Tokyo Used Book Association

The Tokyo Used Book Association is Japan’s largest organization of used bookstores, with approximately 500 member stores primarily located in Tokyo. Since its predecessor was founded in 1920 and the association was formally established after World War II, it has supported the traditional used book industry for over 100 years.

Key Features

• Association-Exclusive Market (Ichikai): The association holds regular markets where members wholesale and trade used books among themselves. This is a system unique to Japan that supports the distribution of rare and out-of-print books.
• Cultural Hub: The association is centered in Kanda Jimbocho, a world-famous book district.
• Online Services: The association operates “Nihon no Fuhonya”(www.kosho.ne.jp), a platform that allows users to search the inventory of hundreds of stores at once.
• Activities: We regularly host used book festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events to promote book culture.

Even in the digital age, this cooperative protects small, independent used bookstores and preserves Japan’s rich used book culture for future generations.
For book lovers visiting Tokyo, it i