TOKYO – As Japan marks the 20th anniversary of its groundbreaking Print Culture Law, advocates, educators, and policymakers gathered in Tokyo to celebrate two decades of progress in promoting reading and print literacy. Since its enactment in July 2005, the law has driven a wave of improvements in Japan’s reading environment, including a significant rise in public libraries, expanded reading initiatives for children, and enhanced language education in schools.
Yet, the celebration comes at a critical time. The digital age has brought challenges to traditional print culture, as smartphones and tablets increasingly pull readers—especially the younger generation—away from books.
A Law with National Impact
The Law Concerning the Promotion of Letters and the Culture of Print was introduced by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to combat “aliteracy”—the ability to read without the habit of doing so. Its guiding principles called on both the national and local governments to create a supportive infrastructure for reading, including maintaining adequate numbers of libraries and promoting language development in schools.
Since then, the number of public libraries has increased by approximately 400, reaching 3,394 by fiscal 2021. The momentum continued with the revision of the School Library Law, which encouraged municipalities to assign qualified school librarians, and the enactment of the Reading Barrier-Free Law, aimed at making reading accessible to the visually impaired.
“There are visible and invisible ways this law has supported our culture,” said Nobuyuki Isobe, research director at the Japan School Library Association. “From picture books for children to specialized library staffing, it all contributes to nurturing thoughtful, literate citizens.”
Supporting Literacy from Infancy
A cornerstone initiative under the law is Book Start, a national program where municipalities gift picture books to children during health checkups or at key educational milestones. The number of participating municipalities has skyrocketed—from just 36 in 2001 to 1,118 in 2024.
In Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, infants receive books at medical checkups, followed by live storytelling sessions. In Yamakita, Kanagawa Prefecture, picture books are given not just at baby checkups, but again at age three and when children start school. These initiatives aim to establish reading as a lifelong habit from the earliest stages of life.
Meanwhile, school curricula have also been updated to integrate reading more meaningfully. Since 2008, “enrichment of language activities” has been a formal part of education policy. At some schools, this means students use physical books and encyclopedias for research projects—promoting active, inquiry-based learning.
Ongoing Challenges: Digital Competition and Uneven Access
Despite these achievements, there are gaps. A Yomiuri Shimbun survey in 2024 revealed that 256 municipalities—about 15% of the national total—have no public libraries or bookstores, up from 247 in 2022. The disparity suggests that rural or underserved areas are at risk of being left behind.
School libraries, too, are stretched thin. While over 70% of public elementary and junior high schools have access to librarians, in many areas one librarian is shared across multiple schools. In Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, however, each school is assigned its own librarian—a model some believe should be adopted nationwide.
Digital devices are also changing reading habits. Under Japan’s GIGA School Program, tablets have been distributed to all elementary and junior high students since 2019. While the move aims to modernize learning, some educators question whether the convenience of digital tools is undermining the role of traditional libraries.
A Cultural Affairs Agency survey released last year showed that 62.6% of people aged 16 and older did not read a single book in a typical month, with 43.6% citing smartphone usage as the main reason.
“In today’s society, where people are constantly consuming shallow online content, the ability to engage with proper publications and evaluate information critically is more important than ever,” said Prof. Tatsuya Inai of Taisho University, an expert in Japanese language education. “That’s why the Print Culture Law remains vital.”
Looking Ahead
The 20th anniversary forum in Tokyo was not just a commemoration but also a call to action. Prof. Yoshihiro Katayama, a former internal affairs and communications minister, emphasized that building a strong print culture requires ongoing commitment.
“It will be important to have more book lovers and supporters,” he said. “We need to nurture a society that values deep, reflective reading—not just quick, disposable content.”
As Japan navigates the challenges of the digital era, the legacy of the Print Culture Law stands as a reminder: in the age of information overload, the quiet act of reading remains a powerful force for critical thinking, empathy, and cultural continuity.
FAQs
Q1: What is Japan’s Print Culture Law?
The Print Culture Law, enacted in July 2005, is a national policy aimed at promoting reading and literacy by increasing access to books, expanding public libraries, enhancing language education in schools, and encouraging a lifelong engagement with print media.
Q2: How has the law impacted children’s reading habits?
The law has led to initiatives like Book Start, where municipalities distribute free picture books during medical checkups and school enrollment. It also helped revise school curriculums and library staffing, ensuring children grow up in a rich reading environment.
