#USA #Los Angeles #Kinokuniya #LittleTokyo #LosAngeles

KinoKuniya's Major Expansion in Los Angeles

KinoKuniya Bookstore, a cornerstone of Japanese culture in the U.S., is excited to announce its move and expansion in Los Angeles, slated for June 2026. The new store will effectively double the size of the existing location and will serve as a hub for promoting Japanese cultural exchange in the Little Tokyo area.

Since its inception in 1969 with the opening of its first international store in San Francisco, KinoKuniya has grown significantly. Eight years later, in 1977, they launched their second U.S. store in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, starting from a modest 33-square-meter footprint within a hotel. Shortly thereafter, they expanded to a nearby location in Weller Court, which has been operational until mid-2025.

The upcoming relocation to a spacious 400-square-meter site marks a significant development in their mission of providing a venue for cultural exchange. This larger store is not only a testament to the growth of the brand but also its deep-rooted commitment to the Japanese community and culture in L.A.

The new store promises to offer a wide variety of products in a spacious and welcoming environment. Customers can expect an impressive range of books, stationery, and gift items. Notably, it will feature California's largest English-translated manga section, as well as an extensive assortment of Japanese literature. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in English translations of contemporary Japanese literature, and the new store aims to cater to this demand.

Beyond just books, the store will include a dedicated section for Ghibli Studio merchandise and various Japanese made stationery items, alongside exclusive original products found only at this location. This expansion will help enhance Little Tokyo's vibrant culture and attract a broader audience.

In August of last year, a temporary store opened at the shopping mall known as “THE BLOC”. This establishment has now gained official recognition as the “Los Angeles THE BLOC Store,” thereby adding to KinoKuniya’s presence in the area. With the exciting new store on the horizon, KinoKuniya will bring the total number of its U.S. locations to 22.

KinoKuniya continues to strive for growth around the United States while acting as a significant cultural ambassador for Japan. The aim is to engage and serve local communities through books and cultural exchange, creating a bookstore chain that resonates deeply with customers.

Store Details

New Los Angeles Store

• - Address: 101 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• - Size: 405 square meters
• - Operations: Books, magazines, stationery, and miscellaneous goods
• - Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Los Angeles THE BLOC Store

• - Address: 700 W 7th St, G210, Los Angeles, CA 90017
• - Size: 88 square meters
• - Operations: Books, magazines, stationery, and miscellaneous goods
• - Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

About KinoKuniya

Founded in 1927, KinoKuniya has a rich history of over 99 years, making it Japan's largest bookstore chain. They expanded internationally with their first overseas store opening in San Francisco in 1969 and now operate stores in various countries, including Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the UAE, and Cambodia. Additionally, they have a business relationship with FAHASA, the largest bookstore in Vietnam, to offer Japanese books.

For inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact the Public Relations Department of KinoKuniya Co., Ltd. at [email protected].