“Wahon”: The History of the Japanese Book

Hashiguchi Kōnosuke is the second-generation owner of the Seishindō bookstore in Jinbōchō, Tokyo, dealing with traditional books and calligraphy. After working in publishing, in 1974 he took a position at the store founded by his father-in-law, succeeding him as manager in 1984. He has written a number of books connected with traditional books, including Wahon e no shōtai (An Invitation to Japanese Books). (© Nippon.com)

A version of the “Wakamurasaki” chapter of the Tale of Genji copied by Fujiwara no Teika, which was discovered in 2019. It appears to show his later revisions. (© Jiji)

A 1654 illustrated edition of the Tale of Genji shows a scene from “Wakamurasaki.” (Courtesy Sugiyama Jogakuen University Digital Library.)

A 1793 work by Santō Kyōden, Kanninbukuro ojime no zendama (Evil Spirits, Bagsful of Patience), which was published by Tsutaya Jūzaburō. It shows Tsutaya (at right) visiting Kyōden (at left) at his home to pick up a manuscript. (Courtesy National Diet Library)

The Seishindō bookstore opened for business in 1930. (© Nippon.com)