Takeo City Library — Japan's Most Beautiful Public Library

**The design debate:** The library's commercial integration was criticized by traditional librarians but embraced by the public — a fault line in Japanese public space policy that the library made concrete. Visiting with an awareness of this debate adds a dimension to the experience. **Reading recommendation:** The library's Saga Prefecture local history collection (2nd floor, west wing) contains reference works on Nabeshima porcelain, Saga samurai culture, and the Meiji Restoration that aren't available in Tokyo libraries. Staff can assist in English (ask at the desk).