You guys should thank your lucky stars that I’m in Kumamoto now. I made it my business to visit Kumamoto Children’s Book Forest, the latest hit project by renowned architect Tadao Ando. I first encountered his works when I visited Naoshima in Kagawa. Knowing that he was in charge of designing this Kumamoto library excited me to no end. Even before we entered the library, we were greeted by the sight of these intricate chairs and seats. Wood is still commonly used in Japanese architecture, eh? I love it for its earthy and cosy vibes it evokes. This was the entrance of the library. You can tell how books have reverence in this library. Each panel proudly showcases one book. No more no less. Every book has its special place in this space. I’m sure the Japanese staff have taken into account bookshelf wealth and coordinated the colours and textures and fonts. The books displayed on the higher shelves are bound by a plastic cover; visitors are forbidden from taking them from the shelves. But not to worry, if you really want to browse through a book, you can find it on the lowest shelf. I’m sure the Japanese did this because they wanted to preserve the arrangement of the books. Kumamoto’s most popular cultural export is Kumamon. Look at him welcoming you into his space and territory. Kumamoto is also home to one of Japan’s top three most awesome castles - Kumamoto Castle. I can’t wholeheartedly endorse that you visit it because it was quite badly damaged during the 2016 earthquake. But I guarantee you, once the recovery effort is done and dusted, it will be better and more magnificent! You can tell that Sensei loves books. I’m now making a deliberate effort to flex this library’s curves and lines and slopes. Just Instagrammable!!! SO SEXY! As a final touch, I loved how the library prompted the visitors to write a nengajo (New Year’s card) to themselves or other people. A fitting gesture. Books are about connections, and so is a nengajo. Sensei declares that he loves this place and urges you to take your child(ren) here. Make Kumamoto City a part of your Japan itinerary!   write preview