Student Blog

2 min read

Do you know about the Human Library? Something akin to a "lending library of people," it's an initiative where people with backgrounds as social minorities, such as those with disabilities or LGBTQ+ individuals, become "books" to share their experiences and engage in dialogue with "readers," i.e., the attendees of events. Started in 2000 by a Danish human rights activist, the goal of the Human Library is to overcome prejudice and preconceived notions and deepen mutual understanding. Today, events are widely held in universities, libraries, and local communities around the world.

Birth of the APU Human Library

Last July, a group called APU Human Library was formed at APU to host these kinds of events. It was launched by Yuuna Suyama, then a first-year student (now a second-year student) in the College of Asia Pacific Studies. The group expanded its target beyond just social minorities to include students who feel some kind of difficulty in living (ikizurasa in Japanese), and they hold events about once or twice a month at the Self-Access Learning Center (SALC).

Suyama’s inspiration came from an introductory course on intercultural communication. When the professor introduced the Human Library and students broke into groups of four or five for a mock experience, she was fascinated. She decided to start the same activity at APU believing that if it could take root here, it could help some people feel at ease, even if just a little, or find peace of mind. Centered around students from the same class who were interested in the Human Library, the group started with about 10 members. Driven by the desire for the activity to be "as open as possible," they deliberately chose not to formalize it as a club, opting instead for a style that allows for free participation as needed.

At the APU Human Library, people who have experienced discrimination or prejudice, those who have struggled with ikizurasa—or those who are trying to overcome it—become the "books" and share their stories with the participants.
A key feature is that the "book" doesn't just speak one-sidedly; participants are also free to ask questions and engage in dialogue with other participants. This space for dialogue, created by everyone present, naturally closes the distance between people. Participants may encounter stories that resonate with their own circumstances or feelings, or they may gain a chance to broaden their perspective and worldview by engaging with totally unfamiliar experiences.

Continued in #2

Natsuki Aoki

Hello! I'm Natsuki, an APS 4th year majoring in International Relations. I hope to inspire you all by sharing my interesting experiences, new discoveries, and encounters at APU. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!