Tadao Ando's Floating Library Hon no Mori-go Brings 2,000 Books to Kagawa Islands
A former passenger ship that navigated the Seto Inland Sea for 20 years has been transformed into a children's library, thanks to Tadao Ando's proposal to Kagawa Prefecture in 2023 and his generous donation of the refurbished vessel. The boat, named Hon no Mori-go, was received by Kagawa in March 2025 and commenced operations on April 24, 2025, boasting a collection of approximately 2,000 books. Its title translates to "Book Forest," connecting it to Ando's libraries in Osaka and Kobe. With a capacity for 12 passengers, it features a rear deck and a second-story observation area. The themed collection covers topics like life and nature, including picture books and guides, and the boat offers reading events, workshops, and cruises, starting with its inaugural trip from Takamatsu to Ogijima. Over 6,000 books were contributed, with the final choices made in collaboration with local libraries.
Key facts
- Tadao Ando proposed the floating library project to Kagawa Prefecture in 2023
- The Hon no Mori-go began operating on April 24, 2025
- Kagawa Prefecture officially received the completed vessel in March 2025
- The boat carries about 2,000 books and accommodates up to 12 passengers
- The vessel previously operated as a passenger boat in the Seto Inland Sea for roughly 20 years
- The collection is organized around five themes: life and nature, the wider world, the past and future, courage, and play
- The first voyage went from Takamatsu to Ogijima, where children joined a cruise and a bookshelf-making workshop
- More than 6,000 books were donated, with the final selection aided by the Kagawa Prefectural Library and municipal libraries
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Hon no Mori-go
- Kagawa Prefecture
- Kagawa Prefectural Library
- Children's Book Forest
- Kagawa prefecture
Locations
- Japan
- Kagawa Prefecture
- Seto Inland Sea
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Takamatsu
- Ogijima
- Kagawa