Kinokuniya Book Stores of America reopens a major Los Angeles flagship in Little Tokyo in June 2026, returning to the neighborhood where it has operated since 1977. The Japan-based business announced this statement on May 22, 2026 over the website.
The Little Tokyo flagship at the grand floor of the Kajima Building, 101 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, will occupy approximately 14,000 square feet, more than doubling the footprint of its previous site at Weller Court, which closed in July 2025.
The revived Little Tokyo store is positioned as a cultural hub intended to support preservation and exchange of Japanese culture within the historic district. Kinokuniya managements emphasized collaboration with local community partners to help foster neighborhood development while offering visitors an accessible, welcoming retail environment.
The interior is planned to showcase a broad inventory spanning books, stationery, gifts and exclusive items unique to the Los Angeles flagship. Notable will be one of California’s largest selections of translated manga alongside an extensive assortment of Japanese-language titles. The retailer also intends to enlarge its English-language section, concentrating on translated Japanese fiction, a category that has drawn growing interest among U.S. readers.
In addition to printed works, the store will dedicate space to popular cultural merchandise, including a Studio Ghibli section and original Kinokuniya products available only at this location. Such offerings aim to strengthen the store’s appeal to both longtime patrons and new audiences seeking curated Japanese cultural goods.
Separately, the temporary shop Kinokuniya opened in August 2025 at THE BLOC in downtown Los Angeles (700 W 7th St, G210) will be converted into a permanent independent location under the name “Los Angeles THE BLOC Store.” With the Little Tokyo reopening and the THE BLOC designation, Kinokuniya’s U.S. presence — including Mai Do partnerships — will expand to 22 stores.