On Friday, June 12, 2026, THE NIIGATA, the Ginza Niigata Information Center (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo), will host "A Journey Through Echigo: Experiencing Niigata Through Literature and Food," a new kind of experiential event that fuses Niigata's food, sake, and literature.
In today's world, where we are constantly exposed to information through smartphones and social media, "time to do nothing" is becoming increasingly rare. This event offers a chance to step away from that daily routine and simply "surrender yourself to it."
The venue is a tranquil space illuminated by the flickering light of lanterns. Visitors can enjoy local Niigata sake and snacks while listening to readings of literary works related to Niigata as background music. There is no need to listen in silence; eating, drinking, talking, and leaving at any time are all permitted. This is a unique, interactive event where you can enjoy yourself, even if it means dozing off.
On the day of the event, the museum will offer Niigata's finest foods, including Niigata sake, rice crackers, and local cuisine, all selected by the museum. The readings will be performed by members of the reading project "Reading Letters," and the event is designed to be easily enjoyed even by those unfamiliar with literature.
This event, which allows you to experience the charm of Niigata through all five senses—food, sake, and literature—is proposed as a new way for urban dwellers to relax.
Event Overview
• Event name: A new kind of reading event "A Journey Through Echigo Experienced Through Literature and Food"
・Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
• Time: Afternoon session 13:30-15:30 / Evening session 18:30-20:30
• Venue: Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA, 3rd Floor Event Space • Participation Fee: 2,000 yen (includes food and drinks)
Organizer: Ginza Niigata Information Center THE NIIGATA
• Cooperation: TK&F LLC
How to apply: Please apply using the application form on our website.
⇒ https://the-niigata.jp/event/13655/
Performers
Saki Nakamiya
Actor and narrator. Founder of the reading project "Reading Documents." Born and raised in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, she has made reading aloud her life's work since childhood. Currently, in addition to working as an audiobook narrator, she is also exploring various ways of engaging with theater.
Wild Rose / Mimei Ogawa Children Who Have Given Up / Ango Sakaguchi Owl Correspondence / Osamu Dazai
To the left: Satori Kyōto
A voice actor. She primarily distributes reading videos of literary works and original novels on YouTube, and also actively participates in stage reading events, delivering her voice live both online and offline.
The Story of O-Sada / Lafcadio Hearn; Climate and Nostalgia / Ango Sakaguchi
(reference)
Reading Project "Reading Letters" Website
https://fumiyomi.jp/
[NICO] From the press release
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