Heiwa-do Group's 'Bookstore Summer Festival' to Be Held at Heiwa Bookstore Al Plaza Hikone on July 20 (Mon, Holiday)! Enjoy a Fun Day with Kids in a Book-Filled Space

Direct Shop Inc. (Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture; President: Tsunehiro Matsuzawa), a subsidiary of Heiwa-do Co., Ltd., is pleased to announce the upcoming 'Bookstore Summer Festival' to be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 (a national holiday), at Heiwa Bookstore Al Plaza Hikone.

Amid ongoing concerns about declining reading habits and the closure of bookstores, Direct Shop is committed to creating opportunities for people to engage with books and discover new favorites. The 'Bookstore Summer Festival,' timed with the start of summer vacation, is a unique bookstore initiative that allows families and children to enjoy a relaxed, book-filled environment through fun activities such as paper theater and shooting games.

At the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of hands-on experiences in the cool indoor space, including creating art by attaching origami fish and hearts onto illustrations related to Lake Biwa and other Shiga landmarks, making original bookmarks, and trying out air-powered bottle shooting games (with prizes). Additionally, the store's popular corner 'Someone’s Bookshelf,' where book lovers recommend their favorite titles to others, will feature selections by Shiga Governor Daisaku Mikazuki and Heiwa-do President Masatsugu Hiramatsu. The display will include personal messages from both individuals, highlighting their reasons for choosing each book. Governor Mikazuki and President Hiramatsu will also visit the store on the day to personally share their thoughts on their recommended titles.

Event Overview

・Event Name: Bookstore Summer Festival

・Venue: Heiwa Bookstore Al Plaza Hikone (6th floor, Al Plaza Hikone)

・Date & Time: July 20, 2026 (Mon, Holiday), 10:00–16:00

・Programs:

① Free Activities

・Origami Art

・Original Bookmark Making

・Bottle Air Gun Shooting Game (with prizes)

・Magnetic Fishing Book Experience

・Pin Badge Crafting

・Paper Theater (One session only, starting at 14:30)

② Paid Activity

・Piggy Bank Workshop

Time: ① 10:00–11:30, ② 15:00–16:30

Capacity: 6 participants per session (Elementary school students and above)

Fee: 500 yen

③ 'Someone’s Bookshelf' Unveiling Ceremony

Time: From 13:30

Participants: Daisaku Mikazuki, Governor of Shiga Prefecture

Masatsugu Hiramatsu, President & CEO, Heiwa-do Co., Ltd.

＜Important Notes＞

・All information in this release is accurate as of the announcement date.

・Images, illustrations, photos, logos, signs, and maps used in this release are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from actual products or conditions.

・The content and schedule are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.