FEATURED EVENT
TALK & PANEL | 読書の秋 FALL INTO READING
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 are 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!
Following the talk, guests are invited to stay and enjoy a series of seasonal activities inspired by Japan’s autumn traditions.
食欲の秋 (Shokuyoku no Aki) | Autumn for Food
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. Participants will have the opportunity to make and enjoy onigiri while learning how this simple, beloved food continues to bring people together and make a global impact.
古本市 (Furu hon ichi) | Adopt-a-Book Fair
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!
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr. Deanna T. Nardy
Postdoctoral Fellow
Edwin Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies
Harvard University
Dr. Deanna T. Nardy is a postdoctoral fellow at the Edwin Reischauer Institute of
Japanese Studies 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
International Licensing Manager
KODANSHA
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 KODANSHA, Japan's leading publisher since 1909, she has been 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.
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