3 ways to enjoy the KITAKAGAYA FLEA 2021 AUTUMN ＆ ASIA BOOK MARKET

Maido! Osaka Bob here!
The upcoming KITAKAGAYA FLEA 2021 AUTUMN ＆ ASIA BOOK MARKET is lots of fun and it’s scheduled for Dec. 18 & 19. Here’s a primer on what to expect and a fair dose of event info if you read all the way to the end. And since the event is aimed at book-lovers, this short blurb should go by in a flash.

■「What is the KITAKAGAYA FLEA 2021 AUTUMN ＆ ASIA BOOK MARKET?

The name gives a lot of it away. This is obviously an event involving books, and Asia, a market of sorts. But let’s dig a little deeper…
Kitakagaya Flea, for short, is and annual market event set up in the former Namura Shipyard, aka Creative Center Osaka. Artists, designers, and all types of creators bring their products and creations to the market to sell and display at a series of booths.
Due to Covid, last year’s event was completely online and fortunately, this year the market is able to be held in person again. There will be some limitations and infection prevention measures like the admission cap at 500 people and timed entry to the venue.

Photo from Flea Market in spring 2019　©️Aiko Miyake

Photo from Flea Market in spring 2019　©️Aiko Miyake

Event organizers are none other than the Osaka based Insects LLC, publisher of the local culture magazine IN/SECTS and organizer of various events. Their work involves building “exchanges and understanding that transcends localities and culture.”

■How to make the most of the Asia Book Market:

1. Look for style differences in publishers from places like Taiwan, Shanghai, & Hong Kong

It being the Asian Book Market, there will be lots of publications on sale from places like Taiwan, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Seeing books from overseas feels so refreshing. There are so many variations in the paper used, designs and even bookbinding styles that are uncommon in Japan. It’s so tempting to buy book after book for me at least. I have a bit of a collector’s streak in me. And the last time I was here, two years ago, I nearly emptied my wallet. And I came home with a lot of books!

Photo from Flea Market in spring 2019　©️Aiko Miyake

Photo from Flea Market in spring 2019　©️Aiko Miyake

2. Find new hobbies in all the amazing workshops

During the flea market, there will also be tons of workshops where you can experience the fun of creating something all your own. Create your own bag from original fabric and Hungarian embroidery. Make a book for collecting stamps from temples and shrines (goshuin). Try creating something and you may discover a new hobby!

3. Exhibit recommended by the editor of local culture magazine IN/SECTS

Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Original illustrations of memorable meals from 60 Asian artists on The exhibit made its way through Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Aichi and is finishing off the tour in Osaka. And “My Favorite Asian Food” published in conjunction with the exhibit will also be on sale at the same venue.

Tokyo exhibit held in September

[Bonus] Online only! Special products are available on the online marketplace!
Preprint magazines, limited edition t-shirts, original jewelry and more. You won’t be able to buy these even if you attend the event, so be sure to get your order in early.

■Event details

Date: Saturday, Dec. 18 & Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021

Hours: 11am–7pm

Venue: Creative Center Osaka (10 min. walk from Kitakagaya Station on the Yotsubashi Line)

Admission: ¥550 timed entry (advance purchase), ¥1,500 day pass (advanced purchase)

One-day live stream: ¥700 (advanced purchase)

*To prevent the spread of Covid, admission to the venue will be capped at approximately 500 people at any given time. Event-goers will be rotated into and out of the venue 3 times/day.
*Same-day tickets available for purchase will be announced on the event website before opening.
*Dealers from overseas will not be attending the Asian Book Market in Japan this year. Publications entrusted to us by overseas dealers will be sold.

More event details and ticket sales can be found on the event website (JP):

https://kitakagayaflea.jp/2021autumn/