Life in Fukuoka "English"

【BOOKUOKA】

The two weeks from October 27 to November 9 each year are known as “Reading Week.”
It’s a time meant to help people get closer to books. Autumn, with its refreshing air and pleasant weather, is the perfect season to concentrate on the enjoyment of reading.

One of the regular events held during this season is BOOKUOKA.

Started with the hope of “making Fukuoka a city of books,” this event is now in its 20th year. Bookstores, publishers, editors, and others involved in the world of books organize it, and a variety of events are held throughout Fukuoka City, including used book markets and talk events. During the period, the whole city comes alive with book lovers.

The main event is the Open-Air Used Book Market, which will be held on Sunday, November 2 this year.

The venue is Keyakidori Street, which stretches from Tenjin to Gokoku Shrine. Along this street, rows of outdoor book stalls will be set up. Publishers, bookstores, and general book lovers will display carefully selected secondhand books, opening small one-day-only secondhand bookstores. You may even find a rare or out-of-print book you’ve been searching for. Of course, you’ll also encounter many new books. Chatting with the vendors and browsing the unique booths is also part of the fun. It’s a popular event that draws a big crowd every year. Take a walk and drop by.

And another event that was first held last autumn and was very well received will also take place again this year! At Fukuoka PARCO in Tenjin, the limited-time event BOOK MEETS FUKUOKA will be held. Publishers and bookstores from across the country will gather, offering a wide variety of books.

A total of 34 unique small-to-medium-sized publishers from across Japan, along with 6 independently operated bookstores from Fukuoka Prefecture known for their distinctive styles, will participate. Each will present their carefully chosen standout book.
There will be a corner featuring recommended books from these book professionals, a traveling used book market, special exhibitions, and original goods for sale.

In addition, bookstores across Fukuoka will also be holding their own special programs during this period.

If you're interested, please search for BOOKUOKA.

This is an event where you can enjoy unexpected encounters surrounded by books.
Make the most of reading season this autumn!