Talk & Panel | 読書の秋 Fall into Reading

Presented by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan and in collaboration with TABLE FOR TWO.

読書の秋 (Dokusho no aki), “Autumn for Reading,” is a seasonal Japanese phrase that celebrates the cooler months as an ideal time for reflection, imagination, and enjoying narratives of all flavors.

This special talk will bring together voices from both academia and the publishing industry to explore Japanese storytelling from postwar kashihon (貸本; rental books) manga to today’s global market. Discover how these manga shaped the foundations of mainstream manga, such as the rise of gekiga (劇画; dramatic pictures), and gain an insider’s view of current global trends, what Japanese titles resonate most abroad, and the complex challenges of international copyright.

Whether you're a lifelong reader or simply curious, this conversation invites you to consider how stories are shaped, how they travel across cultures, and how they might expand your reading list this fall!

Celebrate 食欲の秋 (Shokuyoku no aki) or “Autumn for Food” with Onigiri Action, TABLE FOR TWO’s annual social good campaign. Every photo of a onigiri (おにぎり; rice ball) posted on the campaign website or your social media with #OnigiriAction provides five school meals to children in need.  

Come make and enjoy onigiri, and see how this simple, beloved snack can make a global impact! 

Browse our 古本市 (furu hon ichi) and take a free book home!

In Japan, furu hon ichi, or “used book markets” often held at temples or local shopping streets, are a familiar and nostalgic part of autumn. More than just a place to buy and sell, furu hon ichi are social and cultural gatherings where readers exchange stories, discover forgotten treasures, and celebrate the simple joy of reading.

We’re bringing this cozy tradition to DC, inviting you to celebrate the joy of reading and discovery by “adopting” a free book. Find a story, find a friend, and settle in for the season!

Dr. Deanna T. Nardy is a postdoctoral fellow at the at Harvard University. A specialist in modern Japanese literature and visual media, Dr. Nardy earned her Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Cultures from Columbia University in 2025. Her research plays at the intersections of race, popular culture, and media practices in modern Japan, and seeks to understand how the art of storytelling holds the potential to create and transform social relations.

Yuko Ogawa has dedicated her career to serving as a cultural bridge between Japan and the world. With a Master's degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of London and experience living in six countries, she brings a unique global perspective to her work. At , Japan's leading publisher since 1909, she has involved in numerous international deals, managing intellectual property rights for projects that range from manga and novel translations to anime sales and live-action adaptations.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required for security purposes. Program begins at 6:30PM. Doors open 30 minutes prior. No admittance after 7:00 PM or once seating is full. Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat

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Host or Publisher Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan