Japanese bookstore Kinokuniya opens in Dhaka
Kinokuniya is offering 40,000 titles and a cosy cafe to celebrate the literary aspiration in Bangladesh
ATT Desk Report 
Book lovers in Bangladesh have a new reason to celebrate as Kinokuniya, the famous Japanese bookstore, officially opened its first outlet in South Asia on June 19 in capital’s Centrepoint Uttara.
The 5,000-square-foot store, which carries an impressive collection of 40,000 titles, marks a significant milestone in Dhaka’s evolving literary and cultural landscape.
The inauguration ceremony was featured by Hiroyoshi Kageyama, Director of Kinokuniya; Khondaker Zayed Ahsan, Managing Director of IPCO Developments (Bangladesh) Ltd & IPCO Hotels Ltd; Mashrur Arefin, writer and CEO of City Bank PLC; and Sabrina Shaheed, Principal of Sir John Wilson School.
Speaking at the event, Hiroyoshi Kageyama expressed his optimism about Bangladesh's potential, describing it as a nation of genuine promise with a strong cultural identity and a people who take real pride in their arts. He cited these qualities as the driving force behind the decision to establish a presence in Dhaka.
Founded in Tokyo in 1927, Kinokuniya has long been revered as a global destination for readers, researchers, and knowledge seekers, with established outlets in Singapore, Dubai, Kula Lumpur, Sydney, and major Asian cities. The Dhaka branch continues this legacy by offering a diverse range of English-language imports alongside a curated selection of Bangla books, spanning fiction, non-fiction, manga, children's literature, arts, business, education, lifestyle, and academic resources.
Beyond its extensive book collection, the Dhaka store features Marco Polo’s Cafe, a cozy corner where visitors can enjoy beverages and snacks while browsing their favorite reads. The store remains closed on Mondays.
Book enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Kinokuniya Bangladesh at Centrepoint Uttara and follow the store on Instagram and Facebook for updates on new arrivals and events.
