Akita, Apr 05 (News On Japan) - The "2024 Problem" in logistics has been affecting bookstores in Akita Prefecture since April, causing delays in the arrival of paperbacks and literary books, which now reach stores a day after their release date.
According to the Akita Prefecture Bookstore Commerce Association, which consists of over 20 member bookstores, not only independent stores but also major chain bookstores are experiencing these delays. The distribution is handled by a transport company based in Saitama Prefecture, with the transportation distance from the Tokyo metropolitan area being over 600 kilometers one way. With the application of regulations on overtime work hours for truck drivers starting in April, there are concerns about a reduction in transport capacity.
As a result of the "2024 Problem" in logistics, bookstores in Akita Prefecture have seen the arrival of paperbacks and literary books delayed by a day from the release date since April 1. The transport company cites the difficulty in ensuring rest time after work hours due to the cap on overtime work as the reason for the review of their operations. The Akita Prefecture Bookstore Commerce Association has reported that the arrival of magazines, including comics and weekly publications, had already been delayed by a day from the release date, and with the recent logistics issue, almost all books, including paperbacks and literary works, will now be delayed by a day in reaching the shelves. The Association comments, "We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused by the delayed release dates, but we ask for their understanding as these measures are part of the work style reform for truck drivers."
Even popular authors' books are delayed by a day at bookstores near stations. At a large bookstore in front of JR Akita Station in Akita City, paperbacks and literary books used to arrive on their release dates, but from April, they have been delayed by a day. Consequently, the latest paperback by popular author Keigo Higashino, which was scheduled for release on the 3rd, did not arrive until the morning of the 4th, with sales starting from that day.
The store mentioned that at least three customers, unaware of the delay, visited the store on the intended release date.
A male teenager who purchased a paperback said, "I don't see a problem with a one-day delay if it's for reviewing the work style of truck drivers." A woman in her thirties added, "I understand that those working in the logistics industry have it tough, but in Akita, this means we get information later than the Tokyo area. I hope they can find various ways to close this gap." Keiichi Konno, the deputy manager of Junkudo Bookstore Akita Store, expressed his concern, "It hurts that we cannot sell books to customers who want to buy them on the release date. There's also a fear that customers might shift from physical books to e-books, but I suppose it can't be helped."
Source: NHK
