WHAT IS THE OBI IN JAPANESE BOOKS?
WHAT IS THE OBI IN JAPANESE BOOKS?

Summary/Abstract: Japanese modern books feature a unique accessory known as the obi. The obi is a band wrapped around the lower portion of a book’s cover or case, primarily used for promotional purposes. Although its origins are estimated to date back to the late Meiji to early Taisho periods, its exact beginnings remain uncertain. Nevertheless, nearly all newly published books in contemporary Japan include an obi. The obi serves as a medium to convey new information, such as advertisements or announcements, not included in the book’s main content. In this paper, I argue that the obi’s material liminality allows it to have two seemingly contradictory characteristics. First, the obi embodies the characteristic of "transience," allowing it to be replaced or updated with ease. On the other hand, the obi also is flexible enough to add durability to a book’s changing existence, and is often crafted as part of the book’s binding, exhibiting the characteristic of "sustainability." The obi, blending these two characteristics, has become an indispensable element of Japanese books, enriching the culture of book design with its diverse styles. I will demonstrate the indispensable role of obi within Japan’s unique book publishing strategies and explore its dual nature as both a source of information and a creative work.

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