In Japan, established bookstores are closing more and more.
In order to find a solution to this dramatic situation, book retailers are trying to work together with libraries by offering an original model.
Bookstores, a critical situation
According to the country’s authorities, bookstores are gradually disappearing, going from 15,602 in fiscal year 2013 to 10,918 in 2023.
Additionally, a survey conducted by the Japan Cultural Publishing Industry Foundation reveals that 493 municipalities (28% of the total) did not have bookstores as of November 2024.
Along with this, libraries often have multiple copies of the same book. According to booksellers, this limits in-store sales.
To try to find answers and solutions, the government is launching an investigation.
An experience that could develop
Hisamido, which owns several bookstores in Japan, has launched an experiment. This new service allows customers to borrow and return library-owned books in its stores.
As a result, the system pleases readers. And above all, the bookseller notices that his sales are increasing.
In fact, some customers buy books linked to books borrowed from libraries.
Furthermore, this win-win partnership also leads to an increase in library attendance.
As a result, the ministry is launching a project to support similar efforts through local governments as part of the state’s supplemental budget. Model to follow?
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