Celebrating 70 Years of Kinokuniya Bookstore's Publishing Division

This November, Kinokuniya Bookstore's Publishing Division is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary. Established in 1955, this division has been instrumental in enriching Japan's literary landscape and continuing the legacy of high-quality book publishing. The company, which first opened its doors in 1927, has a long history of engaging with literature, having published magazines and books since before World War II.

The Publishing Division was envisioned as more than just a sales platform; it is a dedicated effort towards nurturing and promoting literary culture. From its early days of publishing renowned works, starting with Tenjin's "The Man of the Himalayas", the division has continually sought to support emerging scholars and authors across various fields, primarily in the humanities and natural sciences.

Over the years, Kinokuniya has brought to the public an array of beloved titles that have transcended generations. Esteemed works like Erich Fromm's "The Art of Loving", Richard Dawkins' "The Selfish Gene", John Rawls' "A Theory of Justice", and Jean Baudrillard's "The Consumer Society: Myths and Structures" have established the company as a pillar of intellectual discourse and literary achievement.

In recent years, the spotlight has turned to modern works such as Naoto Muranaka's "Unable to Stop 'Scolding Dependency'", Hiroshi Igarashi's "The World Through My Eyes as a 'Coda'" (recommended for the 71st National Competition for Youth Reading Essays), Klaus' "Sound and the Brain", and Bakewell's "At the Café of Existentialists". The publication of these titles has not only sparked discussions but also highlighted the dynamic nature of contemporary literature. Additionally, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Gakuin School, they re-launched Prince Naruhito's significant work "With the Thames".

An important accolade for Kinokuniya was received in 2022 when its Mathematical Series, published between 1974 and 1994, was awarded the Japan Mathematical Society Publishing Award, showcasing their commitment to fostering rigorous academic scholarship.

Looking ahead, Kinokuniya plans to maintain its belief in the transformative power of books and will strive to continue producing works that satisfy readers' intellectual curiosity. To mark this significant milestone, a special commemorative fair titled "Kinokuniya Publishing Division 70th Anniversary Fair" will take place from this autumn through spring 2024, at all Kinokuniya bookstores and partner locations across Japan. Everyone is invited to join in celebrating this remarkable achievement and to explore the literary treasures that Kinokuniya has to offer.

For anyone interested in learning more about this 70th-anniversary celebration, visit the special website here.