In Japan’s super-aged society, public libraries are expected to play a renewed role in strengthening community ties and fostering dialogue across generations. The success of the New York Public Library’s Community Oral History Project, which has collected over 1,250 personal stories and made them publicly accessible, offers an inspiring example. By adapting such models to the Japanese context and aligning them with the philosophy of the Inochi Forum, public librar- ies can become vital hubs for community resilience and contribute to the creation of sustainable, inclusive societies.

Japanese public libraries have the potential to serve not only as repositories of books and media, but also as “thirdplacesplaces” where people of all ages gather and interact. For instance, The University of Osaka’s Social Solution Initiative (SSI), through its project titled “Science and Humanity for Fostering a Super-aged Society that Respects Individual’s Views on Life and Death and Their Autonomy” (led by Assoc. Prof. Miyae Yamakawa), has collaborated with local libraries to co-host community health consultations at Suita City’s Kento Library. The project has also evaluated how public libraries can better serve people living with dementia or other social challenges, including during restrictions like those imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving forward, this initiative seeks to evolve further by fostering collaboration between public libraries and other historically significant public spaces. The aim is to trans- form libraries into dynamic archives of community memory and platforms for intergenerational dialogue. Such collab- oration is vital to address diverse local needs and promote cross-generational exchange. Libraries, when linked with places like traditional public bathhouses, can create spac- es to share and celebrate community history and culture.As open, accessible, and egalitarian spaces, libraries are uniquely positioned to safeguard regional memory and facili- tate dialogue across generations—ultimately contributing to the creation of stronger, more cohesive communities.

This initiative also aims to connect young people and older generations through shared learning. For example, the proj- ect envisions partnerships between libraries and longstand- ing public spaces such as traditional public bathhouses in Osaka. These venues will host regular workshops where resi- dents can share their personal experiences and local histo- ries. Such intergenerational storytelling fosters empathy and mutual learning, while the digital archiving of these narratives will ensure public accessibility through the library system.

In addition, educational programs will be developed in collaboration with local schools and institutions, allowing students to explore and appreciate regional history and culture. Participation in local festivals and public events will further enable the project team to share updates with com- munity members and increase engagement. This inclusive approach aims to broaden community involvement and energize local networks. As public libraries take on a more central role in preserving regional history and culture, we an- ticipate a revitalization of local identity and community spirit. Increased intergenerational dialogue will encourage younger generations to take an interest in and develop respect for the places they call home.

Spatial evaluation based on caption evaluation method for creating a third place acces- sible to all

Together with this project, the Inochi Forum will continue to support the reinvention of public libraries and communal spaces as inclusive sites of learning and connection. By providing environments where diverse people can come to- gether to learn and support one another, we will contribute to building a sustainable society where community bonds grow stronger and every Inochi unleashes its radiant light.


[References]

・Mimamoriai Project – Interactive Storytelling Archive
https://mimamoriai.net/

・NYPL Community Oral History Project (Columbia Oral History Project overview)
https://oralhistory.columbia.edu/blog-posts/people/for-the-community-by-the-community-the-nypl-community-oral-history-project

・NYPL Archive Snapshot
https://wayback.archive-t.org/14173/20200910171016/
http://oralhistory.nypl.org/

[Action Platform]
Education and Children

[SDGs]