The largest Japanese library in Brazil is located in the interior of São Paulo and is a must-see for anyone who loves Japan! Located in São Miguel Arcanjo, the Pinhal Colony Youth Library has a collection of approximately 70,000 books, including manga and various cultural works.
Specializing in books written in Japanese, the collection also includes works that chronicle the country’s history and culture. The community library — — is open to the public and was founded by Mr. Amano, a Japanese immigrant who created the project in collaboration with the community.
Currently managed by Katsuharo Ochi, the library relies on volunteers from the local community to keep it running. Nestled in the countryside, the library is a massive 650-square-meter facility, surrounded by fields and homes.
The collection of Brazil’s largest manga library
Today, the collection comprises approximately 70,000 to 74,000 titles, and it is estimated that 70% are manga. The stories cater to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, with titles spanning comedy, romance, and even erotic content.
In addition to being a true manga library, the space houses books on a wide variety of topics on its shelves. It features works on tourism, architecture, the arts, religion, cuisine, philosophy, and biographies.
There are also encyclopedias and children’s classics, such as the famous “Pinocchio” and “Bambi,” proving that the place is not just a “manga paradise.” It is also an important space where Japanese culture is documented across various fields of knowledge.
The connection to Japanese immigration in the city
Deeply rooted in the history of the Japanese community’s formation in the neighborhood, the library was born from an immigrant’s dream: to spread and preserve his own culture in the region where he settled.
The first immigrants from Japan arrived in the Pinhal neighborhood in the early 1960s. Since then, they have built their own community far from their homeland.
Although construction began in 1978, the library was not officially inaugurated until 1985. The books arrived in Brazil in a container shipped directly from Japan in the same year the institution opened.
Over time, the library has established itself as a hub for the region’s Japanese community. In addition, it now attracts students of the Japanese language, manga lovers, and enthusiasts of Japanese culture.
How can I visit the Pinhal Colony Youth Library?
The library is located in the Pinhal neighborhood, in the rural area of São Miguel Arcanjo. It is open only on Saturdays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly! Borrowing books is free, and local staff manage the lending process.
