Offering '2 Hours to Do Nothing' in Ginza: A Novel Event Combining Niigata's Food, Sake, and Literature

Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) will hold a novel experiential event titled 'Echigo Journey Felt Through Literature and Food' on Friday, June 12, 2026, fusing the food, sake, and literature of Niigata.

In modern times, where people are constantly exposed to information through smartphones and social media, 'time spent doing nothing' is being lost. This event offers a moment to step away from such daily routines and provides 'time to simply surrender yourself.'

The venue is a calming space illuminated by flickering lantern light. Attendees will enjoy Niigata's local sake and snacks while experiencing readings of literary works associated with Niigata as background music. There is no need to listen in silence; eating, conversing, and leaving halfway are all permitted. It is an unprecedented experiential event where even dozing off is part of the enjoyment.

On the day of the event, tastes of Niigata curated by the center, such as Niigata refined sake, rice crackers, and regional foods, will be provided. The readings will be performed by members of the reading project 'Fumi wo Yomu.' (Reading Letters), structured so that even those unfamiliar with literature can easily enjoy it.

Through 'food,' 'sake,' and 'literature,' this event allows participants to experience the charm of Niigata with all five senses, proposing it as a new relaxation experience tailored for urban dwellers.

Event Overview - Event Name: Novel Reading Event 'Echigo Journey Felt Through Literature and Food' - Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 - Time: Afternoon Session 13:30-15:30 / Evening Session 18:30-20:30 - Venue: Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA, 3rd Floor Event Space - Participation Fee: 2,000 yen (Includes food and drink) - Organizer: Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA - Cooperation: TK&F LLC - How to Apply: Please apply via the application form on the website. (https://the-niigata.jp/event/13655/)

Performers Saki Nakamiya Actor and narrator. Founder of the reading project 'Fumi wo Yomu.' Born and raised in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, she has made reading her life's work since childhood. She currently narrates audiobooks and takes on various challenges regarding her involvement in theater. - Wild Rose / Mimei Ogawa - Children Who Have Given Up / Ango Sakaguchi - Horned Owl Correspondence / Osamu Dazai

Kyoto Satonari Reading artist. Primarily distributing reading videos of literary works and original novels on YouTube, he also actively appears at stage reading events, delivering his live voice both online and offline. - The Story of O-Tei / Yakumo Koizumi (Lafcadio Hearn) - Climate and Nostalgia / Ango Sakaguchi

(Reference) Reading Project 'Fumi wo Yomu.' Website https://fumiyomi.jp/