Japanese bookstore chain Kinokuniya arrives in Dhaka

Kinokuniya, the renowned Japanese bookstore, is set to open its first outlet in Bangladesh at Centrepoint Uttara on June 19. This outlet carries 40,000 books, ranging from fiction, non-fiction, manga, children's books, literature, arts, business, education, lifestyle, children's books, and academic resources.

The Japanese retailer was founded in Tokyo in 1927 and now operates across Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, and most major Asian cities. Kinokuniya has long been regarded as a destination for readers, learners, researchers, and knowledge seekers.

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The Dhaka store spans 5,000 square feet and stocks a wide selection of English language imports alongside Bangla language books. The store also houses a cafe named Marco Polo’s Cafe where readers can grab beverages and snacks.

Kinokuniya Bangladesh was inaugurated by Hiroyoshi Kageyama, Managing Director of Kinokuniya, Khondaker Zayed Ahsan, Managing Director of IPCO Developments (Bangladesh) Ltd & IPCO Hotels Ltd, Mashrur Arefin, writer and Managing Director of City Bank PLC, and Sabrina Shaheed, Principal of Sir John Wilson School.

Hiroyoshi Kageyama spoke about Bangladesh as a nation of genuine promise, a strong cultural identity, and locals with real pride in their arts as the driver behind opening the store.

"Love for books is declining," said Mashrur Arefin, "The interest generated by an opening like this gives hope that the love of reading is not lost.

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For Ahsan, Kinokuniya is a personal affair. "My brothers and I are bookworms. We spent countless hours in Kinokuniya Singapore and Thailand and wanted people to experience Kinokuniya stores," he said.

Sabrina Shaheed, Principal of Sir John Wilson School, grew up collecting books from New Market and the British Council. The tables have turned, she said, people are interested in visiting bookstores again. She called Kinokuniya a breath of fresh air for Bangladesh.

Kinokuniya intends to add more books from India and the UK to make “them accessible for every buyer and broaden the quality of the collection, according to Ahsan.

Visit Kinokuniya Bangladesh at Centrepoint Uttara (Ground Floor). Stay updated by following Kinokuniya on Instagram and Facebook. Closed on Mondays.

Photo: Abrar Faiyaz Niloy