The Tokyo International Antiquarian Book Fair 2026 Opens This Week

Today this tradition continues in the antiquarian book trade, and for many years the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of Japan (ABAJ) has promoted it through the organization of the bi-annual Tokyo International Antiquarian Book Fair, one of the most important rare book events in Asia.

Rare booksellers from Tokyo, Kyoto, Sapporo, Osaka, and Kumamoto are organized in the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Japan (ABAJ), which was founded in November 1964 and joined the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) in 1965. Since then, Japanese ILAB affiliates have played an important role in the international antiquarian book trade. Mitsuo Nitta, former Chair of the ILAB Breslauer Prize Committee, was awarded ILAB Honorary Membership and Tsukasa Maeda served for three years on the ILAB Committee. The current ABAJ President is Mr. Masaji Yagi.

The 1960s and 1970s were a period when Japan experienced unprecedented economic growth, and Japanese collectors, scholars, and curators were actively buying and selling rare material both domestically and internationally. Japan became a major force in the global antiquarian book market, with universities and collectors competing to acquire important works for their rare book collections. Many Western dealers regarded Japan as one of their most important markets.

Today the ABAJ counts around thirty members. All members are required to possess professional knowledge and substantial experience in the antiquarian book trade and must strictly adhere to the ILAB Code of Ethics. The association aims to promote cultural exchange between East and West, the rediscovery and preservation of valuable cultural assets, and the transmission of these materials to future generations.

Among its activities, the ABAJ organizes joint book fairs, publishes bibliographical reference works, sponsors lectures on antiquarian books, arranges visits to private and institutional collections, and supports cultural initiatives. Japanese booksellers have also hosted two ILAB Congresses (1973 and 1990) and several international antiquarian book fairs in Tokyo.

This week the ABAJ opens the Tokyo International Antiquarian Book Fair 2026, bringing together leading antiquarian booksellers from Japan and abroad. The fair takes place at the Tokyo Transportation Center Exhibition Hall (Tokyo Kōtsu Kaikan), 12th Floor, Cattleya Salon A and B, located at 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006.

Yurakucho is one of central Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, situated between Ginza and the Imperial Palace and just a short distance from Tokyo Station. The area is known for its mixture of historic arcades, theatres, restaurants, and modern shopping complexes, making it a lively cultural and commercial hub in the heart of the city. The Tokyo Transportation Center itself stands directly above Yurakucho Station, providing easy access for visitors arriving by train or subway.

ABAJ President, Masaji Yagi, writes:

As the plum blossoms bloom, we hope you are all in good health and prosperity. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued understanding and cooperation in the activities of the ABAJ (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of Japan).
This year's International Rare Book Fair is attended by 12 companies from six countries, thanks to the support of overseas antiquarian book dealers (members of the International Association of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB)), bringing the total number of exhibiting companies to 37.
While the media revolution has dramatically accelerated the flow of information, the world of antiquarian books and documents, which encapsulate centuries and millennia of culture, will remain unchanged and continue to grow in value. We hope
you will take advantage of this opportunity to view rare and valuable materials and classics from Japan and around the world, take a look at this catalog, visit the exhibition venue, and place your order.

The fair offers a rare opportunity to see and acquire exceptional books, manuscripts, prints, and historical materials from Japan and around the world. Collectors, scholars, and book lovers are warmly invited to visit and explore the remarkable range of works presented by ABAJ members and their international colleagues.

All information about the Tokyo Antiquarian Book Fair and its exhibitors, you will find >> HERE

Text: Angelika Elstner
Images: Impressions of the 2022 and 2024 fairs, provided by ABAJ