#Australia #Melbourne #bookstore #Kinokuniya

Kinokuniya Opens a New Store in Melbourne, Australia

Kinokuniya Co., Ltd., led by President Yoshio Fujinori, celebrated the grand opening of its third Australian store in Melbourne on September 4, 2026. This noteworthy development underlines Kinokuniya’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Australia, particularly in the culturally-rich city of Melbourne. The inaugural Australian store was launched back in 1996 in Neutral Bay, and the business later relocated to Sydney's central area in 2002. To further enhance its local reach, Kinokuniya introduced another store in Chatswood, North Sydney, in April 2026, catering to the needs of the regional clientele.

The newly opened Melbourne store represents a significant expansion into a vital cultural and educational hub in Australia. Melbourne is recognized for its numerous universities, research institutions, publishing houses, museums, and theaters. In 2008, it earned the distinction of being the first city in the Southern Hemisphere to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature, showcasing its status as a central point for reading and publishing.

Located within the Melbourne Central Shopping Center, the store occupies a prime space that connects directly with the bustling transport system, enhancing accessibility for patrons. The vicinity includes the renowned State Library Victoria, attracting a diverse array of students, researchers, and literature enthusiasts. Setting up shop in such a vibrant cultural area aligns with Kinokuniya's vision to serve not just as a commercial space, but as an integral part of Melbourne's literary community.

The Melbourne store will offer a diverse selection of books in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, and Chinese, alongside an array of manga, stationery, and unique gifts. This extensive product range is tailored to cater to a broad audience, from local students to individuals interested in Japanese culture and pop culture.

Building on its history of connecting cultures, Kinokuniya aims to establish itself as a new cultural communication hub linking Japan and the world, particularly from this bustling area known for its artistic and literary gatherings.

Store Details:

• - Address: Shop L02 218-19, Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, 211 LaTrobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• - Size: Approximately 120 tsubo
• - Products Offered: Books, stationery, and miscellaneous goods
• - Operating Hours:

- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00–19:00
- Thursday to Friday: 10:00–21:00
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00–19:00

About Kinokuniya:

Founded in 1927, Kinokuniya is Japan's largest bookstore chain, and is approaching its 100th anniversary in 2027. Since opening its first overseas store in San Francisco in 1969, it has expanded to 11 countries, with 53 stores operating internationally. Besides its Australian operations, Kinokuniya also has a significant presence in the USA, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. Furthermore, since 2016, Kinokuniya has partnered with the largest bookstore in Vietnam, FAHASA, to offer Japanese-language books to a broader audience.

For further information regarding the press release, please contact: Kinokuniya Co., Ltd., General Affairs Department, PR Representative at [email protected].