NABC Store Manager's Diary — October 18, 2026 (Sun)

Today was Sunday and the shop is normally closed, but because Beniko's photo exhibition was on in the gallery on the second floor, we opened. It was the final day of Beniko's exhibition. When the gallery opened, customers arrived one after another and went up to the second floor. There seemed to be a lot of single male visitors today. Some were first-time visitors, others were coming for the second or third time. I was at the cash register in the bookstore on the first floor, so I was watching the second floor on the security camera, and within half an hour of opening the place was already bustling with many customers. Kotobuki from the Tokai Yuri History Research Association also came by. Today Kotobuki was with a friend who studies brothels in Shizuoka. Of course this person also appeared to be an old acquaintance of Beniko and of President Watanabe of Kastori Shobo. Also, President Watanabe's family came from Tokyo—they had come to help with the teardown. The president's wife seemed to know everyone. They all looked like fellow researchers of pleasure quarters. A man who had been coming almost every day from out of prefecture turned out to be from Shizuoka, and everyone really seemed very close. A group of about five visitors also seemed to be from outside the prefecture. One of them bought a zine and spoke to me. They were all from Tokyo—perhaps members running a shared bookstore. They are currently near Sengawa Station but said they will move to Soshigaya-Okura. They are all Beniko fans and apparently organize group tours to see her exhibitions. Beniko's fans are truly enthusiastic. Because the gallery closed at 5:00 PM today, the event was two hours shorter than usual. After 3:00 PM the number of customers increased again. It seemed everyone was going to greet Beniko once more. Some people returned to buy merchandise that had been sold out, but it was sold out again. What a pity. However, Beniko will send the item later to that customer's home with her autograph. That's good. Customers kept coming until just before the 5:00 PM closing. Our president came to the store to attend the teardown, so I handed things over. I said goodbye to Beniko and to President Watanabe of Kastori Shobo and his family, and asked them again to hold another exhibition. At this exhibition, visitors not only came for Beniko's photos but also bought many books at the bookstore on the first floor. This is the first gallery event that has boosted book sales this much. Beniko's fans seem to love books. There are many familiar faces now! It makes me very sad to think that from tomorrow I won't be able to see such passionate customers anymore. I strongly felt that we need to stock the store in a way that will bring these customers back even after Beniko's exhibition ends.