Historical Kagurazaka Bookstore Transforms into a Hub for 'Reading, Working, and Sharing'

Bonyu Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku, Tokyo), which operates the 75-year-old 'Bonyu Shoten' in Kagurazaka, renovated and reopened the bookstore on March 12.

Additionally, 'Rental Space Kagurazaka Bonyu,' spanning approximately 83 square meters (25 tsubo) at the back of the store, is scheduled to open in mid-April.

During weekday daytimes, the space will function as a workspace with high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets (24-32 seats) and as a rental meeting room equipped with a projector. During nights and weekends, it is intended for pop-up shops, galleries, book signings, and seminars. By introducing movable sliding walls, the layout can be converted quickly. This initiative aims to address the shortage of 'multifunctional third places' in the area and serve as a 'community hub' for Kagurazaka.

1. A 75-Year-Old Bookstore Moving into the Next Era Founded in 1950, Bonyu Shoten has supported the local reading experience for decades, offering the perfect book for someone stopping by after work or finishing a stroll up the hill. This renovation is an attempt to expand the bookstore's role from 'selling books' to 'a place where people and culture mix' in response to changes in the industry environment.

2. 83-Square-Meter Space Transformed into 'Rental Space Kagurazaka Bonyu' The new space utilizes the 83-square-meter area at the back of the store. Designed with plywood as the base material, it features movable sliding walls for flexible layout changes. The planning and design were handled by I-Company Co., Ltd. (Narashino, Chiba; CEO: Shinichi Ishimura).

3. Work and Meetings on Weekdays, Sharing and Interaction on Evenings/Weekends The space is designed for concentrated work (24-32 seats) with high-speed Wi-Fi and power during the day. On evenings and weekends, it transforms into a venue for product sales, exhibitions, and events unique to a bookstore setting.

4. Filling the 'Gap' in Kagurazaka—Lack of Multifunctional Third Places Kagurazaka is a central hub served by six train lines, where the daytime population is 2.7 times the nighttime population. Despite this, there is a perceived lack of multifunctional third places where business and culture coexist—places to focus before meetings, places for local creators to showcase work, or places for cross-generational dialogue. This renovation aims to implement a 'missing piece' in the neighborhood.

Representative Comment **Yoji Tachibana, CEO of Bonyu Co., Ltd.** 'For 75 years, Bonyu has been close to the time of books and people in Kagurazaka. From now on, we want to be a place where "reading" naturally coexists with "working, sharing, and meeting." We will grow Rental Space Kagurazaka Bonyu as a community hub where local challenges and culture intersect, while continuing to develop and sustain the bookstore itself.'

Company Overview **Company Name:** Bonyu Co., Ltd. **Representative:** Yoji Tachibana, CEO **Location:** 6-8 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825 **Phone:** 03-3268-5858