{"id":209,"date":"2026-07-21T08:14:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T23:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/about-childrens-book-forest-sapporo-hokkaido-university\/"},"modified":"2026-07-21T08:14:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T23:14:21","slug":"about-childrens-book-forest-sapporo-hokkaido-university","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/about-childrens-book-forest-sapporo-hokkaido-university\/","title":{"rendered":"About Children’s Book Forest Sapporo\/Hokkaido University"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

\n Nestled in the lush grounds of Hokkaido University, \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University\u201d stands in harmony with towering trees.
It is a place to encounter books and \u201copen up knowledge.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n Step inside, and you\u2019ll find yourself in a \u201cforest of books\u201d spreading across the entire wall.
Books gathered across ages, genres, and countries open the door to worlds you have yet to see.\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n Look out the window, and you\u2019ll see the beautiful seasons of Hokkaido University unfolding before you.
The rich nature you feel with all five senses gently stimulates children\u2019s sensibilities.\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n Encounters with cutting-edge research unique to a university, and with university students who are already walking a step into the future, also broaden children\u2019s horizons.\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n A place to engage in dialogue with books, nature, and people.
Within those rich interactions, they open up their own possibilities.
Children\u2019s intellectual curiosity will be nurtured ever deeper and wider.\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tOpen Up Knowledge for Children<\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t\tConcept<\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n Through encounters with books, nurture curiosity about the world and
imagination and creativity\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n
\n This facility aims to be a space where children who read and children who don\u2019t usually read can naturally pick up books, follow their curiosity, and enjoy special time and experiences.
It will also be a place where children can encounter books they will still find compelling as they grow up and become adults. To that end, we will collect books across ages, genres, and countries, creating many opportunities to discover a wide variety of books. Such encounters with books help people touch worlds they have never seen, broaden their interests and knowledge, encourage personal growth, and foster imagination and creativity.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n
\n
\n Connect with diverse knowledge and people,
and deepen learning\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n
\n This facility will be created within Hokkaido University, a place of learning. In a historic learning environment where world-leading, cutting-edge research is conducted, we will create connections to a wide range of knowledge so that children can experience the joy and depth of learning and research. Through collaboration with the university, the university library, and various research facilities, as well as mechanisms that connect children with the university, we will create learning opportunities unique to a library established in this setting.
In addition, a university is a place where not only diverse knowledge and information, but also people with different backgrounds and areas of expertise, come together. Simply interacting with such people can become an opportunity for children\u2019s growth. By engaging with people such as undergraduate and graduate students\u2014who are closer to children than adults are\u2014this will help children and university students deepen their learning together.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n
\n
\n In an inspiring space and rich nature,
immerse yourself in reading\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n
\n In addition to an appealing architectural design that lets you truly experience a forest of books, with walls lined entirely with bookshelves, this facility is also surrounded by rich nature. The power of the environment and place\u2014something you can feel with all five senses\u2014enriches children\u2019s sensibilities and imagination.
Not only through diverse reading spaces indoors, but also by enjoying books outdoors while feeling nature and through nature-based experiences, we will create a sense of connection between inside and outside the facility. This will help children experience the joy of reading in an unstructured way and lead them to immerse themselves in the next book.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
\n
\n

A Message from Tadao Ando<\/h2>\n
\"Message\"Think<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n
\n

Message from Honorary Director of the Main Building
Mari Yamazaki<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

\n It has been 60 years since my mother came to Sapporo from Tokyo, carrying her instrument, to join a newly formed orchestra. With concerts keeping her busy and me often left at home, what supported my loneliness was Hokkaido\u2019s great nature and books. When I came home from school, the places where I spent my time were the library, or the forests and rivers. To my young self, both the great outdoors and the library were like a vast universe that continued on and on, no matter how far I ventured deeper and deeper.
These days, through advanced technology, we have become good at living without going through painful experiences. We can obtain the information we want without effort, and we have learned ways to get through our days somehow, even without especially exercising our intellect or imagination. In times like these, libraries\u2014which provide essential nourishment for living without losing the human capacity to think\u2014will remain places we must protect. Hokkaido\u2019s great nature and books were the foundation that supported me in childhood, and I owe them so much. Becoming the honorary director of \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University\u201d is, for me, a way to repay that debt, and I would like to devote myself to sharing with many people the life-filled energy that lies within books.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Photo
Filming: Hiromichi Nozawa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
\n

