About JBPA

Word from the President

Japan’s publishing history spans well over a millennium−a proud legacy. Since ancient times, the Japanese people have gained knowledge, deepened their contemplation, and enriched their spirits through books. The publishing industry has long supported this rich literary tradition and remains an essential part of our daily lives.

While the industry flourished for decades after World War II, benefiting from an exceptional distribution system, it has now spent thirty years grappling with declining sales. Although Japan still maintains one of the world's largest markets for publications in its native language, the industry currently faces a wide range of pressing challenges.

These challenges encompass soaring logistics and production costs; sluggish sales and a shrinking number of bookstores; the rapid advancement of generative AI; efforts to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities; the proper administration of compensation systems for education and libraries; and measures against piracy alongside greater public awareness of copyright.

At the same time, initiatives to revitalize bookstores, expand into overseas markets, and venture into the digital sector are gaining significant momentum, bolstered by government support. As the organization representing the book publishing industry, the Japan Book Publishers Association aims to take the lead in addressing these challenges and helping to find solutions.

Our Association comprises publishers of all sizes, each conducting distinctive publishing activities across a diverse range of fields. We strive to provide a forum where these varied publishers can freely exchange their views and pool their wisdom in addressing shared challenges. We believe that doing so ultimately safeguards the fundamental pillars of publishing−freedom of publication, expression, and speech−as well as Japan’s rich and diverse publishing culture.

Furthermore, a key role of our association is to share information about books and the joy of reading widely−not only with current readers but also with potential future readers. As media diversifies and the ways in which people access information continues to evolve,data indicates a decline in both the number of readers and the time spent on reading.In addition, the forms that books take may well continue to diversify as times change. Yet, I believe there are many people who wish to read books if they are given the right opportunity. We intend to return to the fundamental principles of publishing and explore what our Association can do to share the value of books and inspire more people to discover the joy of reading.

We sincerely ask for your guidance and cooperation.

Norio Yamamoto, President