Poetry & Prose Reading Event at Imaike Library Club
If you've been searching for a welcoming space to share your writing or simply want to experience the creative pulse of Nagoya's international community, mark Sunday, December 7th on your calendar. Last Book Unburned is hosting another poetry and prose reading event, and both writers and listeners are invited to be part of the experience.
For those familiar with Last Book Unburned's previous events, you'll know they were long held at The Raven's Table—a beloved venue that has sadly now closed. In a heartening display of community support, Imaike Library Club has generously offered the use of their space for this December gathering, ensuring that this important creative tradition continues in Nagoya.
The event runs from 14:00 to 17:00 and offers something increasingly rare in our digital age: a chance to hear stories and poetry shared aloud, to connect with fellow writers, and to experience the particular magic that happens when creative people gather in person.
A Space for Every Voice
One of the most welcoming aspects of Last Book Unburned events is their inclusive approach. Writers of all levels—from those who've been crafting stories for decades to those nervously sharing their first poem in public—are encouraged to participate. If you're planning to read, the organizers suggest preparing around five minutes of material to start. Once everyone has had their turn, the floor opens up for additional readings as the afternoon unfolds naturally.
This December's event includes an optional prompt list designed to spark creativity and create connections between participants. The prompts range from evocative phrases like "born of already tamed beasts" and "harrowed by the north wind" to word sets including "Harness/Village/Frozen" and thematic challenges like creating pieces with heavy onomatopoeia or rhyming couplets. While using the prompts isn't required, they offer an interesting way for writers and listeners to see how different voices tackle the same creative challenge.
More Than Just Reading
The organizers encourage participants to bring shareable forms of their work—zines, printed writings, illustrations, or photos. It's a lovely touch that extends the experience beyond the reading itself, allowing others to revisit pieces that resonated with them or discover new favorites they might have missed.
For those interested in having their work featured online, Last Book Unburned maintains a website where participants can submit digital versions of their poems. However, if you're hoping to publish your work elsewhere, it's worth noting that most literary magazines want first rights, so this option works best for previously published pieces or work you don't intend to submit for publication.
The Perfect Setting
The event takes place at Imaike Library Club, a remarkable community space that has become a cornerstone of Nagoya's international literary scene. Founded in 2020, this member-operated library houses over 11,000 English-language books and operates entirely without permanent staff—a testament to the dedication of Nagoya's book-loving community.
What makes Imaike Library Club special isn't just its extensive collection, but its refreshing lack of institutional stuffiness. There are no stern warnings about silence, no byzantine late fee calculations, and mercifully, no fluorescent lighting. Instead, you'll find comfortable chairs that actually invite you to sit for hours, natural light, and the freedom to discuss that plot twist that just blew your mind without getting shushed. Members access the space with personal passcodes, creating a literary speakeasy atmosphere where book lovers can gather any time between 05:00 and 22:00.
The library's philosophy is built on trust and shared ownership—members maintain the space themselves, creating a sense of community that feels both radical and entirely natural. As a space where the pace of life slows down just enough to let meaning catch up, it's an ideal setting for an afternoon of creative exchange and spoken word.
For those curious to learn more about this unique Nagoya gem, Nagoya Buzz previously featured an in-depth look at Imaike Library Club and what makes it such a special place for the city's international community.
Building Community Through Stories
What makes events like this so valuable isn't just the opportunity to share your work or discover new voices—though both are wonderful. It's the chance to be part of a community that values creativity and authentic expression. In a city where English-speaking writers might sometimes feel isolated, Last Book Unburned creates a space where stories and connections can flourish.
Whether you're a writer looking to share your latest work, someone curious about the local writing scene, or simply a lover of language wanting to experience the spoken word, this event offers something special. The modest entry fee of ¥1000 goes directly toward supporting Imaike Library Club, helping maintain this unique community resource.
To secure your spot, registration is required through the sign-up form available on the Last Book Unburned website. Given the intimate nature of these gatherings and the limited capacity, early registration is recommended.
This December, give yourself the gift of creative community. Whether you're reading your own work or listening to others share theirs, you'll be part of something that's becoming increasingly precious: people coming together to celebrate the power of words and stories.
The Details
Last Book Unburned Poetry and Prose Reading
Date: Sunday, December 7th, 2025
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Venue: Imaike Library Club
Address: Chikusa-ku, Honen-cho 14-13 Clean Bldg., Nagoya, 464-0076
Cost: ¥1000 entry fee
Registration: Sign-up form
Website: lastbookunburned.weebly.com
More about Imaike Library Club: Read our feature
Access
By Subway:
Take the Higashiyama Line (yellow line) to Imaike Station. From Nagoya Station, it's approximately 10 minutes. Imaike is also served by the Sakura-dori Line (red line).
From Imaike Station, the venue is a short walk. Exit the station and head to the Clean Building at Honen-cho 14-13.
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