#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Publishing #Kinokuniya Bookstore #Book Retail

Kinokuniya Bookstore Financial Results for FY 2025

Kinokuniya Bookstore, led by President Nobuyuki Fujinori, has released its financial results for the fiscal year ending August 2025, marking a significant milestone as the organization achieved record-high sales and profits for the third consecutive year. This consistent growth, driven by robust performances across its core business segments, illustrates the enduring strength and competitiveness of Kinokuniya in the retail book market.

Consolidated Financial Overview

In the latest fiscal report, Kinokuniya recorded total sales of ¥140.79 billion, reflecting a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, operating profit surged to approximately ¥5.17 billion, up by 18.2%. Other key metrics include a recurring profit increase to ¥5.31 billion, up 8.4%, and a parent company's net profit of ¥4.74 billion, marking a substantial growth of 37.4%. This consolidated growth is indicative of a strong market position and an effective operational strategy.

Revenue by Business Segment

The domestic bookstore division saw an increase in same-store sales, coupled with revenue from Asahiya Bookstore, which was fully acquired by Kinokuniya last December. The total revenue from this sector reached ¥47.2 billion. Additionally, other segments such as corporate sales and international operations recorded growth, resulting in all primary business lines contributing positively to Kinokuniya's revenue for the third consecutive year.

Key Developments During FY 2025

As part of its domestic expansion strategy, Kinokuniya opened the Otemachi One store in November 2024 and the AEON Mall Kawaguchi-Maekawa store in June 2025. The long-closed Otemachi Building store, which underwent renovation, successfully reopened in March 2025, joining recently refreshed locations in Marugame and Hiroshima.

Internationally, Kinokuniya relocated and expanded its Raffles City store in Singapore in July 2025, venturing into book sales alongside its stationery offerings. In Indonesia, a new franchise location opened at Plaza Senayan in December 2024, and additional outlets are planned in the Philippines including SM North EDSA and Glorietta, both launching in the upcoming months. Furthermore, preparations for a second Malaysian store, Damansara Heights, are underway.

In the corporate sales sector, Kinokuniya actively participated in government initiatives for enhancing university programs, providing extensive support in terms of facilities and equipment for newly established programs, significantly increasing the service's revenue. The transition from traditional paper materials to digital formats by educational institutions has also boosted the adoption of Kinokuniya’s digital platforms like KinoDen, LibrariE, and ProQuest Ebook Central.

By November 2025, Kinokuniya operates a total of 102 domestic locations, including 71 Kinokuniya stores and 11 Asahiya stores, along with an international footprint of 47 locations across 10 countries. Sales operations are being conducted from 30 offices domestically and 6 overseas.

Looking Ahead

As Kinokuniya approaches its centennial in 2027, the foundational projects initiated in 2022 are gathering momentum. Events, promotions, and commemorative merchandise in celebration of the 100th anniversary will begin to roll out in phases starting from FY 2026. Additionally, the publishing division will mark its 70th anniversary in November 2025, while the Kinokuniya Theatre Award will celebrate its 60th edition in January 2026, both tied to planned special fairs and ceremonies.

Through these initiatives and a commitment to preserving the legacy of founder Shikō Tanabe, Kinokuniya aims to bolster its global business infrastructure while addressing challenges within the bookselling and publishing sectors. The company remains dedicated to its pioneering and constructive role in shaping the industry's future.

For more information regarding this release, please contact: Kinokuniya Bookstore Public Relations [email protected]. Attached is the “Kinokuniya Bookstore Annual Report 2025.”