ABSTRACT
Standing and reading is the direct translation of tachiyomi (book browsing), which describes one of the simplest and least expensive commuter pastimes. At any time of day, but especially during peak commuter periods, there will be rows of people browsing the shelves of a bookstore or huddled around new-release magazine and comics displays. Any foreigner visiting Japan cannot help but be struck by the number of bookshops, new and second-hand, and magazine stands.
