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Kinokuniya and Domu Kan Publishing: A Strategic Move towards Share Transfer

In an important development within the Japanese publishing landscape, Kinokuniya Bookstore Co., Ltd. has announced that it is entering discussions with Domu Kan Publishing Co., Ltd. regarding the transfer of shares owned by the Nakajima family. This strategic discussion signals Kinokuniya's intent to potentially bring Domu Kan Publishing under its corporate umbrella, thereby enhancing their collective publishing efforts.

Overview of Domu Kan Publishing

Founded in 1896 by Akio Moriyama, Domu Kan Publishing is poised to celebrate its 130th anniversary in April 2026. The company has specialized in publishing a diverse range of literature focused on accounting, management, commercial studies, economics, law, trade, and the humanities. With its extensive portfolio, Domu Kan Publishing has shifted from academic texts to general literature, fulfilling the evolving demands of academia and industry. Their published works have earned numerous prestigious awards, including the Nikkei Economy Book Culture Award, the Prime Minister of Canada’s Cultural Award, and several accolades from academic societies.

Background of Negotiations

For nearly half a century, the Nakajima family has led Domu Kan Publishing, guiding it through the changes and challenges of the publishing industry since November 1974. Given the dynamic nature of publishing today, the family has worked closely with Kinokuniya to consider succession and continuity strategies. Their joint discussions have concluded that joining the Kinokuniya group will enable Domu Kan to secure its legacy and successfully navigate the future of the publishing world.

Kinokuniya Bookstore’s Publishing Endeavors

As a bookstore group that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027, Kinokuniya boasts 102 stores across Japan and 54 overseas as of October 2026. In addition to its thriving retail operations, Kinokuniya has an established publishing division, launched in 1955, which has produced successful translations of numerous classic works, including Fromm’s The Art of Loving, Baudrillard’s The Consumer Society: Myths and Structures, Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene, and Rawls’ A Theory of Justice. In April 2023, they also reissued a significant work by Crown Prince Naruhito titled With the Thames – Two Years in the UK. This commitment to quality literature positions Kinokuniya as a vital player within the publishing realm.

Future Prospects

Should the transfer of shares from Domu Kan Publishing to Kinokuniya proceed as planned, it would pave the way for an expansion of publishing efforts across the entire Kinokuniya group. Concurrently, Kinokuniya has been driving publishing and distribution reform in collaboration with Culture Convenience Club and Nippon Publishing Sales Co., through the establishment of Booksellers & Company in October 2023. This reform aims to champion a bookstore-led transformation in the publishing ecosystem and contribute significantly to the industry’s evolution.

While discussions for the share transfer are underway, it's essential to note that an agreement has not been finalized. Kinokuniya plans to disclose further details if and when a conclusive agreement is reached.

About Domu Kan Publishing Co., Ltd.

- Location: 1-41 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Founded: April 3, 1896
- Leadership: Chairman, Osamu Nakajima; President, Toyohiko Nakajima
- Core Business: Publication of literature in accounting, management, commercial studies, economics, law, trade, and humanities industries.

For inquiries regarding this announcement, please contact:
Kinokuniya Bookstore's General Affairs and Human Resources Department
Phone: 03-6910-0502
Email: [email protected]