yakihito

Extra Covers On Books

A while back I ran a little story musing on why Japanese books have multiple covers, particularly wondering why books need the blank covers that advetise the book store.

Mari at Watashi to Tokyo has the answer:

Honestly, I don't like Karaoke so much. But if I have to go there, I sing only anime theme songs. Why? For me it is embarrasing to show my favorite songs the same as I am embarrased to show my book shelf. Maybe this is a feeling Japanese have. When you read a book in public, to hide the title and cover is normal in this country. Actually when you buy a book in Japan, the store will give you a book paper cover. Maybe we feel there is something "about me" in books and I feel the same in the songs I like.

So there you go.

Two Covers

Ever notice that books in Japan come with two covers? Well, actually three covers: the bound, plain cover; the wrap-around glossy cover; and the store-provided cover, usually an advertisement for the store or some product. Why even bother making the second cover if it's never going to be seen?

Just another of the many mysteries of Japan.