The 44-year-old Yaesu Book Center near Tokyo Station will close in March 2023 as part of a large-scale redevelopment project.
The 8-story store opened in 1978. With over 1 million books, it was the first major bookstore to open in Japan. The store is expected to reopen in the new project sometime in 2028. According to the Nikkei Shimbun, the operator is looking to rent a space in the neighborhood in the interim.
The store is located within the Yaesu 2 Chome Central District Category 1 City Redevelopment Project, which is being carried out by six developers, including Hulic, Mitsui Fudosan, Kajima Corporation, and Hankyu Hanshin Properties. A 43-story, 226m tall mixed-use tower with office, serviced apartments, retail, and an international school is scheduled to be completed by 2028. The building will have a total floor area of 388,300 sqm (4.18 million sq.ft). The site spans two hectares and adjoins the recently completed Tokyo Midtown Yaesu development (the one with the Bulgari Hotel on the top floors).
Sources:
The Nikkei Shimbun, September 9, 2022.
The Mainichi Shimbun, September 9, 2022.
Mitsui Fudosan News Release, October 26, 2021.
