On 7th July 2022, the largest Japanese bookstore chain, Tsutaya Books, finally opened its doors to the public, being the first outlet in Malaysia and Southeast Asia!
It has been over a week since the launch and the bookstore has quickly become the new hotspot for bibliophiles and aesthetic lovers alike. With over 240,000 books available, Tsutaya Books is no ordinary bookstore. Their core concept “Cultivate Culture and Lifestyle” offers a new way of living to inspire matured, intelligent, and creative people.
During the launch day, our team went on a little field trip to the bookstore!
DIVERSITY ON BOOKSHELVES
As expected, the interior of the bookstore was breathtaking and mesmerizing with rows and rows and high shelves filled with books of many genres: young adults, children’s, manga/comics, literature, classics, fantasy, lifestyle, food, languages, art, travel, and workstyle. What makes Tsutaya Books unique and different is that books of different languages share the same shelf space. Talk about diversity on bookshelves! Like any other bookstore, books are categorized according to genre, but for Tsutaya Books no matter the book’s language, they share the same shelf organized according to their genre. So don’t be surprised if you spot an English book beside a Chinese book on the shelves.
CULTURAL ELEMENTS AND EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE
As you move from one area to another, the bookstore is filled with Japanese culture and elements. There are quite a significant number of Japanese lifestyle products, crafts, fountain pens and beautiful designed accessories. And guess what? These products are not just displayed for aesthetic, they are up for grabs and purchase!
The interesting part during the launch is the live paper cutting demonstration by Han the Craftsman and displays of Limited-Edition Big Books like the Ferrari Limited Collector’s Edition book that’s worth over RM30,000. The displays of the big books immersed you in an exhibition-like experience in the bookstore with concierges ready with your every query.
Handwork of Japanese Craftsmen
Subtle and moderation lifestyle products
THE CAFÉ
Once you’ve done your rounds throughout the bookstore, there is a little café for you to unwind, situated at the center where you can enjoy Japanese desserts and drinks. Fruit Parfait and the signature dessert Dorayaki was exquisitely scrumptious paired with the Kyoto matcha for an extra boost of caffeine. The interior of the café screams “lifestyle” making it the perfect spot for an Instagram worthy picture! Meanwhile, the design of the café surrounded by shelves of books radiates inspiration and motivation to read your books or simply doing your work as there are ample amount of plug points available and a peaceful atmosphere optimized for your productivity.
