Takeo City Library: Takeo City- Saga Prefecture

Approximately 20 years ago, a group of people came up with an amazing idea, that some might’ve thought was basically crazy, however, history has paid dividends with an amazing result. Takeo city in Saga prefecture in order to put itself on the map and promote a region of Japan that most Japanese people don’t get to let alone international tourists decided in their wisdom to build a library with a Starbucks and a Tsutaya bookstore and to promote locally manufactured products from artisan’s within the region. 

There hasn’t been just one person who can be attributed to this successful idea, but basically a collaboration of many instrumental artists designers and architects were involved in the project from go to wow, the architecture is unique, the design is sleek, the products and services are used extensively by locals and travelers alike, in other words it’s been a win-win situation for everybody involved.

I have been bringing customers here for many many years now and there hasn’t been anyone who hasn’t been impressed by this concept of community spirit and all interested parties working together for the benefits of the local community It’s also interesting to see all the cars in the parking lot that come from afar, including Tokyo and Osaka may I add. Even today with the building slightly aging, it still has a tremendous pull for the average person to enjoy.

You don’t have to be an architect or a designer to appreciate how beautiful and aesthetic this building really is, 20 years later and well over 10 million visitors is testament to how good things still work for years and years after their implementation into the community.

Please check out the Takeo City Library on this map below:

Please click on these photos below to enlarge:

Please click on these videos below to see more of the Takeo City Library: