Connecting Japan and the World Through Art Books What is the TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR ?

TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR : Asia’s Premier Art Book Event

Art book fairs are held worldwide as gathering places for artists and publishers who create art books, artist books, and zines. For book and art enthusiasts, these events are a must-visit.
 
Held annually in Tokyo, the TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR marked its 14th edition in November 2024 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. The event featured approximately 300 exhibitors from Japan and abroad and attracted      more than 25,000 visitors.

The fair was first established in 2009."The first edition was held at 'EYE OF GYRE' and 'Vacant' in Omotesando under the name 'ZINE'S MATE: TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR 2009.' We were a bit hesitant to use just 'TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR,' fearing the name alone might seem too grand, so we added a playful twist to it (laughs)." (Higashi) d a playful twist to it (laughs)." (Higashi)
 
The idea for the fair originated from a conversation between Hiroshi Eguchi, the former owner of the bookstore 'Utrecht,' who was exhibiting at the New York Art Book Fair in 2008, and Higashi, who was producing the magazine 'PAPERBACK' in London."Japan has many publishers and artists creating fascinating art books, along with beautiful paper and advanced printing and bookbinding techniques. We thought, 'Wouldn't it be great to hold an art book fair in Tokyo?' That casual discussion led to the birth of the fair."
 
Since then, the fair has been held annually, with the venue changing over time and its scale expanding. "It has grown naturally over the years. We feel that we are nurturing the fair together with the exhibitors and visitors. Some exhibitors have been participating since the very beginning." (Higashi)

Even visitors unfamiliar with art books and zines are often captivated after experiencing the fair. The opportunities to find books unavailable in general bookstores, interact directly with creators, and stumble upon unexpected discoveries at neighboring booths have drawn more people to the event, establishing it as one of the largest fairs in Asia.

TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR  as a Hub for International Exchange

Each edition of TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR features a guest country or region. In 2024, Germany was the guest country. The fair showcased prominent German artists and publishers representing the country’s art publishing scene. Participants included well-known artist Stefan Marx, the Berlin-based art book fair 'MISS READ,' and the globally acclaimed publisher 'Steidl.' These exhibits provided insights into Germany’s art book culture, offering visitors a direct experience of global art book trends.

The number of international exhibitors has increased in recent years . In 2024, nearly half of the participants were from overseas.Within the fair, the 'ZINE’S MATE AREA' focuses on emerging artists and independent creators. Kuroki, who oversees this area, shares his thoughts: "Recently, art book fairs have emerged in various Asian cities, including South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and China. We've received an overwhelming number of applications from these regions for 'ZINE’S MATE AREA,' highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the art book scene."

Why has TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR gained such international attention?

"One reason is the global appeal of 'Tokyo' itself. An art book fair organizer in Germany once told me, 'Tokyo is a particularly unique city in Asia with strong connections to the west' Perhaps Tokyo is a place that feels familiar to both Western and Asian visitors alike." (Higashi)
  "In Western countries, art books are closely linked to the art world, whereas in Japan, influences from self-publishing cultures such as doujinshi and mini-comics, as well as diverse subcultures, have led to unique expressions.""(Kuroki)

Looking around the venue, one finds not only books but also miscellaneous goods, apparel, cassette tapes, and various artistic expressions. The fair embodies a mix of creative expressions that transcend borders, giving it an atmosphere of organized chaos. In that sense, the fair itself is a true reflection of Tokyo.

Tokyo's Diverse Bookstores: From Archives to Zines

"Tokyo is home to many outstanding bookstores. There are large bookstores like 'Tsutaya Books' that offer a wide range of genres, areas like Jimbocho known for its rich collection of vintage books and magazines, and independent bookstores that reflect the unique tastes of their owners. Additionally, there are specialty bookstores dedicated to photography and zines. Each bookstore has its own distinct selection, making them all fascinating places to visit." (Higashi)

Many international visitors to TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR also look forward to exploring Tokyo’s bookstores. Some even request recommendations beyond well-known areas like Jimbocho, eager to discover other unique bookshops. For art book lovers, Tokyo truly is a 'city of books.' Visiting bookstores in different neighborhoods also offers a direct experience of local culture. Unlike typical tourist spots, bookstore visits provide an authentic glimpse into Japan’s daily life. "When you visit bookstores in residential areas or the places where you have never visited before, you naturally find yourself exploring nearby cafes, parks, and other places where locals gather. Enjoying these local landscapes adds to the charm of bookstore visits." (Higashi)

While large chain bookstores and general new bookstores are declining in Japan, independent bookstores with curated selections are on the rise, leading to a renewed appreciation of books as cultural artifacts. "More bookstores are operating online without physical stores. Additionally, some bookstores function as hybrid spaces, combining shops with galleries or print studios. With the launch of 'Pages | Fukuoka Art Book Fair' in 2024, art book fairs leveraging the unique characteristics of different regions are also increasing. At 'TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR,' we plan to continue developing projects that make the most of Tokyo’s distinctive qualities." (Kuroki)

TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR   is not limited to its annual event but will continue organizing various activities to expand opportunities for people to engage with art books. Why not use art books as a gateway to discover new aspects of Tokyo’s culture?