Collection of Popular Novels Include: Paulo Coelho, The Spy; Leave Me, Gayle Forman; The Woman in Cabin 10, Ruth Ware; The Wangs vs. the World, Judy Chang
About 75% of the books in Kinokuniya are of English language. On the first floor, the books range from health and wellness, science fiction, recipe books, fashion how-tos, DIYs, fantasy, best sellers, autobiographies, and more. A unique aspect of the English dominated section also is an area that concerns all things New York City. There are travel guides, picture books, and little design books on the city which can appeal to new residents of the city, tourists and foreigners, or even long term residents of the city.
English Bestsellers
Manager Takano states that popular books among Japanese and non-Japanese are similar, and the same can be said for the English books in Kinokuniya.
1. The Little Book of Life Hacks: How to Make Your Life Happier, Healthier, and More Beautiful by Yumi Sakugawa Yumi Sakugawa is a contemporary cartoon artist from California who has created a novel on how to approach life’s little mysteries. She provides small and useful tips, tricks, and DIYs that will ease people’s lives and minds. This is an English language book by a Japanese American author, which can appeal to a great number of second/third/fourth generation Japanese Americans, as well as English speaking residents. This helps with the growth of the store as it combines both the English dominated language of New York City with the traditional Japanese culture that Kinokuniya emphasizes.
2. I Am Pusheen the Cat by Claire Belton Pusheen is a famous comic who has gained popularity through the web for its easily loved look and expressions. It reflects the popularity of cats that are dominating the Internet. This character has gained global fame, and Facebook has began using this comic as part of their “stickers”tab in their Messenger feature. This book appeals to the mass of the audiences who enter the store as Pusheen has spread worldwide through the web.
3. Pusheen Coloring Book by Claire Belton Going off the popularity of the comic, Belton the head designer and co-president of Pusheen Corp. has created a coloring book for children and even adults to use. Coloring helps alleviate stress, and focus on intimate details in an artistic setting. This will appeal to many young adults, cat lovers, and artistic consumers.
4. My Neighbor Totoro by Tsugiko Kubo/Hayao Miyazaki/Jim Hubbert This novel is a representation of the famous animation classic by Hayao Miyazaki, a Japanese American filmmaker. This story follows an eleven year old Satsuki and her sister who move to the country to be closer to their mother. They explore their old house, and discover magical spirits all around who teach them lessons about trust, life, and love. This is a great way to bring Japanese culture to the Western society. This can appeal to many generations of Japanese Americans who want their children to become immersed in the Japanese culture, with an English language, as well as other backgrounds who wish to learn and/or experience an aspect of “Japanese fairytales.”
Ongoing and Future Events……
Yuri!!! On Ice Pop-Up Shop April 29 2017 – May 31 2017
The hit ice skating anime series, Yuri!!! On Ice is having a merchandise pop up shop here at Kinokuniya. Kinokuniya strictly sells officially licensed anime goods, so many people who are on the search for official and verified merchandise will find themselves here at this pop up shop. The populations attracted to this area will of course, be anime lovers of all different backgrounds. This shows Kinokuniya’s dedication to their anime/manga portion of their bookstore, which gains mass attention from tourists and manga-lovers worldwide. The goal of this event will bring together people who share the love for this ice skating anime, help bring in additional revenue for the store, and possibly allow them to stop permanent merchandise/more anime for this series if there is great popularity.
Scott Westerfeld Meet and Greet Friday, May 19 2017 from 6pm-7pm
Scott Westerfield is an American author who is famous for his Uglies series, and writes many young adult science fiction novels which can be found at Kinokuniya. He will be having a book talk for his new book Spill Zone, a meet and greet, and a signing for readers who are interested. This is the bookstore’s way of possibly branching out and incorporating Western authors and events in their bookstore to appeal to the great mass of young readers of various backgrounds, as well as second/third/fourth generation Japanese Americans who prefer to read English novels. This can bring together readers interested in the book, and also allow them to search for more books at Kinokuniya when they arrive here for Westerfeld’s event.
Meet Javaka Steptoe Saturday, May 20 2017 from 3pm-4pm
Javaka Steptoe is an award-winning illustrator, designer, and author who is most popular for his latest picture book, Radiant Child: The Story of Young Jean-Michel Basquiat. This book is about Basquiat, an African American artist in the 70’s who was largely based in New York City. This event is unique to Kinokuniya’s New York location as it relates to remembering a famous artist specialized in the city region. This is a good way for the bookstore to draw ties to their location, and help educate book and art lovers on their local community.
Past Events…..
Talk + Signing with Tidy-Up Guru, Marie Kondo
2016, Taken from Kinokuniya Highlighted Events Page. http://booksinnewyork.blogspot.com/2008/04/books-kinokuniya.html
Marie “Konmari” Kondo came for a book signing and a meet and greet on February 20, 2016 as part of her documentary being filmed by NHK WORLD, Marie Kondo made her presentation around the release of her novel, Spark Joy. There were also a number of news crew, such as CBS News, who were on hand to film the presentation and interview audience responses, which gained mass popularity and recognition for the bookstore as a whole.
Bibliobattle
2016, Taken from Kinokuniya Highlighted Events Page. http://booksinnewyork.blogspot.com/2008/04/books-kinokuniya.html
Bibliobattle is an intellectual entertainment competition where each participant has precisely five minutes to explain why their chosen book is worth the read. Bibliobattle’s popularity has grown in Japan to a point where national championship battles are held, and by allowing this competition to happen in the New York City branch on July 23 2016, shows their connection and willingness to spread the tradition.
