Michiko Aoyama's novel 'What Are You Looking For? Go to the Library,' published by Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. in November 2020 and awarded second place in the 2021 Booksellers' Award, has now surpassed 500,000 copies in cumulative domestic sales.

The story follows five individuals struggling with life who visit a small town library and are guided by its librarian to discover what they are truly 'searching for,' regaining the strength to face tomorrow. This novel gently clears the mental fog of modern people worn down by daily life.

In 2023, it was selected as the only Japanese-authored book in TIME magazine's list of 'The 100 Must-Read Books of 2023.' It has also been chosen for 'Santa Monica Reads 2026,' the longest-running community-wide reading program in the United States, demonstrating its global appeal beyond Japan.

Author Michiko Aoyama shared a message:

'I keep asking myself the librarian Komachi’s signature line: ‘What are you looking for?’ Perhaps life isn’t about finding answers, but about continuing to search.'

Synopsis

'Are you looking for a book? A job? Or life itself?' Five people feeling stuck in work or life visit a small library in town. When they say they're 'looking for a book,' they're directed to the reference desk.

Inside the narrow reference counter sits the librarian, quietly knitting with yarn. Though seemingly unfriendly, she is an unexpectedly good listener. Visitors end up sharing their deepest truths and hidden desires with her.

After listening, the librarian offers an unconventional book recommendation—field guides, picture books, poetry collections...

Once the selection is complete, she retrieves a single small wool felt ball from one of the many drawers beneath the counter, handing it along with the printed book list.

When asked what it is, the librarian curtly replies: 'It’s a book’s appendix.'

Commemorating 500,000 Copies Sold: SNS Campaign Launch

To celebrate the milestone of 500,000 copies sold domestically, a special SNS campaign invites readers to share their thoughts and favorite aspects of the novel.

Campaign Period

June 17, 2026 (Wed) – July 16, 2026 (Thu) 23:59

How to Enter

(1) Follow Poplar Publishing’s Literary Editorial Department on X (@poplar_bungei) or Instagram (@poplarbooks1)

(2) Post your thoughts, favorite quotes, or scenes using the hashtag #LookingForAtTheLibrary

Prizes

10 winners selected by lottery will receive an original book cover.

(X: 5 winners / Instagram: 5 winners)

Campaign Details

https://www.poplar.co.jp/topics/68318.html

Author Profile

Michiko Aoyama (born 1970, Aichi Prefecture), resides in Yokohama. After graduating, she worked as a journalist at a Japanese newspaper in Sydney. Returning to Japan after two years in Australia, she moved to Tokyo and began her writing career after working as a magazine editor. Her debut novel, 'Cocoa on Thursdays,' won the 1st Miyazaki Book Award. 'The Cat’s Message Under the Tree' earned her the 13th Tenryu Literature Prize. Her novel 'What Are You Looking For? Go to the Library' placed second in the Booksellers' Award and was selected by TIME magazine as one of 'The 100 Must-Read Books of 2023.' She has received five consecutive Booksellers' Award nominations for 'Red, Blue, and Sketch,' 'Forest Where the Moon Rises,' 'Recovery Kabahiko,' and 'The Mermaid Who Ran Away.' Other works include 'Kamakura Uzumaki Guide Office,' 'I’m the God on Duty Now,' 'Matcha Café on Mondays,' 'My Present,' 'Usual Thursdays,' 'Your Present,' 'Amusement Park Gurgurume,' 'Chocolate Piece,' and 'The Endless Talk of Books.'

Book Information

Title: 'What Are You Looking For? Go to the Library'

Author: Michiko Aoyama

Price: ¥814 (tax included)

Release Date: March 2023

Catalog Page: https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/8101461.html

Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/0hBsMG2T

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: キャンペーン