In May 2021, a small bookstore opened very close to the sea in the Kojima area of Kurashiki City.
Its name is "aru."
From the window, you can see the Seto Inland Sea, and a gentle time flows by.
Reading is very appealing.
It can broaden your knowledge, cultivate your imagination, and introduce you to new perspectives.
You might make unexpected discoveries from a book you happen to see.
Let me introduce the bookstore, aru, where you can feel that "the chance encounter with a book is wonderful."
What kind of bookstore is aru?
aru is a small bookstore that handles used and new books, including essays, novels, poetry collections, and photo books, all selected by the owner, Akashi Yuka, with the hope that they will be read in a "calm place."
During the interview in August 2021, about 60% of the books were used, and 40% were new.
It operates irregularly, open about 6 days a month.
Please check the official Instagram for business days.
It is so close to the sea that you can reach it in just a few minutes on foot, and the view in front of the store is excellent.
You can also enjoy the view of the Seto Inland Sea from the windows inside the store!
It is located at the foot of the scenic "Ojigadake Hill," where you can also feel the richness of the mountains.
There have even been times when a baby fox was seen outside the window.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in the garden.
On the day of the interview in August, wild bellflowers were found.
Inside the store, there are chairs where you can sit and leisurely choose books while reading.
Since you take off your shoes to enter, it's fine to sit on the floor.
You can spend a peaceful time in a place where you can feel both the sea and the mountains.
The owner, Akashi Yuka, is a writer and editor living in two locations
The owner, Akashi Yuka, is a writer and editor.
She is from Kyoto, and her love for books began when she encountered a bookstore while working part-time as a university student.
She moved to Tokyo upon starting her job.
For five years, she was in charge of planning and editing related to branding at a major IT company.
In April 2020, she became independent and is currently involved in writing and editing activities as a freelance writer/editor.
In the summer of 2020, she started a dual-location lifestyle between Tokyo and Okayama.
In May 2021, she opened "aru" and spends about 10 days a month living in Okayama.
For the author, Akashi has been an admired writer for several years.
A small shop renovated from a traditional house
The number of books available at aru is not that large.
It feels like a space with a lot of blank space that helps to relax a mind that tends to become rigid with information overload.
You can look at all the book covers and spines lined up.
Then, you might find a book that usually wouldn't catch your attention.
It is a bookstore where you can easily enjoy "chance encounters with books."
The building has been renovated from a traditional house.
Basically, a local construction company did the work, but Akashi and her friends worked on the painting of the wooden flooring and the mortar coating of the counter.
The central table is made from a single piece of cherry wood.
It was matched to the cherry tree at the entrance of the store, and I felt the warmth and strength of the wood.
The subtle decorations are lovely, and this humorous mask is said to have been left by the previous residents.
"I actually thought I would remove it once the construction was finished, but somehow I grew fond of it, so it has remained here ever since (laughs)," says Akashi.
What kind of books are available?
What kind of books does aru have?
Let me introduce a few specific books.
"Nichijo" (Everyday)
This is an annual magazine published by the Japan Machiyado Association.
It features interviews with people and accommodations that serve as gateways to various towns in Japan, exploring hints for rediscovering local daily life.
Travel enthusiasts and those interested in rural areas are often drawn to the concept of this magazine.
The unique cover illustrations, each different, are also wonderful.
"Hon o Okuru" (Gifting Books)
Books are created with the cooperation of various people.
Authors, editors, proofreaders, designers, printers, binders, salespeople, distributors, and bookstore staff.
"Hon o Okuru" is a collection of essays by ten different professions involved in books.
The cover has a fabric-like texture, with delicate illustrations and a foil-stamped title that catches the eye.
Akashi introduced it as follows:
"The cover of 'Hon o Okuru' changes color with each edition. The ones currently in the store are two types: green from the second edition and orange from the third edition. I love Miwa-sha's books because they are beautiful in both content and design."
Color Books Series
You can encounter books that are rarely seen in bookstores that only handle new releases.
The Color Books Series by Hoikusha consists of 909 paperback books published between 1962 and 1999.
These guidebooks cover a variety of topics such as gardening, wine, temples, and pottery, and they made extensive use of color photographs, which were rare at the time.
"They feel like small encyclopedias that you can hold in your hand, and whenever I see Color Books, I can't help but buy them. I have many at home," says Akashi, looking delighted.
In addition, there were various other books, including amusing photo collections, Snoopy books, and renowned foreign novels.
How did aru come to be? I spoke with Akashi Yuka about it.
Data about aru
| Name | aru |
|---|---|
| Address | 1421-18 Kojima Karakoto-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Parking | Available There is a free municipal parking lot nearby that can accommodate about 40 cars |
| Business Hours | Irregular hours, business hours vary *Please check the official Instagram |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Website | Official Instagram |
