Hon no Machi February 2026 Issue (Vol. 10) — Available Free at Member Shops from January 10

Thank you, as always, for reading Hon no Machi. How are you all doing in this season, when the cold still lingers even after Risshun, the traditional first day of spring?

The latest issue of the monthly Hon no Machi, packed with the charms of Jimbocho — the February issue (Vol. 10) — will be published on January 10. Once again, this issue is full of gem-like series and interviews that weave together the past, present and future of Book Town.

■ This Issue’s Featured Interview A special interview with Takao Kamei, president of Sanseido Bookstore, titled “A Bookstore Is a Door to the World.” He speaks about his passion for the new main store, set to reopen on March 19, 2026, and his determination to “compete on the strength of books.”

■ Series Lineup Highlights

• Inuhiko Yomota, “My Apprenticeship in Old Books”: The sixth installment, titled “The Magic of Onnazaka (the Women’s Slope),” recalls memories connected with Jimbocho.

• New series! Hiroshi Takahagi, “Curtain Calls in Full Bloom”: Enjoy a fresh perspective where literature and theater intersect.

• Shigeru Owada, “Postwar Scenes Around Jimbocho”: Explores the part of Kanda that was most familiar to Soseki Natsume.

• Naoko Shimamura, “In Search of Yojiro Shimamura’s Paintings”: Tells the miraculous story brought about by the NHK program Family History.

■ Art and Columns Throughout the Issue This month’s cover is “Harukasumi” (Spring Haze) by Masako Takezawa. We also bring you a wide range of cultural topics, from jazz, ballet and the International Chopin Piano Competition to a visit to Banuken, one of Jimbocho’s renowned establishments.

• Release date: January 10, 2026
• Cover price: ¥150 (tax incl.) — distributed free at member shops
• Publisher: Hon no Machi Editorial Office

We hope the February issue of Hon no Machi will keep you company in these quiet days as we wait for spring.

日本語で読む — Read this article in Japanese