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Kinokuniya and Dick Bruna: A Celebration of 100 Years

In November 2026, a significant milestone will be reached as Kinokuniya celebrates its 100th anniversary alongside the 100th birthday of the renowned illustrator Dick Bruna. These two iconic entities, born in the same year, have both contributed to the realms of imagination and curiosity through literature and storytelling. To commemorate this momentous occasion, a special event featuring exclusive merchandise will take place across all Kinokuniya Group stores in Japan, including overseas locations and select university bookstores.

Meaning Behind the Celebration

This collaborative celebration is designed to honor the legacy of both Kinokuniya and Dick Bruna. For the past century, Kinokuniya has been a bridge connecting readers with writers, fostering a love for books and reading. In the same vein, Dick Bruna’s work, particularly through beloved characters like Miffy, encourages a love for reading among children and adults alike.

The event aims to express gratitude to all the readers and writers who have supported Kinokuniya throughout the years. The merchandise being released is not merely products; they symbolize the invaluable connections formed through literature. Initiated in 2022, the original goods collection celebrates these bonds and offers support to book lovers everywhere. It embodies a wish for more individuals to become avid readers, charmed by the world of books, just like Bruna's famed character, the little black bear.

Moreover, the fair will serve as a reminder of the richness that reading adds to our lives and hopefully lead readers to discover new stories.

Event Details

• - Start Date: November 12, 2026, at each store’s opening time.
• - Where: All Kinokuniya Group locations in Japan, including Asahiya and Kinokuniya bookstores, as well as selected university stores and online platforms.
• - Reservations: Reservations are accepted online exclusively through the Kinokuniya web store, with no in-store reservations available.

For more information, visit the official event page: Kinokuniya 100th Anniversary and Bruna Goods

Featured Merchandise

Among the highlights of this fair are unique items inspired by Bruna’s illustrations:

1. Mascot Keychains

• - Miffy Keychain: Dressed in a refined apron featuring the logo, this Miffy keychain embodies the spirit of Kinokuniya’s centenary and is priced at ¥2,970.
• - Boris Keychain: Similar in design to Miffy, Boris also showcases the refined logo while carrying a book, available for ¥2,970.

2. Book Covers

• - Bruna Color Book Covers: Available in four colors—Miffy Blue, Boris Yellow, Miffy Red, and Miffy Green. These covers feature comforting embroidery and retail for ¥2,310.

3. Mechanical Pencils

• - Staedtler 925 75 Pencil: These casual yet high-quality drawing pencils are adorned with Bruna colors, presented at a price of ¥990.

4. Traditional Logo Series Book Covers

A variety of book covers themed around Miffy and Black Bear, designed with Tyvek material, reflect Kinokuniya’s celebratory spirit and are priced at ¥1,980 each.

5. Special Book Pouches

• - Black Bear Pouch: A stylish pouch featuring the beloved Black Bear illustration, available for ¥2,200.

Book Fair Featuring Dick Bruna's Creations

In addition to the merchandise, Kinokuniya will host a fair featuring a selection of picture books and related publications by Dick Bruna at its stores. Shoppers can receive an exclusive original shopper bag with purchases over ¥1,500 (tax included).

Legacy of Dick Bruna

Dick Bruna, a Dutch-born artist, has left a lasting impact through his work as both an illustrator and graphic designer. He is best known for creating Miffy and the Black Bear, which resonates with audiences around the globe. With over 120 picture books to his name, Bruna's charming anecdotes have been translated into more than 50 languages, securing their place as timeless favorites.

About Kinokuniya

Founded in 1927 in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Kinokuniya continues to evolve as a cultural and artistic hub. As both Kinokuniya and Dick Bruna reach their centenary, this event symbolizes a shared commitment to nurturing love for reading in generations to come.

For additional details about this event and merchandise, please visit: Kinokuniya Event Page

For press inquiries, contact: Kinokuniya Co., Ltd. Public Relations at [email protected]