Japan's largest bookstore chain Kinokuniya hosts Taiwan Book Fair
The third edition of the Taiwan Book Fair has kicked off at the Shinjuku main store of Kinokuniya Books in Tokyo, Japan’s largest bookstore chain. This year’s event focuses on Taiwan’s culinary culture, drawing record participation from 36 bookstores and offering a vibrant platform to deepen cultural ties between Taiwan and Japan.
The book fair is co-organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan and Kinokuniya, which has generously provided display space free of charge at its flagship store. The opening ceremony was attended by key representatives, including Taiwanese envoy Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋), Keiji Furuya, Chairman of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council, and Takako Suzuki, Director of the Youth Division of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party. Kinokuniya’s chairman Masashi Takai and other notable figures from cultural organizations, such as SNET Taiwan and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, also joined the launch.
In his speech, Lee Yi-yang expressed gratitude to Furuya and Takai for their support in expanding the fair each year. Furuya emphasized the event as a symbol of the growing friendship between Taiwan and Japan, remarking on the popularity of Taiwanese cuisine. He mentioned enjoying a Taiwanese delicacy—canned braised pork—with rice, egg, and onion, expressing hope that such culinary delights would gain greater appreciation in Japan.
Takako Suzuki also highlighted the fair's potential to inspire Japanese readers to explore Taiwan through its books and travel to experience its food and culture firsthand. After the ceremony, Suzuki was spotted browsing guidebooks about Taiwan, showcasing the fair’s appeal even among officials.
This year’s Taiwan Book Fair revolves around Taiwanese gourmet culture, with 38 Japanese publications from 2020 to 2024 on display. The collection spans diverse genres, including fiction, essays, guidebooks, and cookbooks, offering Japanese readers a deeper glimpse into Taiwan’s culinary traditions.
The event underscores not only the cultural exchange between the two nations but also Taiwan’s growing influence in Japan, particularly in the realm of food and tourism.
