In an enchanting journey across Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture, a unique floating library known as Hon no Mori-go sets sail, reconnecting children with books amidst the serene backdrop of the archipelago. This floating library experience, conceived by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, embarked on its mission on April 24, 2025, traversing the Seto Inland Sea with a trove of approximately 2,000 books.
The Vision Behind the Floating Library
The project gained momentum following Ando’s 2023 proposal and subsequent donation of the vessel through his architectural firm. Originally a passenger ship serving the waters for two decades, it now breathes new life as a children’s library. Kagawa Prefecture officially received the reimagined vessel in March 2025, just in time for its maiden educational journey.
The name Hon no Mori-go, translating to “Book Forest,” is a nod to Ando’s successful series of Children’s Book Forest libraries located in Osaka and Kobe. The ship, designed to house up to 12 readers at a time, extends its educational reach with a rear and second-story observation deck—inviting children to read both aboard and outdoors.
As it navigates among the islands, Hon no Mori-go carries a curated collection of literature reflecting the intricate bond between the sea, nature, and the diverse island culture. The thematic spectrum explores life and nature, the wider world, the past and future, courage, and play, presented through picture books, narrative stories, and educational texts. This selection encourages young minds to contemplate life both within and beyond Japanese shores.
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Beyond delivering books, the vessel invites local children on voyages, offering immersive workshops and reading sessions that harmonize with their natural surroundings. The project also hosts a range of reading events and regularly brings literary delights to islands lacking comprehensive library services.
The inaugural voyage took place in April 2025, as the floating library sailed from Takamatsu to Ogijima. Here, children delighted in a unique experience aboard the ship, partaking in a creative workshop to construct a bespoke bookshelf. The rich collection, including more than 6,000 books donated, was carefully curated with input from the Kagawa Prefectural Library.
For additional insights into the motivation and overarching vision behind the children’s library ship, one might consider exploring sources such as “Tadao Ando Designed & Donated a Floating Library that Delivers Books to Children” along with “About the Children’s Library Ship Project”.
Through this visionary initiative, Ando’s Hon no Mori-go transcends traditional library boundaries, bringing not just books but also experiences and explorations to Japan’s island youth.
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Source: mymodernmet.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Hon no Mori-go?
Hon no Mori-go is a unique floating library that reconnects children with books while traveling across Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture. Conceived by architect Tadao Ando, it sails with approximately 2,000 books.
Who designed the floating library?
The floating library was designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. He proposed the project in 2023 and donated the vessel through his architectural firm.
What does the ship Hon no Mori-go carry?
Hon no Mori-go carries a curated collection of approximately 2,000 books reflecting themes like life, nature, the wider world, and the past and future. The selection includes picture books, narrative stories, and educational texts.