After crossing a small bridge that spanned a babbling stream, I proceeded on a muddy, moss-grown road that led into a cedar forest.
Emerging from the forest, I saw my destination—Lucha Libro.
This is a private library in the village of Higashi-yoshino in Nara Prefecture. Housed in a traditional Japanese “kominka” house, it was founded by Miako Aoki, 39, and her husband, who co-own the property.
I decided to check out this establishment after reading Aoki’s book titled “Fukanzen na Shisho” (Imperfect Librarian). I was drawn to her musings about what a library is and what “public” means.
The entrance to Lucha Libro is reached by wooden stairs from under a veranda-like porch. But many visitors are said to become perplexed there, because there are no signs telling them where to remove their shoes.
Aoki, however, said she will not put up any signs. She explained gently, “Visitors can always ask us. And I also want them to think on their own.”
Her comment brought to mind a park with a profusion of signboards listing “prohibited conduct.” I also thought of the endless “warnings” that assail our ears at train stations.
Although they may well be necessary, their stridency is quite unpleasant if all they do is to justify the rigid thinking of the authorities and force them on the public.
In the first place, weren’t “public spaces” meant to have an easy-going vibe? Wasn’t their purpose to encourage dialogue among the public, enable people to think for themselves and engage in what goes on around them?
Aoki asked, “Don’t you get the feeling that what is ‘public’ is becoming emaciated?”
While I sat on a sofa and asked about a book she recommended, a blackish cat moseyed into the room.
“This is our director,” Aoki introduced the feline to me.
Rubbing its ample belly, I kept turning the pages of a book. Time flowed richly and serenely.
—The Asahi Shimbun, May 24
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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
VOX POPULI: Private library in the mountains offers new model for ‘public space’
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24.05.2024
After crossing a small bridge that spanned a babbling stream, I proceeded on a muddy, moss-grown road that led into a cedar forest.
Emerging from the forest, I saw my destination—Lucha Libro.
This is a private library in the village of Higashi-yoshino in Nara Prefecture. Housed in a traditional Japanese “kominka” house, it was founded by Miako Aoki, 39, and her husband, who co-own the property.
I decided to check out this establishment after reading Aoki’s book titled “Fukanzen na Shisho” (Imperfect Librarian). I was drawn to her musings........
© The Asahi Shimbun
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