A Message from Director Konno<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Photo<\/figure>\n
\n

On the Opening of
\u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University\u201d<\/h3>\n
\n

\n On August 1, 2026, \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University\u201d was born in a place wrapped in the murmuring of the Sakushukotoni River and abundant trees, not far from Hokkaido University\u2019s main gate.
It is the only \u201cBook Forest\u201d in Sapporo with elementary and junior high school students as its main focus, created from architect Tadao Ando\u2019s wish to build \u201ca library where children can spread the wings of imagination and creativity within an academia that nurtures great ambition and courage to take flight from the northern land.\u201d
Step inside, and you\u2019ll see bookshelves like a great tree stretching up toward the sky. Pick up a book and turn the pages while feeling the greenery outside the window, and you may find yourself losing track of time. Here, you can read freely at the base of the forest of books or in its little nooks, or take a favorite book and head out into the greenery spread across the campus.
Starting with \u201cLiving in Hokkaido\u201d at the entrance, the shelves are divided into 14 major themes that lead to stories, art, the world, and possibilities for the future. From picture books to specialized books, carefully selected from a unique perspective, they stand side by side without boundaries\u2014always waiting for you.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

We sincerely hope that many people will visit this forest of books and spend time with books to their heart\u2019s content.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

\n
\n

About the Logo Design<\/h2>\n

The logo for \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University\u201d combines lilac, poplar, ginkgo, and snow crystals\u2014evoking the \u201cfour seasons\u201d of Sapporo and Hokkaido University\u2014with a \u201cbook,\u201d the foundation of Children\u2019s Book Forest.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

\n
\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow Children\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University Came to Be
(History)<\/small><\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHistory<\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2022<\/h3>\n

    Reiwa 4<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    Tadao Ando proposed to the National University Corporation Hokkaido University,
    that he would like to design, build, and donate a children\u2019s library facility, \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest.\u201d<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2023<\/h3>\n

    November 7, Reiwa 5<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    \n Because Children\u2019s Book Forest is intended to foster children\u2019s creativity and spirit of inquiry, contribute to developing the people who will carry the future, and help address the issue of children turning away from reading during their school years, Sapporo City decided to participate in operating the facility and signed a basic agreement regarding \u201c(tentative name) Children\u2019s Book Forest\u201d with Ando Tadao Architect Associates (hereinafter \u201cAndo Tadao Architect Associates\u201d) and the National University Corporation Hokkaido University (hereinafter \u201cHokkaido University\u201d).
    This basic agreement stipulates, among other things, that Ando Tadao Architect Associates will design and build \u201c(tentative name) Children\u2019s Book Forest\u201d and donate it to Hokkaido University; that Hokkaido University will own and manage the building; and that Sapporo City and Hokkaido University will operate the facility with the aim of making it a place where children can freely interact with books and, by reading books across many fields, discover the joy of reading, nurture emotional richness, creativity, and curiosity, and gain nourishment for growth.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2024<\/h3>\n

    December, Reiwa 6<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    Sapporo City began soliciting donations to operate the facility over the long term as a place for the learning and growth of children who will carry the future.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2025<\/h3>\n

    February, Reiwa 7<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    \n Based on the basic agreement regarding \u201c(tentative name) Children\u2019s Book Forest,\u201d Sapporo City formulated the \u201c(tentative name) Children\u2019s Book Forest\u201d Basic Policy to define the direction for operating the facility.
    In formulating this Basic Policy, a public comment period was held from December 24, Reiwa 6 to January 28, Reiwa 7 to solicit opinions from residents on the draft \u201c(tentative name) Children\u2019s Book Forest\u201d Basic Policy.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2025<\/h3>\n

    March, Reiwa 7<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    Construction work began on the facility.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2025<\/h3>\n

