Tadao Ando’s “Children’s Book Forest”

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2023年4月26日

Today was a chilly day with rain from the morning. In the evening, when the rain had stopped, I took a stroll to Nakanoshima after work. I had been curious about the "Children's Book Forest - Nakanoshima" for some time and decided to visit.

This library was designed and donated by Tadao Ando, with the hope that children would read many books and grow up rich in spirit. From afar, you can spot the distinctive blue apple. This blue apple is a symbol of youth, carrying the message that "youth is not about age but the state of one's heart."

Born and raised in Osaka, Tadao Ando, who once mentioned in an interview that he "can't leave Osaka," became an internationally renowned architect through self-study. Even now, he seems to retain the heart of a mischievous boy.

True to Ando's design style, the exterior is made of reinforced concrete. However, peering through the glass, one can sense the warmth of wood, evoking the image of a forest.

Since it was close to closing time, I was content with admiring the building from the outside. However, a security guard kindly informed me that there was still time to enter, so I went in.

The interior is spacious, with a high ceiling and walls filled with books. The ambiance encourages children to relax and enjoy reading. As an adult, 
I felt the urge to pick up a book and read at leisure. 

The eye-level windows allow visitors to view the outside, adding a playful touch to the design.

There were also many books that adults would find intriguing, especially those related to architecture, design, and fashion. Located near the Nakanoshima Public Hall, it's a great place to leisurely stroll and visit on weekends.

The library is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and is closed every Monday

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