The third stop in our Olympic Host City journey is Tokyo, Japan.
Tokyo made history as the first city in Asia to host the Summer Games and later became the first Asian city to host them twice. The 1964 Olympics symbolized Japan’s reintroduction to the world after World War II and showcased the country’s rapid modernization—including the debut of the famous Shinkansen bullet train.
In this Peek-a-Box, explore Tokyo’s vibrant culture, technology, and Olympic spirit while discovering stories set in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Did You Know?
- Tokyo was originally called Edo before becoming Japan’s capital in the 1800s.
- The 2020 Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the global pandemic—the first time the Games had ever been postponed.
- Tokyo is home to one of the busiest train stations in the world, with millions of people passing through every day.
It is not too late to sign up for Peek-A-Box! You can sign up here or call the library at 515-281-1323 and we will get you signed up! Each month, participating patrons will receive a cartridge of specially curated books set in that month’s Olympic host city. And a sticker to “stamp” the passport they will receive with their first box! Peek-A-Box is designed for patrons 18 years and older.