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マンガ・ラノベ図書館

The Manga & Light Novel Library at Kadokawa Culture Museum houses a vast collection of about 31,000 Japanese light novels and approximately 7,000 titles of manga and children's books, all published by Kadokawa. It offers an immersive literary journey through time, from contemporary buzz-worthy releases to the influential classics that have shaped the genre. Visitors are invited to explore these literary treasures in a serene setting, bathed in natural light streaming through large front windows or on the comfortable outdoor deck. Please note, however, that books are not available for loan.

*This library does not loan out books.

開催中の特集展示
Completed special exhibitions
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館内案内

First floor

The first floor of the Manga & Light Novel Library houses around 7,000 books, including a diverse selection of manga and children's literature published by Kadokawa. The children's collection ranges from picture books, educational manga, Tsubasa Bunko publications, to digital picture books, and more. Additionally, this floor features various special sections, each showcasing current recommendations across genres of manga and light novels.

Mezzanine floor

The mezzanine floor of the library boasts a collection of around 31,000 light novels from 20 publishers. These books are organized in Japanese syllabary order by the authors' names. (Note: This count is accurate as of June 2023.)

"Encountering New Stories" bookshelves for new publications

A steady influx of new publications, including monthly light novels, Kadokawa comics, and children's books, is continually added to our collection here.

"Books Are Friends" bookshelves for children's books

Occupying a corner on the first floor, we've curated a collection perfect for a child's first reading experience, including picture books, children’s literature (Tsubasa Bunko), and educational manga. Moreover, visitors can explore "content of the new era," such as digital picture books accessible via a smart device (iPad), and creative apps designed to stimulate children’s imagination.

GENYOSHI GARDEN

This is a garden that recreates the "Aogaki Sanbo (Green Persimmon Mountain Cottage)"that Genyoshi Kadokawa, the founder of Kadokawa Shoten, once had at his former residence in Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. Designed by Seijun Nishihata of the "Sora Botanical Garden", the space features aki-no-nanakusa (seven autumnal flowers) and weeping cherry trees centering around a magnolia tree, a species beloved by Genyoshi. On pleasant weather days, visitors can enjoy reading books on the wooden deck here.

紹介動画

The information is as of the time of the publishing of the video.

Declaration of Light Novels

In Commemoration of the Opening of the Manga & Light Novel Library

Modern literature, exemplified by author Natsume Soseki, evolved into diverse forms of highbrow literature and mass-market novels during the Showa era. These works, over time, found their place as classics within contemporary Japanese textbooks.
However, the young adult demographic, in search of literature capturing the essence of youth, yearned for stories they could choose for themselves.
Light novels (a Japanese term for young adult novels) are often the first choice for adolescents not content with the literature already available to them, carved out a unique, rich literary space situated between children's literature and adult fiction.
The language used in light novels offers a vibrant representation of the contemporary era. A notable characteristic is the tangible sense that the author breathes the same air and shares the same era as the reader.
The roots of light novels can be traced back to "Record of Lodoss War" which based on "RPG replays and influenced by the UK's "Knights of the Round Table" and "The Lord of the Rings". The novel "Record of Lodoss War" was created by Ryo Mizuno based on a video game in which it is possible to spin an increasingly rich story as more players join the game.
This mere A6 pocket-sized publication occupied an entire corner of Kadokawa Bunko, became best seller that enthralled young boys and girls. According to a survey by the Mainichi Shimbun, it held the top spot in lending rates in middle and high school libraries for an impressive ten-year run.

Changing Time, Changing Publishing.

Throughout the extensive course of human history, Japanese content, often categorized as subculture, has infused a refreshing dynamism into the high-culture arts traditionally nurtured by the West. From manga and anime to video games, young people worldwide have shown a receptive affinity towards content originating from Japan. Yet, light novels – an additional, uniquely Japanese form of creative expression – demonstrate an even more formidable communicative prowess.

Although this library does accommodate comics, it can rightfully be considered the world's most extensive library specifically dedicated to light novels.

Tsuguhiko Kadokawa

Pagetop