The heavyweight literary hotspot, Tsutaya Books, is opening a branch in Taiwan.

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Those who keep an eye on market trends may have already noticed that Japan’s renowned audiovisual, book, and game rental and retail operator TSUTAYA has partnered with Ya Yi Audio & Video, and now the Tsutaya-operated Tsutaya Books has reportedly set its sights on opening a location in Taiwan.

Tsutaya Books first gained attention among Taiwanese travelers with its winter 2011 opening in Daikanyama—a large-scale, multifunctional bookstore that combines books, movies, music, and other lifestyle themes favored by young people. Since its launch, it has not only become a highlight of Daikanyama but also attracted a large number of domestic and international visitors, earning a spot on the list of the world’s 20 most beautiful bookstores.

Rumors about Tsutaya Books opening a branch in Taiwan suggest it may be located in the Uni-President Times Square in Xinyi District, positioning itself as a strong competitor to Eslite Bookstore in the area and injecting new vibrancy into Xinyi’s cultural industry. Meanwhile, Hsinchu Mayor Lin Chih-chien is also said to be actively lobbying for Tsutaya Books to set up shop at the “Hsinchu Prefectural Library,” bringing fresh energy to both the historic site and the city. Recruiting under the name “Taiwan Daily Card Marketing Co., Ltd.”, Tsutaya Books is expected to become a new cultural and leisure destination in Taipei after its Taipei debut.

 

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