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

Bunyu Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo), which operates the long-standing "Bunyu Shoten" bookstore—a staple in Kagurazaka for 75 years—reopened the bookstore on March 12.

Additionally, a "Rental Space Kagurazaka Bunyu" will open in mid-April, occupying approximately 25 tsubo (about 83 square meters) at the back of the store.

On weekday afternoons, the space will serve as a workspace (24–32 seats) equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets, as well as a rental conference room complete with a projector. In the evenings and on weekends, it is intended for pop-up shops, galleries, book signings, seminars, and more. By introducing movable sliding walls, the space can quickly change its layout to suit various needs. It aims to serve as a "local knot" for Kagurazaka, filling the void for a "multi-functional third place."

1. A 75-year-old bookstore evolves into a "space" for the next generation Bunyu Shoten was founded in 1950. Located on the hill in Kagurazaka, it has supported the reading experiences of the local community, providing books for people to pick up on their way home from work or to deepen the lingering emotions at the end of a stroll.

This renovation is an attempt to adapt to the changing environment surrounding bookstores, expanding its role from simply "selling books" to becoming a "place where people and culture mingle through books."

2. Approximately 25 tsubo at the back of the store becomes "Rental Space Kagurazaka Bunyu" The newly established "Rental Space Kagurazaka Bunyu" utilizes about 25 tsubo (approx. 83 sqm) at the back of the bookstore. The space, featuring a design based on plywood, incorporates movable sliding walls that allow the layout to be reconfigured according to the intended use. The design planning was handled by I-Company Co., Ltd. (Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture; Representative Director: Shinichi Ishimura).

3. Work and meetings on weekday days; sharing and interaction at night and on weekends The space is designed for use on weekday afternoons as a workspace with 24–32 seats (equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and power) and as a rental conference room with a projector.

For evenings and weekends, the space is being prepared as a venue where "bookstore-unique" events can be held, such as retail pop-ups, galleries, book signings, and seminars.

4. Filling the "blank" in Kagurazaka—The shortage of multi-functional third places Kagurazaka is a central hub served by six train lines, where the daytime population reaches approximately 2.7 times the nighttime population. However, we perceive a shortage of multi-functional third places where business and culture coexist—places where one can focus on work before a meeting, where local creators can showcase their work, or where cross-generational dialogue can occur. Through this renovation, we hope to implement a "missing piece" into the city to address this shortage.

Representative Comment Bunyu Co., Ltd. Representative Director: Yoji Tachibana

For 75 years, Bunyu has been by the side of books and people's time in Kagurazaka. From now on, we will move toward a place where not only "reading" but also "working, sharing, and meeting" naturally coexist. We will continue to develop the bookstore while nurturing "Rental Space Kagurazaka Bunyu" as a "local knot" where the city's challenges and culture intersect.

Company Overview Company Name: Bunyu Co., Ltd. Representative: Representative Director Yoji Tachibana Address: 6-8 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825 Phone Number: 03-3268-5858