Bulk Orders Surge at Used Bookstores in Japan; 50 Tons Sent to U.S. (news.ntv.co.jp)

A surge in bulk orders at used bookstores across Japan has raised eyebrows, with indications suggesting that the orders may be linked to AI training data collection. Since August, online bookstores have reported significant increases in sales, with some sellers noting they’ve sold over 100 books in a day and experienced a fivefold revenue increase. The orders mainly consist of specialized books in politics, philosophy, and Edo culture, leading to speculation that they are intended for generating AI learning datasets. Notably, more than 50 tons of these books have been exported to the U.S., prompting questions about the ethical implications of using physical books for AI training purposes. Industry insiders observe that the orders typically originate from various accounts all directed to a single logistics center in Okayama Prefecture, suggesting a systematic approach to purchasing. Some bookstore owners have expressed concern over the long-term implications for book value as they grapple with a complex mix of increased sales and unease about the fate of the books. The Tokyo Used Book Dealers Association confirms awareness of this phenomenon and its links to AI learning, opening up conversations around the accelerating demand for specialized knowledge in the age of AI and the potential consequences for literary culture.