Japan’s Renowned Kinokuniya Bookstore Opens First Outlet in Bangladesh

Internationally acclaimed Japanese bookstore chain Kinokuniya has officially launched its first outlet in Bangladesh, marking a significant milestone for the country’s literary and cultural landscape.

The bookstore was inaugurated on Friday at the ground floor of the Centrepoint Shopping Mall in Uttara, near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

The opening ceremony was attended by Kinokuniya Director Hiroyoshi Kageyama, IPCO Developments Bangladesh Managing Director Khandakar Zayed Ahsan, City Bank PLC Chief Executive Officer and author Mashrur Arefin, and Sabrina Shahid, Principal of Sir John Wilson School.

Speaking at the inauguration, Hiroyoshi Kageyama described Bangladesh as a truly promising country with a rich tradition of art, literature, and culture.

“People in Bangladesh take great pride in their artistic and literary heritage. Their passion for books and culture inspired us to establish a Kinokuniya bookstore here,” he said.

The new bookstore spans approximately 5,000 square feet and houses around 40,000 titles in both Bangla and English. Its collection includes fiction, non-fiction, manga, lifestyle, children's books, literature, arts, business, education, and academic publications.

Customers will have access to Kinokuniya’s original imported editions, providing Bangladeshi readers with a wider range of international titles and publications.

In addition to the bookstore, the outlet features a café named Marco Polo, where visitors can enjoy snacks and soft drinks while reading or browsing books.

Founded in 1927 in Japan, Kinokuniya has grown into one of the world's most respected bookstore brands. Over the years, it has expanded internationally with outlets in major cities across Asia, as well as in Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, and other global locations.

The bookstore is widely regarded as a destination for thoughtful readers, students, researchers, and lifelong learners. Its arrival in Bangladesh is expected to create new opportunities for children, young people, and students to access a broader range of knowledge and educational resources.

Industry observers believe the opening of Kinokuniya’s first Bangladesh outlet reflects the country’s growing interest in reading, education, and international cultural exchange.