On Wednesday, October 27, 2025, a guest speaker lecture—the fourth in the series—was held for second-year students in the IM Course at Ritsumeikan Uji High School as part of the "IM Sogo" (Integrated IM Studies) class.

Guest Speaker #4: Mr. Hideto Kawada, Owner of a Local Bookstore

This time, we welcomed Mr. Hideto Kawada, the owner of Bookland Friends, a local bookstore in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture. He shared his philosophy and motivations behind running a bookstore. His shop is not just about selling popular books; instead, he carefully curates books that have the power to change lives. He also provides a unique "book selection service" that resembles life coaching, where he recommends books that give people the courage to take the next step, based on their life situations and conversations with him. People come from across Japan to meet him in person. Through stories of the transformative power of books and how reading has supported him personally, students learned just how impactful reading can be on one’s life.

Bookland Friends Website: https://www.honyakamo.com/

A New Perspective on Reading

Listening to Mr. Kawada, who has heard countless life stories through books, seemed to have shifted students’ views on reading.

Additionally, students were surprised by the idea that selling something could actually encourage and support a person emotionally. Mr. Kawada’s approach to his work offered students a new way of thinking about careers and professional values.

What is IM Sogo?

In the IM Course, all students participate in a year-long overseas study program during their first and second years of high school. Upon returning, they attend a weekly “IM Sogo” class to reflect on what they have learned abroad and consider their future paths. This semester’s theme is "Expand Your Horizons." Through encounters with various people—including alumni and professionals from diverse fields—students are encouraged to shape their own aspirations and envision their future careers.