an individual or a small number of people handle everything from production to distribution. Travel magazines that write about "a trip around cola" and projects that focus on niche fields are unique to Little Press. It has many fans and is loved by readers of all ages.

I recommend "Let us hear your magazine itinerary," a separate volume of dee's magazine, a free paper published three times a year.It's not a booklet, but a flower-shaped fold, which is very cute. I am very attracted to the free ideas that are not bound by the stereotype that magazines are equal to booklets.

The latest issue is like origami!

They also sell used books selected by Mr. Watanabe. There is no admission fee for shopping only. Please feel free to visit them.

The trigger is "I like magazines"

-Please tell me how you started Yomikake Bunko.

Watanabe: “I thought it would be fun to share the magazines I collected with people who like magazines like me. There was a time when I threw them away, but after I turned 30, I started to consciously keep more magazines with me. (Laughs) Even though it's just a hobby, I've been collecting them because I like them, so I thought it would be kind of sad to just keep them in storage."

“I learned about the existence of private libraries when I was wondering if there were any good ways to use them. Libraries that are established and operated by individuals are called “micro libraries” or “private libraries.” Private libraries specializing in culture magazines seemed to be few in Japan, so I tried. The good thing about private libraries is that you can only buy what you like (books). A place where you can arrange them, in my case it's a culture magazine.
Thanks to this, magazines that have been stored away in dark places and have not been read for a long time are now being read by many people, and I feel that they are alive and well. "

“Over the past few years, it seems that more and more people are starting bookstores and private libraries on their own. You might think that print culture and paper media will continue to decline, but that's not the case. Reading by holding a book, turning pages, looking at printed photos... You can't feel that with digital. There are still many people who feel comfortable with each "troublesome" thing.

As I said earlier, the good thing about private libraries is that they are specialized in genres. "Like" calls "like", and "likes" are connected. I feel that it is very nice. At first, it was a library that started with a small opportunity, but by opening it here, it has become a very comfortable space that I can call my 'third place'. ”

-What is the origin of the name "Yomikake Bunko"?

Watanabe: "I personally feel that a magazine is a 'book that is forever in the process of being read.' Unlike novels and stories, there is no spell of completion. I think of it as a rough read. I can always 'start reading,' like 'I'll read this special feature today.' or 'I'll read this essay.' I tend to pile up books that I haven't finished reading, and I feel very comfortable with that ease. I chose the word "Yomikake" (half-read) as the name of the library to express that sense of familiarity.

-Your logo is very cute.

Watanabe: "Thank you very much. In the store's logo, which has a flower motif, the word 'Yomi' from 'Yomikake Bunko' is hidden. I also really like it."

The trademark of Yomikake Bunko, which is soft and cute.

read it for now
3 Recommended Magazines by the Owner

Mr. Watanabe, who especially likes magazines related to fashion, manga, movies, games, art, design, and music, has carefully selected three recommended magazines. "If you don't know where to start, read these first!"

Selecting... Selecting...

relax（1996～2006）

September 2000 issue

The culture magazine “relax” has many strong fans even after its suspension. Special issues are issued for events and anniversaries.

The September 2000 issue, which he recommends, features KAWS, whose popularity has skyrocketed around the world thanks to a collaboration with UNIQLO. Learn more about KAWS, an urban artist famous for his crossed eyes. This is a valuable book to learn more about the artist KAWS.

Relax in such a cute small size! You can also read rare Relaxes distributed at collaborations with Parco and commemorative events.

H (Irregular publication since 1994)

November 1998 issue

One of the music magazines produced by the Rock in'on group, which publishes the popular music magazine "rock in'on". The cover of the gorgeous November 1998 issue was drawn by Taiyo Matsumoto, a famous cartoonist who is famous for creating popular manga such as Tekkonkinkreet and Ping Pong.

The behind-the-scenes stories of popular bands and artist interviews are worth reading, and the photographs taken for H are all beautiful. There are many fun special features every time, such as projects dealing with entertainment, movies, and animations related to music.

iD Japan (suspended since 1991)

November 1991 issue

I-D japan November 1991 issue with a young Rie Miyazawa on the cover! The Japanese version of "iD magazine", a fashion and street culture magazine representing London, England, is a very stylish book with a highly designed cover that is very stylish just by displaying it. There are many photos, illustrations, and information that will inspire you.

Here are some other recommended books.

POPEYE（1976〜　）

70's POPEYE with a different atmosphere from the ones currently being issued!

There are probably few city boys who don't know about this magazine! The first issue of the magazine was published in 1976, introducing the modern American lifestyle to Japan, and at one time it became synonymous with fashion. The magazine was also known as "Popeye Boy," a term used to refer to urban boys who were fashion-conscious and fun-loving.In contrast to the men's magazine Popeye, Olive, a women's lifestyle magazine, was published by the same publisher as a magazine for women.

Kettle (2011-2020)

The concept is "Aiming for a magazine full of waste." The attractive and luxurious "waste" that Kettle is sending out is now beyond the realm of "waste"! The knowledge and information you read on Kettle makes you want to share it with your friends. I also recommends this magazine!

There are so many to choose from, it's hard to decide which one to read. ..... In such a case, please consult Mr. Watanabe. He will select the magazines he recommends.

Free and easy
The way magazines are. How to make the most of you like.

Watanabe's way of enjoying magazines is to choose one by its cover, enjoy favorite features, and enjoy the photos and design/layout. ......
There are of course those who read them thoroughly, and it depends on the person. There are no rules, there is no end, and you can enjoy magazines freely."

Watanabe: "E-books are on the rise, and recently you can buy the book you want on Amazon or online shops without having to go to the bookstore. Sometimes it's fun to go to an independent bookstore or a private library without deciding what kind of book you're looking for. It is very interesting to see the owner's passion and favorite books. You can also find rare books that are often overlooked at city libraries and large bookstores, or come across a fascinating book. I hope you will take the time to visit bookstores and private libraries that you can enjoy freely."

Have you ever seen a magazine that you weren't planning to buy, but when you glance at the cover, you are so excited that you end up buying it......? Even if it's a magazine you've been wanting to buy, you buy it anyway, put it down for a while, forget that you bought it, and then suddenly remember and pull it out to read it. ......
Today, people are still drawn to magazines that allow them to enjoy themselves in such a free way.

Mr. Watanabe still buys various magazines every month. I am looking forward to the lineup of books that will continue to be updated daily.