Hiroshima City Comics Library, Hiroshima

Hiroshima City Manga Library, situated in Hiroshima City, stands as a pioneering institution, being the first specialized library for manga in the country. Established in May 1997, this municipal library operates under the aegis of Hiroshima’s Central Library and has a dedicated focus on manga and related media. It encompasses two distinct facilities: the primary library site, originally the Aozora Library in Hijiyama Park which transitioned into the Manga Library after renovations in 1997, and the Asa Reading Room, which opened in 1999.

With a substantial collection of over 208,000 volumes, of which 99% are manga, the library serves as a major repository for manga that reflect the spirit of different eras and significant manga magazines regularly published. This extensive collection includes about 154,000 books at the main library and an additional 54,000 books at the Asa Reading Room. Besides manga, the library also offers materials related to cultural theory and historical research on manga, supporting a broad spectrum of academic and recreational research.

The Hiroshima City Manga Library is not only a treasure trove for manga enthusiasts but also a hub for educational activities, including exhibitions, lectures, and other events aimed at fostering manga culture. Since 1998, the library has hosted the "Interesting Manga Award of the Year" contest, encouraging submissions from both professional and amateur manga artists across generations. This event underscores the library’s role in promoting new talents and celebrating manga as a dynamic art form.