HONYAL NEWS 2026/03

TOHAN Corporation brings you the latest news from "HONYAL," a support service for opening small bookstores.

This news features new bookstores born through HONYAL and topics related to HONYAL.

For details on HONYAL services, please visit the official website.

Introducing Newly Introduced HONYAL Bookstores (March 2026)

### Honyal Hitorigokochi [OPEN March 1, 2026]

Operated by: Hitorigokochi Inc. Address: 2-15 Yamatecho, Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture Opening Hours: Weekdays 7:30-10:00, 12:00-17:00 Sundays & Holidays 10:00-17:00 Last order for coffee shop 30 minutes before closing Closed: Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays Web: https://hitorigocochi.com/ SNS: https://www.instagram.com/hitorigocochi_books/ https://www.threads.com/@hitorigocochi_books/

This bookstore is operated by "Hitorigokochi," a symbol design studio that has handled brand and logo graphics for companies and local governments nationwide. The second floor of the former hardware store building is now a design studio, and the first floor houses a bookstore, coffee shop, and exhibition space. The selection criteria for books are "books that open up individual sensibilities." For example, books that "open up inner selves" like literature and diaries, books that "open up thought" like philosophy, humanities, and social sciences, and books that "open up sensitivity" like design and art. From these perspectives, a wide range of books leading to expression and creation, books for understanding oneself and others, and books serving as clues for thinking are carefully selected. Weekday mornings start with early opening hours from 7:30 AM, making it convenient for commuters and students to stop by before work or school. There's also a morning-only coffee shop menu and a daily rotating selection of "morning gap books," such as short story collections and poetry suitable for reading on commuter trains. Access is about a 13-minute walk northwest from Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, or about a 15-minute walk from Higashi-Hanno Station, which is also served by the JR Hachiko Line. It faces Koma-Yokocho, which has historically been bustling with traffic to Chichibu and Hidaka areas. Leisure spots like Mt. Tenran and Hanno-Gawara are also within walking distance. The store also comments, "We have two parking spaces, but we also recommend walking around the town. We'd be delighted if you could visit us while taking a stroll."

### PLAY FIRST STAND [OPEN March 5, 2026]

Operated by: Lutecia Inc. Representative: Mr. Toru Oyama Address: kuguru03-1F, 2-21-6 Ofuna, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture Opening Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays 14:00-18:00 *Please check Instagram for temporary closures or changes in operating hours. WEB: https://www.lutecia.design/ SNS: https://www.instagram.com/playfirststand/

"PLAY FIRST STAND" is a select shop for play and learning, newly opened in Ofuna by Lutecia Inc., which aims to solve various challenges with the concept of "Starting with play ~ PLAY FIRST ~." The main product lineup consists of analog board games and card games. In particular, it features games from the analog game brand "NANAWARI," where the owner, who is also the representative of the operating company, and his wife serve as game designers. Additionally, books aligned with the "PLAY FIRST" concept are available, selected by the owner. From picture books and children's books to business, art, and specialized educational books, the selection is themed around "play, curiosity, and design." Furthermore, workshop kits are also available as educational materials. These were developed by the owner to incorporate elements of play and can be utilized in school classes and corporate training. The owner is also available for consultations with school officials and corporate training managers. "Play" here encompasses not only entertainment but also a balanced combination of intellect and artistry in the games and books. It's a intellectually stimulating store where people of all ages, from children to adults, can expand their curiosity through the gateway of "play." Access is also excellent, being a 5-minute walk eastbound along Shouchiku-dori from Ofuna Station.

### Nagomi Books [OPEN March 5, 2026]

Address: 1-32-4 Nagatsukanishi, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture Opening Hours: 9:00-19:00 (Mondays only 9:00-16:00) *Irregular holidays, please check Instagram for details Web: https://nagomibooks.base.shop/ SNS: https://www.instagram.com/nagomi_books_/

The owner, a former Japanese language teacher, opened this store aiming to create a "gentle and warm place where tired and wounded minds and bodies can relax." It also features a cafe space where visitors can enjoy original blend coffee and baked goods. Regarding the book selection, a particular focus was placed on "people seeking words for themselves." The aim is to provide a fresh encounter experience, where words and books jump out at people, whether they are not accustomed to reading or are avid readers looking for core books, and to let them return home with a smile after finding a book or passage perfect for them at that moment. The selection includes literary works such as novels and essays, poetry, picture books, children's literature, new publications, business books, practical guides, and art, catering to the interests of a wide range of readers. It also handles used books, and there is a shelf for in-store viewing (not for sale), making it a place where visitors can encounter various books, stepping a little away from their daily routine. Utilizing her experience as a Japanese language teacher and qualifications as a librarian teacher, the owner plans to offer reading experiences to local youth and children, and to organize learning support, reading clubs, picture book reading sessions, and book selection services. This bookstore's future developments are highly anticipated.

### Honya Yamayama [OPEN March 21, 2026]

Owners: Ms. Misaki Iijima, Mr. Takahito Hata Address: Muratosho, 1176 Ono, Tatsuno Town, Kamiina District, Nagano Prefecture Opening Hours: 12:00-19:00 Closed: Wednesdays, Thursdays Web: https://honya-yamayama.stores.jp/ SNS: https://www.instagram.com/honyamayama_sha/

"Yamayama-sha," a publishing company, and "Honya Yamayama," a bookstore, opened in Tatsuno Town, Nagano Prefecture, located in the Ina Valley. The name embodies the meaning of opening "between the mountains" of the Southern and Central Alps, and the personal determination to "overcome the 'buts' when one wants to publish/read books but..." (yamayama means 'mountains' but also implies 'a lot' or 'strong desire with a 'but'). Ms. Misaki Iijima, the representative, is originally from Nagano Prefecture and previously worked for a publishing company in Tokyo, involved in editing children's magazines and picture books. She moved to Tatsuno Town with her husband, who is also a picture book author, after childbirth. They participated in a project to repurpose a former town library building using the PFI method, and moved in as both a publishing company and a bookstore. Aiming to create a space where local people and especially children can easily drop in and encounter books, "Honya Yamayama" has a selection focused on picture books and children's books, catering to a wide range of ages. Leveraging their connections, they plan to invite picture book authors and creators for solo exhibitions and events, aspiring to become a destination store that customers would want to "cross mountains to read and visit," like a travel destination.

### AWOLORE [OPEN March 28, 2026]

Owner: Mr. Daisuke Shimizuguchi Address: 330-1 Yunoki, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 Closed: Thursdays SNS: https://www.instagram.com/awolore_plants/