Tsumugu Bunko, a Private Shared Library in Shin-Okachimachi, Taito City, Launches Crowdfunding Campaign Targeting Grand Opening on October 1, 2026

Tsumugu Bunko (Tsumubun), a private shared library in Shin-Okachimachi, Taito City, promoting community connection and exchange through books (located in Taito City, Tokyo; managed by Yasutaka Kawamura), will launch an All-or-Nothing style crowdfunding campaign from August 31 to September 20, 2026, to transition from its current trial operation to official full-scale operation. The campaign aims to secure support from 40 bookshelf owners, realizing a 'shared space for everyone' where individual passions converge through books, with a grand opening targeted for October 1, 2026.

Tsumugu Bunko Crowdfunding Special Website: https://tsumubun.jp/crowdfunding/

Interior of Tsumugu Bunko during trial operation

Background

In November 2025, Tsumugu Bunko (abbreviated as Tsumubun, formerly known as the 'Preparation Office for the Private Library in Higashi-Ueno and Shin-Okachimachi') began establishing a private shared library. A shared library is not operated by a single organization, but by multiple bookshelf owners.

Photo of library setup in November 2025

Each bookshelf owner owns one bookshelf, where they can place books or other items of their choice, and by lending these books, the library functions as a whole. Increasing the number of bookshelf owners is a crucial factor in expanding the library's collection and ensuring its sustainability.

Therefore, during the trial operation period, the rental fee for bookshelves—which would normally be charged—was offered free of charge, prioritizing broad participation from potential bookshelf owners. With the number of bookshelf owners reaching 39 during the trial phase, the library has decided to transition from trial to official operation.

Vision of the Private Shared Library in Shin-Okachimachi

The library's concept is a 'connected library created by everyone'.

Through books, it connects people with people, people with information, and people with the local community. While valuing face-to-face real-world interactions and aiming to be co-created by organizers, participants, and local residents, it also respects quiet moments when someone wishes to be alone. Whether in groups or alone, whether reading or not, the library strives to be a comfortable space for all.

A comfortable space for everyone, whether in groups or alone, reading or not

The library values inclusivity—ensuring everyone can participate, creating a calming environment, empowering each individual as a protagonist, and embracing encounters with people holding different opinions as new and enriching experiences.

The goal is to become a community library where people meet and form connections (bonds) through books—a 'shared space for everyone' that participants will continue to nurture together.

[Growing together with publishers, bookstores, and those involved in books]

As a space centered on books, the library hopes to inspire more people to engage with books and contribute to a world where quality books continue to be created. As a facility that grows alongside publishers, bookstores, and others in the book industry, it plans to host reading events and introduce book-related shops and facilities.

How the Shared Library Works

The shared library operates only when bookshelf owners rent shelves and place books on them. Furthermore, the library opens only when bookshelf owners take shifts as staff.

Those wishing to borrow books can do so for free upon completing membership registration.

There are three main ways to use the shared library:

① Borrow books

② Become a bookshelf owner (lend books, share information, engage in exchange)

③ Simply visit

[Benefits for Bookshelf Owners]

Becoming a bookshelf owner offers various benefits beyond shelf usage, including networking opportunities and space access.

Bookshelf Owner Benefits

[Shared Library Usage Fees]

① Borrowing books

Free (initial registration fee: 500 JPY including tax)

② Becoming a bookshelf owner

(lending books, sharing information, engaging in exchange)

Monthly fee: 2,980 JPY (including tax) *1 *2

(Space rental for subsequent uses: 1,000 JPY per session)

③ Simply visiting (reading, resting, etc.)

Free

*1: This differs from the crowdfunding return amount.

*2: Until all 100 bookshelves are claimed, the monthly fee is 2,830 JPY (5% discount).

Facility Overview

Facility Name: Tsumugu Bunko (Tsumubun), Private Shared Library in Shin-Okachimachi

Address: 2-2-1 Higashi-Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0015, Japan (1F, Shinada Building)

Opening Hours and Closed Days: Irregular (Note: Opening hours depend on when bookshelf owners are available to staff the library.)

Number of Books: Approximately 580 as of August 18 (target: over 3,000)

Number of Bookshelf Owners: 39 cumulative applicants during trial operation as of August 18 (target: over 100 after official opening)

Nearest Station: Shin-Okachimachi Station (Toei Oedo Line, Tsukuba Express)

Manager: Yasutaka Kawamura

Established: November 2025 (trial operation), October 2026 (planned grand opening)

URL: https://tsumubun.jp/

Crowdfunding Details

For the grand opening, rather than simply accepting bookshelf owner applications, the library has decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to widely solicit support. However, the bookshelf ownership fee offered as a reward is set significantly lower than the regular monthly rate.

Whether you wish to purely support the project or become a bookshelf owner at a discounted rate, we welcome your participation in this crowdfunding campaign.

Campaign Period: August 31 (Mon), 2026 – September 20 (Sun), 2026

Rewards: 1-year bookshelf ownership right (discounted vs. regular price), original bookmark, original book cover, original tote bag, name engraved on supporter plaque, etc.

Crowdfunding Special Website: https://tsumubun.jp/crowdfunding/

Bookshelf Ownership Fees in Crowdfunding:

1-Year Bookshelf Ownership (from October 2026) <Special Early Bird> [First 30 applicants]

28,000 JPY

Equivalent to 2,333 JPY per month (including tax)

(21% off regular price)

1-Year Bookshelf Ownership (from October 2026) <Early Bird> [First 30 applicants]

30,000 JPY

Equivalent to 2,500 JPY per month (including tax)

(16% off regular price)

1-Year Bookshelf Ownership (from October 2026) <Crowdfunding Discount> [First 60 applicants]

32,000 JPY

Equivalent to 2,666 JPY per month (including tax)

(10% off regular price)

Funding Model: All-or-Nothing *If minimum targets (amount or number of participants) are not met, the project will not proceed, rewards will not be delivered, and contributions will be canceled and refunded.

Crowdfunding Goals: At least 40 bookshelf owner applications, target amount over 1,140,000 JPY

Minimum Threshold for Project Implementation: 20 bookshelf owner applications (minimum number), minimum amount 560,000 JPY

Future Schedule