Kinokuniya Bookstore opened its first overseas store in San Francisco in 1969. Eight years later, in 1977, we opened our second U.S. location in Little Tokyo.
The store initially was located inside a hotel, and later relocated to a nearby space in Weller Court, where it continued operations until July 2025.
We are now pleased to announce the rebirth of the store in the same Little Tokyo area as a large-scale flagship store spanning approximately 14,000 square feet. In Little Tokyo, a district with more than 100 years of history, we hope to contribute as a center for sharing and preserving Japanese culture while working together with the local community to further develop the neighborhood.
The new store will offer an open and inviting space featuring books, stationery, and gift items. In addition to one of the largest selections of translated manga in California, the store will carry a wide range of Japanese-language books.
Our English-language book section will also be expanded, with a focus on translated Japanese fiction, which has been gaining increasing attention in recent years. Beyond books, the store will feature Japanese stationery, a dedicated Studio Ghibli section, and exclusive original products available only at this location.
The temporary store that has been operating since August 2025 at the shopping mall The Bloc in Down-town Los Angeles (700 W. 7th St., G210, Los Angeles, CA 90017) will officially become an independent lo-cation under the name “Los Angeles The Bloc Store.”
With this opening, the total number of our U.S. stores, including Mai Do locations, will increase to 22. As we continue expanding our presence across the U.S., we remain commit-ted to serving as a hub for Japanese culture and to becoming a bookstore chain cherished by even more communities nationwide.
Location: Kajima Building, 101 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.