Terry Ito Column Vol.20 Local Libraries are on the Rise

An article in the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that an interesting phenomenon is currently occurring in regional cities. There is a growing movement to utilize public libraries as revitalization hubs for hollowed-out urban areas. They provide quiet spaces where people can read books, have conversations, and even have cafes, and are becoming very popular.

Miyazaki Prefecture's Miyakonojo City Library was built in the renovated building of the former Miyakonojo Daimaru shopping mall, which went bankrupt in 2011. There were plans to re-open the building as a department store, but the decision was made to relocate the city library. At the time of the plan, the library was expected to attract 270,000 visitors annually. However, over the past six years, as of February this year, the number has more than tripled, reaching approximately 555 million, making it a hub for revitalizing the city's once-shuttered shopping district. Isn't this good news? Recently, there have been a series of reports of department stores closing near train stations in regional cities. One hypothesis is that this is due to a shift in customer traffic toward large shopping malls being built in the suburbs. While the amusement park-like atmosphere, with its parking lot, food court, and amusement facilities, is certainly driving demand, families can easily spend half a day there. However, not everyone lives their daily lives like that. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoying the aroma of coffee while reading a book or browsing the web, a library with piano music playing could be the perfect hideaway.

It's strange. People have been saying for a long time that people are moving away from printed matter and books. Even though avid readers are increasingly enjoying themselves through e-books, it's great to see libraries revitalizing regional cities. Other regional cities are bustling, too. A public library opened on the former site of a general hospital in front of Anjo Station in Aichi Prefecture had 550,000 visitors by the end of February this fiscal year. A public library housed in a four-story building in front of Kameyama Station in Mie Prefecture is bustling with high school students who commute by train. The publishing industry is also cooperating with this movement. According to the Japan Publishing Infrastructure Center, the number of bookstores nationwide has fallen from approximately 20,000 in 2004 to approximately 11,000 this year. This is bad. "Print is an important part of Japan's culture." The publishing industry wants to support it, too.

If you think about it, going to a shopping mall is no fun if you're lonely. You can't kill time either. But at the library, it's okay even if you don't have money. In fact, you can discover new books and spend a meaningful and stylish time. I think this trend will continue to grow in regional cities. My future life theme is "being able to spend time even if you don't have money." The high-end malls that have recently opened in urban areas are too expensive and intimidating. Ramen for 2500 yen is now commonplace. Targeting inbound tourists is good, but it would be nice if there was a "relaxed and stylish library" where people from Tokyo could spend time comfortably. Love could even blossom in a place like that!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry