It is tiny compared to the 14,000 square meters of the Book Garden in Tehran, considered the largest bookstore in the world. The smallest book store in the world opened its doors just a year ago. And since December 2024, it has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Located in the town of Maebashi on the island of Honshū, Japan, it measures just 1.2 square meters. It’s a small wooden cabin that still holds 300 books.
The initiative comes from a local company called Sowa Delight, in the electricity sector. Its president explains that he wanted to create a “bookstore that adults cannot enter,” according to the Japan News newspaper.
“Books are a symbol of the wisdom that humanity has accumulated all over the world,” said Shingo Watanabe, head of Sowa Delight. “I want to give importance to letting children choose their own books.”
The store called “Tiny tiny bookstore” is nestled in the company’s premises, but is open to everyone. Only one or two children can slip inside to leaf through the books. When the weather is good, the roof opens to save more space.
As soon as young customers have found the book of their dreams, they can ring a small bell to alert the bookseller and adults who open their wallets.
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