Used bookstores turn to Internet sales for a lift in turbulent times
20.05.12
Last of two parts
When talking about books, there are not as many polarizing issues as the contrast between chain bookstores and independent booksellers. Many people blame the former group for the gradual disappearance of the latter.
Without demonizing the big chains, independent shops have traditionally been an important part of the local community. This is particularly true for the English-language used bookstores which for many years have been serving the expatriate community across Japan. The two only surviving shops in Tokyo — Good Day Books and The Blue Parrot — are devoted to their mission and plan to stay around for many more years to come.
This said, 2011 has been a particularly tough year, with a steadily worsening economic situation and the repercussions of a devastating earthquake hitting the expat community hard.
"It was a real hard time for everybody," said Blue Parrot employee Marianna Maruyama. "Especially after the summer holidays, things have mostly returned as before but we certainly have noticed a decrease in the number of customers."
Source: The Japan Times