Eslite Japan Bridge Store: 50 Taiwanese Brands Expand Overseas

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
 
Eslite steps out of the Chinese-speaking world for the first time, invited to establish its first overseas location, “Eslite Life Japan Bridge,” which is set to open in late September this year. On May 16, the space design and operational details were unveiled for the first time. The entire store is designed by renowned Taiwanese architect Kris Yao, drawing inspiration from the historical culture of Japan Bridge and the spirit of the Edo period, and interpreting the concept of “blending the old and the new, merging past and present” to create a fresh new atmosphere.

Centered around reading, Eslite Life Japan Bridge has planned a 30-meter-long literary corridor that connects tea tasting, cooking demonstrations, craft workshops, and other diverse cultural experiences, aiming to create a Cultural Wonderland where life and reading intertwine. For this project, Eslite has also partnered with over 50 Taiwanese brands, including Taiwan’s Tea King, D.T. Tea, Taiwanese cuisine restaurant Fu Jin Shu, century-old bakery Kuo Yuan Ye, and Eslite Life’s cultural and creative platform expo, presenting a rich tapestry of Taiwanese lifestyle.

Tokyo’s Japan Bridge is the origin point of Japan’s national road system and the birthplace of Edo culture. Choosing Japan Bridge, rich in cultural heritage, as the starting point for Eslite in Japan carries significant cultural meaning. Eslite Life Japan Bridge is located on the second floor of Mitsui Realty’s COREDO Muromachi Terrace. The architect responsible for the space planning, Kris Yao, has previously created iconic projects such as the 24-hour Eslite Dunhua Bookstore and the brand’s first mainland China store, “Eslite Life Suzhou.” His design concepts are deeply meaningful.

This time at Eslite Life Japan Bridge, special reference was made to the reading imagery of the Dunhua Bookstore to create a nearly 30-meter-long “Literary Corridor.” Large street-facing windows bring in natural light, and a tea seating area is set up to invite readers to enjoy a wonderful reading experience. In addition, Eslite Life Japan Bridge has carefully selected globally classic specialty stationery, creative design items, a wide variety of drawing tools, as well as original Eslite-designed products. Regular themed stationery exhibitions and workshops are held to create a distinctive specialty shop.

Eslite Life Japan Bridge brings together nearly 100 Taiwanese and Japanese brands, more than 50 of which are from Taiwan, aiming to convey the warm and approachable essence of Taiwanese lifestyle. Founded in 1862 and known for its carefully selected Taiwanese oolong tea, “D.T. Tea” will set up a tea culture salon next to the book section, promoting Taiwanese tea culture with its subtle fragrance and rich flavor, and inviting readers to enjoy tea in a peaceful setting. “Fu Jin Shu Taiwanese Cuisine Champagne,” which pairs French champagne with traditional Taiwanese dishes, “Kuo Yuan Ye,” famous for its traditional Taiwanese pastries for over a century, and “THE ALLEY,” a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand in Japan, all come together to showcase authentic Taiwanese culinary culture.