[Feature: Encountering Books] Yasukazu Yoshitama: The Pleasure of Savoring Books at a Hotel—The Challenge of BOOK HOTEL Jimbocho

2023/08/08

In December 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we opened "BOOK HOTEL Jimbocho" in Jimbocho, the town of books. Having previously operated a concept hotel themed around manga, we were blessed with connections to publishers when we opened this hotel. Since then, we have continued various attempts to provide attractive services related to books that go beyond mere reading. In this context, I would like to write about the pleasure of savoring books at a hotel.

When considering the physical appeal of books that digital media lacks, I think everyone feels the physicality of the cover design, the scent and texture of the paper, and the sound and tactile sensation of turning pages. Among these, one thing I find particularly attractive is the cover design. As I myself increasingly use digital devices for convenience, touching books of various sizes, materials, and high design quality once again makes me fascinated by their beauty. At the same time, it makes me realize how much information is excluded when books are consumed through a display. At BOOK HOTEL Jimbocho, we use this design quality as a keyword and display books so that guests can enjoy them visually as well.

From the perspective of a hotel, another attraction is that the stay-over nature allows for a deeper relationship between individuals and books. Based on the concept of "A hotel where you find 'your book'," our hotel collects only books recommended by book-loving staff, with comments explaining the reasons for the recommendation. We also offer a "Book Matching Service" where we provide recommended books with a personalized note based on a survey guests answer after making a reservation.

Because a hotel is a place where you inevitably spend a long time and can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, we aim to use that environment to help guests encounter books that resonate with them and immerse themselves in the world of books in silence.

Furthermore, due to the nature of a hotel, I have felt since the opening that the relationships with the staff you inevitably interact with, as well as with other book-loving guests who visit for the same purpose, can also be an attraction. Focusing on these relationships, one year after opening, we established the "BOOK Bar" where guests can interact with book-loving staff and other guests. We have also developed services such as "BOOK Pairing," which provides drinks that match books; "Buku-tomo.", an online community service to connect book lovers; "BOOK Kon," a marriage agency service aimed at creating connections for marriage between book lovers; and other book-themed board games and mystery-solving experiences that book lovers can enjoy together.

By developing these services, we aim to gradually create a place where staff involved with the hotel (those who applied because they love books and want to work in a book-related field, rather than just as typical hotel staff) and guests, as well as guests themselves, can form new relationships and share the appeal of books. Among those who actually use the hotel, there are people who stay dozens of times despite living within commuting distance, and those who actively interact on the community platform. I feel great joy knowing that they are enjoying book-related experiences from all angles, not just reading.

When considering enjoying books at a hotel, the location of Jimbocho is also an indispensable and attractive element. There are various book-related shops and companies around the hotel, including specialty stores for history and children's books, book cafes, and even bookstores specializing in fortune-telling, architecture, theater, and magazines. As is widely known, there are many secondhand bookstores scattered around, and I believe guests can enjoy the value of physical books both before and after their stay. Aiming to help guests enjoy these relationships with the town even more, we are currently planning book-related projects set in the streets of Jimbocho.

Since opening BOOK HOTEL Jimbocho, I have explored various ideas regarding the relationship between books and their surrounding elements, not being limited solely to the act of reading. In today's increasingly digital world, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, I feel the value of this even more. At the same time, I feel there is still room at BOOK HOTEL Jimbocho to dig deeper into that appeal and sublimate it into something valuable, and that is the direction we should aim for.