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Library

Tea in a glass cup poured from earthenware pot, and loose tea leaves on a round plate

 

Library

The JAPAN HOUSE Library exists in both physical and digital forms, presenting a specially curated collection of books from novels to photography monographs, travel guides, gastronomy, to manga comics. The main library is located on Level 5 of Ovation Hollywood, providing a relaxing space for visitors to browse and read, while our digital library features selected books that anyone can access online. Following the philosophy of the book curator Yoshitaka Haba who believes that the curation of a library is an artform in itself, the space defies traditional library structure and encourages new perspectives on the books themselves. Scroll down to learn more.

For more information, please contact us here.

HOURS:
Mon. – Fri. | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat. – Sun. | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

COMPLIMENTARY GREEN TEA SERVICE:
Daily | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
*While supplies last

Library Entrance

In keeping with the mission of JAPAN HOUSE, the diverse collection of books explores Japanese culture, art and history, as well as Los Angeles as a home for the Japanese diaspora and site of economic and cultural exchange. We hope that these interconnected libraries will provide opportunities for visitors to feel connected to and inspired by Japanese culture here in the U.S.

 

Level 5 Library

In the main library, visitors can relax as they browse through our collection of books and periodicals. It houses approx. 700 books that are uniquely categorized into eleven themes ranging from Art to Food to Film. The space invites visitors to explore book contents and the artistry of book-making itself, with graceful bindings, paper textures, and design.

Printed books allow a different experience with space to pause, contemplate, and immerse in an author’s words. A physical library provides new encounters with ourselves and the world – it's also an ideal space for relaxation and study.

Library visitors can enjoy free WiFi and a pleasant respite from the streets of Hollywood in this 685 sq. ft. oasis, and often combine their library visits with attending Salon events and viewing exhibitions in the Gallery.

 

Library Arrangement

Digital Library

The digital library allows all curious minds to access our archive from anywhere in the world for free. This convenient, “always open” virtual library is a space that can make Japanese culture more accessible in readers’ everyday lives – such as looking up a recipe for a Japanese dish, checking out the newest book by a featured Japanese novelist, or learning more about the latest animation series that caught your interest.

Important Notice: Our digital library service will end on Sunday, March 31, 2024. The loan period of any books borrowed will also end at that time. We hope you have enjoyed this limited-period service and hope you will continue to join us in-person and online to learn about Japanese culture. If you have any questions, please contact us at pr@japanhousela.com.

Browse Books
book cover Contemporary Japan
book cover Japanese Gardens
book cover Japanese Home Cooking
book cover Kafka on the Shore
book cover Hokusai's Great Waves
book cover The Art of Japanese Architecture
book cover Tokyo Street Style
book cover A Girl's Guide to the Islands
book cover The Book of Boro
book cover The Little Book of Forest Bathing
 

Yoshitaka Haba headshot

 

About the Book Curator

Yoshitaka Haba is a book connoisseur and representative of BACH, which offers a book direction service for libraries at various locations. Through the production of library displays, reading areas and installations on shop floors, Yoshitaka aims to connect books with different industries, creating opportunities for people to have greater access to unknown books. His love of books spans beyond curation to include editing and writing.

 
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