Muku Hatoju Memorial Library is a public library in Takagi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture, with a dedicated memorial museum honoring Muku Hatoju, one of the region’s best-known writers of children’s literature. The library carries on his belief in the power of reading, providing a welcoming place where local residents and visitors can enjoy books, learning, and cultural activities throughout their lives.
The library’s guiding philosophy is expressed in Muku Hatoju’s words: “Wander through the forest of printed words and pause beside the fountain of thought.” This idea is reflected in the peaceful atmosphere of the library, where people of all ages can spend time reading, discovering new ideas, and enjoying the world of literature.
Muku Hatoju was particularly known for his stories about animals, and the library has embraced this connection in a charming way. A cat that once wandered into the library was appointed its “Cat Director”, adding a playful and heartwarming touch to the facility.
Before the present library opened, a small library room in the village community center served as the heart of local reading activities. The strong reading culture that developed there laid the foundation for a larger public library.
In 1992, the village used part of a ¥100 million grant provided through a national regional revitalization program. When residents were asked how the funds should be used, many expressed a desire to honor Muku Hatoju. As a result, a new library incorporating a memorial facility dedicated to the writer was opened.
The complex also includes a Village Gallery, where local residents can exhibit their artwork and cultural activities, as well as an outdoor Fureai Walking Trail where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll surrounded by nature.
The library’s collection places particular emphasis on children’s literature, including a wide range of works by Muku Hatoju and books and materials related to his life and writing.
The library is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays. It is also part of the Southern Nagano Library Network, allowing books and other materials to be borrowed and returned through participating libraries in neighboring municipalities.
The adjoining Muku Hatoju Memorial Museum introduces the writer’s life, literary career, and research into his animal-themed stories through eight themed sections.
Visitors can learn about some of his best-known works, including The One-Eared Great Deer and Maya’s Life. The museum also displays valuable original materials, including the manuscript for The Girl of the Forest, one of his later works. Together, these exhibits offer an intimate look into the imagination and creative process of a writer who devoted much of his career to connecting children with the natural world.
One of the library’s most unusual attractions is “Mukunyan,” the Cat Director. In 2016, a brown tabby cat was rescued from the library parking lot on a snowy day. The cat was given the name Mukunyan and officially became part of the library as its honorary Cat Director.
Mukunyan became popular for greeting visitors and seeing them off, bringing a warm and friendly atmosphere to the library. The cat’s presence also helped attract more visitors to the facility, creating an especially memorable connection between literature, community life, and everyday encounters.
Takagi Village promotes the ideal of “nurturing rich minds and opening the way to the future in the village of Muku.” As part of this effort, the library continues the “20 Minutes of Reading with Mother and Child” initiative advocated by Muku Hatoju.
The library also organizes events such as Villagewide Reading Day and the Muku Hatoju Twilight Festival, encouraging residents of all generations to discover the joy of reading.
Close cooperation with local nursery schools, elementary and junior high schools, and community centers further strengthens the village’s reading culture. Activities include gatherings where parents and children enjoy literature together, as well as performances inspired by Muku Hatoju’s works.
The memorial library stands on elevated ground overlooking the Tenryu River and the Central Alps. Its beautiful natural surroundings make it more than simply a place to borrow books; it is also a pleasant destination for those who want to slow down and enjoy the landscape of southern Nagano.
The library is approximately 15 minutes by car from Moto-Zenkōji Station on the JR Iida Line and about 30 minutes by car from the Iida Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. A shared parking area with space for approximately 80 vehicles is available on the premises.
Muku Hatoju Memorial Library offers a unique opportunity to experience the literary heritage of southern Nagano while enjoying a welcoming public library surrounded by nature. With its extensive collection of children’s books, memorial exhibits, community activities, and even its beloved Cat Director, the facility provides an engaging introduction to the world of Japanese children’s literature.
For families, literature enthusiasts, and travelers interested in local culture, a visit here offers a peaceful way to discover how one writer’s love of stories, animals, and nature continues to inspire an entire community.