Risshisha

Hello. I am Ishibashi.

I would like to share from Tokyo now that I'm back there.

I went for a walk to Jimbocho after writing about
the Ryumeikan library on my blog two weeks ago.

Yasukuni Street is lined with many used bookstores if you walk from Ochanomizu to Jimbocho.
It's known as "the world's largest used bookstore district."

The University of Tokyo, Meiji University, Chuo University, Nihon University, and Senshu University
are just a few of the universities that started operating in nearby areas of Jimbocho during the Meiji period.
This phenomenon is one of the reasons behind this.
Only a small number of students could afford to buy new textbooks and specialty books at that time due to cost.
This led to an endless cycle where graduating students sold their books and others bought them at a discount,
which finally led to the area's high number of used bookshops.

Also, past challenges and good fortune play a role.
For example, the Jimbocho region escaped major damage during World War II air raids,
allowing priceless antique books and wooden stores to survive.

Randomly, I entered the store shown in the picture.
There were so many books from the Edo and Meiji eras
that I even asked the employees whether I could use the regularly bound books.

By chance, a book festival took place that day, and a huge crowd had gathered,
all of them seeking the book they were looking for.
Also, Yasukuni Street was lined with stalls, all of which were crowded.

We need to appreciate these kinds of cultural interactions even in this digital era.

Plus, Jimbocho has a lot of curry restaurants.

It also is related to books, and the number of curry restaurants in this town is believed to be
caused by the fact that "you can eat with one hand while holding a book."

If you get the chance, visit Jimbocho and take a trip back in time
it's exciting just to look around.

See you!