A book fair called “Literature Connected to Nishinomiya” is being held at “Kitaguchi Library” on the 5th floor of ACTA Nishinomiya East Building until September 2.
Here’s the flyer↓
The location is the west wall display bookshelf inside Kitaguchi Library.
Here’s what the display looks like↓
(Source: Nishinomiya Style)
On display are works set in Nishinomiya, as well as works by authors connected to Nishinomiya.
I had no idea there was this much literature connected to Nishinomiya…
This book fair is being held in cooperation between Kitaguchi Library and “Nishinomiya Bungaku Kairo”, an online literary museum run by Nishinomiya Style. Next to each book, there’s a description and a link (QR code) to “Nishinomiya Bungaku Kairo.”
The display also shows which part of Nishinomiya each work is connected to, like this.
When it comes to works set in Nishinomiya, famous examples include “The Makioka Sisters,” “Grave of the Fireflies,” “Alone on the Pacific,” “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” series, and “Hankyu Railway,” but there are also many works like “1Q84,” “Ao ga Chiru,” and “The White Tower” that make you think,
“Wait, this was connected to Nishinomiya too?”
There are plenty of works like that, so it’s pretty interesting just to browse.
By the way, one of my personal favorites is “Kessen: Nihon Series” by Musashi Kambe. It’s a fictional story in which the Hanshin Tigers and Hankyu Braves face off in the Japan Series, and the winning side’s train is run on the losing side’s tracks for the victory parade. It’s also an unusual work because it has two different endings.
In the story, there are all sorts of comparisons between Hankyu and Hanshin, including their trains, hotels, department stores, taxis, and more, which made it really fun to read. Back then, though, I’m sure no one could have imagined Hankyu and Hanshin ever joining together.
Unfortunately, though, it seems Kitaguchi Library doesn’t have this book in its collection.
Your favorite work might also have a connection to Nishinomiya.
