Key Facts
Midori Takano, a 42-year-old proprietor of the secondhand bookstore “Kosho Shirota” near JR Kokura Station in Kitakyushu, operates a unique mobile bookstore called “Kabunko Bunko.” Using her Honda Super Cub motorbike, she travels to various locations, selling secondhand books at events like markets and fairs, often alongside food trucks and craft vendors. Takano notes that the novelty of her setup frequently draws attention, encouraging people to pick up books. Her initiative has gained popularity through word of mouth.
The name “Kabunko Bunko” combines her love for the Super Cub and books. While she and her husband, Kosaku Takano, manage their physical bookstore during the week, Midori takes charge of the mobile bookstore on weekends. She ventures across Fukuoka Prefecture and even to neighboring Yamaguchi Prefecture, sometimes traveling up to three hours one way. When heading to Shimonoseki, she humorously mentions pushing her bike through the pedestrian tunnel of the Kanmon Strait.
Initially, Takano participated in large-scale secondhand book fairs but found limited opportunities to interact with customers. This led her to shift to a smaller, more personal approach, using her Super Cub to carry a compact wooden bookshelf that complies with traffic regulations. She personally designed and installed the shelf, ensuring it was both functional and safe.
Takano carefully selects books for each event, tailoring her offerings to the audience. For family-oriented gatherings, she focuses on children’s books, while events with a fashion-forward crowd feature adult literature. To make her books more appealing, she adds playful touches, such as handwritten notes or illustrations on price tags inspired by the book titles.
Despite challenges like declining readership among younger generations and the overall struggles of the bookstore industry, Takano remains optimistic. She believes her mobile bookstore fosters meaningful connections through books. Her husband, Kosaku, supports her efforts, expressing hope that she continues her work safely and joyfully.
For more details, visit the original article here.
Midori Takano, owner of the secondhand bookstore “Kosho Shirota” near JR Kokura Station in Kitakyushu, operates a mobile bookstore called “Kabunko Bunko” using her Honda Super Cub motorbike. On weekends, she travels across Fukuoka and Yamaguchi Prefectures, attending markets and fairs to sell books. The name “Kabunko Bunko” reflects her love for the Super Cub and books.
Initially participating in large-scale book fairs, Takano found limited customer interaction and shifted to a more personal approach. She designed a compact wooden bookshelf for her motorbike, ensuring it complied with traffic regulations. Her curated selection of books varies by event, focusing on children’s books for family gatherings or adult literature for fashion-forward crowds. She adds playful touches, such as handwritten notes or illustrations on price tags, to engage readers.
Despite challenges like declining readership among younger generations, Takano remains optimistic, viewing her mobile bookstore as a way to foster connections through books. Her husband, Kosaku, supports her efforts, hoping she continues safely and joyfully.
For more details, visit the original article here.
