Breathing new life into bookstores; Public and private sectors working to save ailing industry in Japan

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ken Saito, right, and other officials look at some of the books on offer at a bookstore in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on Tuesday. - Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun

TOKYO: About four months have passed since the government opened a new chapter in its efforts to support and revive bookstores, but it remains unclear whether this story will have a happy ending.

The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has established a project team for bookstore promotion under the direct supervision of the ministry’s head.