    May 9, Reiwa 7<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    \n Sapporo City, Ando Tadao Architect Associates, and Hokkaido University held a presentation of the completion image for \u201c(tentative name) Children\u2019s Book Forest.\u201d
    They announced that the completion image and the official name were planned to be \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University.\u201d
    Tadao Ando spoke about his thoughts and hopes for the library, saying things such as, \u201cI made it a form that lives together with nature,\u201d and \u201cI want them to read books and strengthen their hearts and their ability to live.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2025<\/h3>\n

    June 10, Reiwa 7<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    \n An ordinance partially revising the Sapporo City Library Ordinance,
    was passed on June 10 at the 2nd regular meeting of the Sapporo City Council in Reiwa 7.
    The facility name was decided as \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2025<\/h3>\n

    From August, Reiwa 7<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    \n Based on the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947) and the Sapporo City Ordinance on Procedures for Designated Administrators of Public Facilities (Ordinance No. 33 of 2003), applications were invited for a designated administrator to manage and operate Children\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University.
    The designated administrator for the period from April 1, Reiwa 8 to March 31, Reiwa 13 was decided as,
    the SamaLit, TRC Joint Operating Group.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2025<\/h3>\n

    October 1, Reiwa 7<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    Until December 9, Sapporo City solicited donated books for Children\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University. Of the donated books, approximately 4,000 volumes were added to the collection.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2025<\/h3>\n

    December 1, Reiwa 7<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    Until February 28, Reiwa 8, Sapporo City carried out crowdfunding using the hometown tax donation system (furusato nozei).<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2026<\/h3>\n

    January 30, Reiwa 8<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    \n Sapporo City and Hokkaido University held a ceremony to present the letter of appointment for Honorary Director of Children\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University. Mayor Akimoto handed the letter of appointment to manga artist, writer, and painter Mari Yamazaki.
    Ms. Yamazaki shared her aspirations, saying, \u201cThe library was an important place that supported me as a foundation when I was a child, so I\u2019m truly happy to receive the offer to become honorary director,\u201d and \u201cAs honorary director, as I interact with children, I want to convey in my own words how books can help, why they are interesting, and how they connect with Hokkaido\u2019s nature.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2026<\/h3>\n

    March 31, Reiwa 8<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    The building was handed over from Ando Tadao Architect Associates to Hokkaido University.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    \n
    \n

    2026<\/h3>\n

    August 1, Reiwa 8<\/p>\n<\/dt>\n

    Opened as the 6th \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest\u201d facility nationwide.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
    \n
    \n

    \n Design, construction, and donation: Ando Tadao Architect Associates
    Honorary Director: Mari Yamazaki (manga artist, writer, and painter)
    Director: Hiroko Konno\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

    \n Facility ownership and management: Hokkaido University
    Operations: Sapporo City and Hokkaido University
    Designated administrator: SamaLit, TRC Joint Operating Group
    Lead organization \/ operations: Sapporo Manga Library Utilization Community Development Organization (SamaLit), a general incorporated association
    Consortium member \/ operations: Toshokan Ryutsu Center Co., Ltd. (TRC)
    Creative direction:
    BACH Co., Ltd. Representative Director \/ Book Director: Yoshitaka Haba\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

      \n
    • *The Children\u2019s Book Forest project is being carried out jointly by Sapporo City, Ando Tadao Architect Associates, and Hokkaido University. The building is donated by Ando Tadao Architect Associates, and Sapporo City and Hokkaido University jointly operate it.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Nestled in the lush grounds of Hokkaido University, \u201cChildren\u2019s Book Forest Sapporo \u2013 Hokkaido University\u201d stands in harmony with towering trees.It is a place to encounter books and \u201copen up knowledge.\u201d Step inside, and you\u2019ll find yourself in a \u201cforest of books\u201d spreading across the entire wall.Books gathered across ages, genres, and countries open the door to worlds you have yet to see. Look out the window, and you\u2019ll see the beautiful seasons of Hokkaido University unfolding before you.The rich nature you feel with all five senses gently stimulates children\u2019s sensibilities. Encounters with cutting-edge research unique to a university, and with university students who are already walking a step into […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-209","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=209"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/honnomori-sap-hok.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}