[Books and Me] #4 How can we expand the circle of reading?
In this post, I have thought about what I can do in my own way to increase the reading population.
I believe that if the circle of reading expands, people's hearts and minds will become richer.
If there is anyone who thinks the same way, I would be happy if you could read this article and join me in expanding the circle.
Worried about people moving away from reading...
It seems that people are moving away from reading.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs conducted a survey in 2024 (targeting 6,000 men and women aged 16 and over, with a response rate of 59.3%), and it seems the following results were obtained.
About 60% read 0 books
About 30% read 1-2 books
Only about 10% read 3 or more books
This is quite shocking.
Moreover, more than 60% of respondents said their reading volume has decreased.
As for the reason, more than 40% of those who read less said it was because they spend more time looking at smartphones and tablets.
Especially since becoming a parent, I have come to think that I want my daughter and the children who will live in the future to enrich their hearts and minds through reading, so I believe this is a situation that must be addressed.
It is not something that just one person can solve, but I believe that if even one individual does not take action to prevent the decline in reading from accelerating, nothing will begin.
Therefore, this time, I would like to think about actions that individuals can take to convey the joy of reading.
Actions to convey the joy of reading
As things I can do in my own way, I have actually tried the following.
Participate in a book club
Post about book clubs and reading on X
Write reading essays on note
Join Amazon Associates and do book affiliate marketing through X and note
Among these, I would like to introduce in detail the ones I found particularly interesting to try.
Participated in a 'book club' where you don't read books?
The other day, I participated in a book club where you don't read books. It was an online space where we could talk freely about reading, and it was so, so much fun.
No assigned books like in traditional book clubs. No need to think about what to talk about in advance.
Mai, who facilitated the session, is a warm person with a wonderful smile, so it was okay even if I couldn't organize my thoughts or speak well!
In fact, the [Books and I] essay series I am writing was started because of this book club.
It also sparked various other inspirations, so I am really glad I participated!
It seems it will be held again in November.
If you find it hard to make time to read books but want to talk to someone about reading, why not join in?
Taking on the Amazon Associates challenge
Another initiative I recently started is Amazon Associates.
As you know, this also has the potential reward of monetization, so I think my motivation will last.
Also, it serves as an outlet for my reading and practice for sales writing, so I think it's all good for me.
So, I started Amazon Associates, but since there are conditions, I haven't earned any rewards yet.
It seems that people need to click through the links at least three times within 180 days and purchase some kind of product, so the hurdle is a bit high.
But if there is the potential reward of monetization, my motivation should stay high, and I intend to keep at it without giving up right away!
Reading this far, some of you might be thinking, "So, are you asking me to buy something?"
Of course, I would be happy if you did, but more than that, I want to increase the number of friends who will take on the challenge of Amazon Associates (selling books I've actually read).
If you read this article and resonated with it, let's do it together! Please leave a comment.
Let's expand the circle of books together!
Of course, I am also looking for people to become BOOK friends, not just for affiliate marketing!
Please like and follow if you'd like!
If you have written about reading in your profile, I will follow you back unconditionally♪
Thank you for reading to the end this time as well.
[References]https://www.bunka.go.jp/tokei_hakusho_shuppan/tokeichosa/kokugo_yoronchosa/pdf/94116401_01.pdf