Highlights of the Grand Opening of TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Taichung City Hall Store, the Most Beautiful Bookstore

Text / Compiled and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Taichung City Hall Store, invested in by EPOCH Group’s Victory Filmworks, officially opened on April 26. In addition to the attendance of senior executives from both Taiwan and Japan, Taichung Mayor Lin Chia-lung also personally attended the opening press conference to celebrate.

Covering an area of over 300 ping, the TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Taichung City Hall Store is much more spacious than Taipei’s Xinyi Store, which is just over 100 ping. Located in Taichung’s Seventh Redevelopment Zone, it brings a new Lifestyle, as well as spaces for reading, dining, and experiences, to the nearby commercial and residential areas and even to all of greater Taichung.

Mayor Lin Chia-lung took time out of his busy schedule to congratulate the store on its opening. EPOCH Group Chairman Weng Ming-yan also expressed his hope that through TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE, not only will reading be encouraged, but he also believes that Taichung’s pleasant weather makes the outdoor dining area’s relaxing atmosphere a highlight of the City Hall Store. Chairman Weng also gave Mayor Lin a tour of the bookstore during the opening.

For the bookstore section, exclusive items from the newly opened Fukuoka Rokkomatsu Tsutaya Bookstore in Japan will be introduced, including: products from DECHO/NAPRON, a handmade brand by Japanese artisans in Okayama; CANDY DESIGN WORKS, a Japanese old industrial design brand; ALLSTIME, a popular Japanese outdoor gear brand... and more. In addition, there will be about 20,000 imported stationery and sundries, about 20,000 Chinese books and magazines, about 20,000 Japanese and English original books, as well as Japanese children's picture books. A children’s area will also be set up for the first time, allowing parents and children to enjoy quality reading and playtime together. For gaming enthusiasts, a collaboration with Sony PS4 will establish a VR pop-up experience zone.

As for limited-edition meals introduced by Wired Tokyo, the store will feature “Doug's Burger” from Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture, famous for its wagyu burgers. The wagyu burger patties are made using “Tarama beef” from Tarama Island in Okinawa, served between buns made with natural yeast, along with specially prepared handmade onion rings and other side items.