
The Iwaki-Go mobile library climbs another steep incline, hauling its precious cargo of books deeper into the Fukushima mountains. Locals acknowledge the distinctive customized FUSO Canter as it passes; the vehicle is a familiar sight in this area of Iwaki, a city located about a 20-minute drive from the Pacific coast.
The first stop on today’s run is Miwa Elementary and Junior High School. After pulling into the school grounds, driver Hideyuki Okabe and librarian Yoko Hirayama jump out, open the side panels revealing rows of books, and quietly begin setting up. As their well-drilled routine is nearing completion, the quiet is broken by the school chime and the rumble of students charging toward the library.
For several minutes, the energy is frenetic; students climbing in and out of the vehicle, excitedly rifling through the shelves, Hideyuki and Yoko interacting with the pupils and checking out their books, and the class teacher hurrying everyone along with a non-negotiable countdown. Then, after the final student has made their selection, silence resumes—a few moments of respite until the arrival of the next class.