If you’ve been following the buzz around the Shonen Jump pop-up at Kinokuniya Takashimaya, here’s more good news for Kino fans: Books Kinokuniya is set to open a brand new outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre this August. This will be the brand’s 3rd location in Singapore, joining its flagship store at Takashimaya and its Bugis Junction branch.
First, an introduction to Books Kinokuniya. This beloved Japanese bookstore chain was founded in 1927, with its first outlet in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Fun fact: the name “Kinokuniya” means “Bookstore of Kii Province,” a nod to the founder’s ancestral roots.
Books Kinokuniya made its Asia-Pacific debut right here in Singapore, opening its first store at Liang Court in 1983. Since then, it’s become a go-to haunt for readers of every genre. Its Takashimaya flagship opened in 1999 and was, for a time, the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia. You’ll also recognise its signature blue bookshelves, which have become synonymous with the Kinokuniya experience in Singapore.
Besides books, Kinokuniya also stocks everything from Japanese magazines and manga to stationery, Blu-rays, figurines, and novelty collectibles. While the brand closed its Liang Court outlet in 2019 and Jem outlet in 2022, and recently downsized the Takashimaya store, it’s far from fading out. In fact, with the announcement of its new store opening at Raffles City in August 2025, it’s clear that Kinokuniya is here to stay.
In an Instagram post on 21st April, Books Kinokuniya confirmed the opening of its newest outlet at Raffles City Shopping Centre, set to open its doors in August 2025. It will take over the former NBC Stationery & Gifts unit, which is also under the Kinokuniya umbrella, on the 3rd floor of the mall.
While smaller than the flagship, the Raffles City outlet will still pack a punch with a thoughtful curation of books and stationery. At the heart of it all is The Blue Room, a section designed to be a zen space, perfect for slow browsing and deeper reads. According to The Straits Times, the room will be dedicated to literature and offer a more contemplative experience.
Fans of Kinokuniya’s iconic blue shelves will be glad to know they’re not going anywhere. These beloved fixtures from the flagship store will be reused here, serving as a familiar link between old and new. The store design is helmed by Kay Ngee Tan Architects, the same firm behind Kinokuniya’s original Takashimaya store, so you can expect the same polished yet cosy aesthetic that fans of the brand have come to adore.
I’m sure many of us grew up visiting Kinokuniya stores, especially the flagship at Takashimaya. This new opening at Raffles City is one worth looking forward to. And in the meantime, why not check out the NBC Stationery & Gifts Raffles City closing sale from now until 4th May?
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Cover image adapted from: Kay Ngee Tan Architects
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