Historic Public Bathhouse Expands its Horizons with New Bookstore Opening in Sumida

Established in 1922, the iconic bathhouse Denki-yu, operated by Eight Company, has long been a cornerstone of community life in Sumida, Tokyo. On May 1, 2025, Denki-yu will take a bold step forward by launching a new bookstore called 'kamos.' This initiative aims to foster the theme of 'living with unknown others,' offering a curated selection of books that pertain to this fundamental concept.

The introduction of kamos represents a new venture for Denki-yu, which has maintained an inclusive space for resilience and coexistence since its inception. The bookstore will serve not only as a retail space but also as a collaborative environment for various specialists, promoting a culture steeped in dialogue about mutual living within the community. Through both physical and online services, kamos aims to inspire thoughts around coexisting with strangers within urban contexts.

The Concept Behind kamos

The name 'kamos' is derived from Denki-yu's guiding principle of 'to live clearly.' This reflects the establishment's ongoing mission to create a space that exemplifies coexistence. However, there is a recognition that too much clarity can inadvertently result in a homogeneous atmosphere where some people may feel excluded from community engagement.

To counter this, kamos intends to gather the often-forgotten nuances of what it means to live alongside others, encouraging dialogue and examination of societal margins through its carefully selected books. The space is envisioned to promote an environment that allows individuals to explore connections gently, making it a haven for contemplation and discussion.

Offerings and Hours

In addition to literature focusing on synergy and connectedness, kamos is working to develop a new service set to launch in May that will further engage community members in the literary world. The bookstore will host various activities both online and in-person within the local area, aiming to facilitate a vibrant cultural exchange.

Location: Sumida, Tokyo 3-48-1 Kyoshima
Operating Hours: 3 PM - 9 PM
Business Days: Monday, Sunday, Wednesday
Website: kamos.base.ec
Social Media:
Twitter: @kamos_books
Instagram: kamos_books
Contact: kamos.peace@gmail.com

About Denki-yu

Denki-yu has become synonymous with local tradition since its establishment in 1922, serving as a prominent public bathhouse in the Kyoshima area.
Location: Sumida, Tokyo 3-10-10
Operating Hours: 3 PM - 12 AM
Note: Every Sunday, there’s a morning bath from 8 AM - 12 PM, plus regular business hours
Closed: Every Saturday
Website: denki-yu.studio.site
Social Media:
Twitter: @denkiyu1010
Instagram: denki_yu
Contact: info@denkiyu.com

In summary, kamos stands to reshape the cultural landscape of Sumida by advocating for collaborative learning and community integration through literature, extending Denki-yu's legacy of fostering connections among diverse members of society.