Japanese bookstore chain Kinokuniya opens first outlet in Dhaka

Dhaka: Kinokuniya, the Japanese bookstore chain, has opened its first outlet in Bangladesh at Centrepoint Uttara on June 19.

The new store stocks roughly 40,000 books spanning fiction, non-fiction, manga, literature, arts, business, lifestyle, children's titles, and academic resources.

Founded in Tokyo in 1927, Kinokuniya now operates in Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, and several other major Asian cities and is widely regarded as a destination for readers and researchers alike.

The Dhaka outlet spans 5,000 square feet and offers English-language imports alongside Bangla titles. It also houses a cafe named Marco Polo's Cafe, where visitors can order beverages and snacks.

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

Kageyama cited Bangladesh's cultural identity and the pride locals take in their arts as motivation behind the new outlet.

Arefin noted that interest in reading has been waning but said openings like this offer hope that the love of books is not entirely lost.

For Ahsan, the launch carries personal significance. He said he and his brothers grew up as avid readers, often spending hours at Kinokuniya stores in Singapore and Thailand, and wanted to bring that experience home.

Shaheed, who grew up collecting books from New Market and the British Council, said interest in bookstores appears to be reviving, calling Kinokuniya a refreshing addition to Bangladesh.

Ahsan added that Kinokuniya plans to expand its collection with more titles imported from India and the UK, aiming to make books more accessible and broaden the range available to buyers.