On this bookshelf, particles of light occasionally fall from a lamp. No equipment is visible in the space. Light travels across the surface of wooden pillars, transforms into letters, and reaches out to visitors as sentences. The words of those who came before us, illuminating an uncertain future, and hints on how to enjoy life are offered to us. Since ancient times, in Buddhism and various other fields, light has been a symbol of wisdom. Rather than simply presenting information, we have created a warm light motif for our presentation. Seeping out from the soft wood grain, it brings a pleasant sensation that touches the heartstrings of visitors. The content changes diversely throughout morning/afternoon/evening, by day, and by season, designed so that visitors encounter new information each time they use it. At one moment, an "aphorism"—a passage extracted from books, such as the words of predecessors—is projected. At another moment, "Today's Calendar," which tells us about the current season and ways to enjoy it. Furthermore, a "squirrel clock"—not a cuckoo clock—appears, with a sprightly animation and sound effects telling the time.

Aphorism ~ Passages from Masterpieces ~

Passages extracted from a variety of books selected by BACH—novels, essays, manga, art books, cookbooks, photography collections, and more. The shelf location and page number are also displayed, serving as a catalyst for encounters with books.

Today's Calendar ~The Twenty-Four Solar Terms and Seventy-Two Seasons~

From "East Wind Thaws the Ice" to "Peach Blossoms Smile" to "Earth Grows Damp and Sultry" to "Maples and Ivy Turn Yellow"... Introducing Japan's 72 beautiful seasons, the "Seventy-Two Seasons," centered on their poetic names, along with haiku, seasonal foods, flowers, and events presented through both text and visuals. Squirrel Clock A squirrel, emerging from the walnut wood of the bookshelf, announces the time. It also carries the meaning of a good-luck charm, as squirrels were once symbols of "good fortune" and "abundance" in Chinese and Japanese art history.

Squirrel Clock

A squirrel emerges from the walnut wood of the bookshelf to tell the time. In the past, squirrels have been symbols of "abundance of happiness" and "fertility" in Chinese and Japanese art, so this design carries the meaning of a lucky charm as well.