Kinokuniya Book Stores of America is a subsidiary of Kinokuniya Company Ltd., a major Japanese bookstore chain founded in 1927. The company established its first U.S. location in San Francisco in 1969, marking the beginning of its North American expansion. Kinokuniya specializes in Japanese-language books, magazines, and media, while also offering an extensive selection of English-language materials, particularly in areas such as manga, anime, and Asian culture. The retailer operates multiple locations across the United States, with flagship stores in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. Each store features a distinctive mix of Japanese and English books, stationery, art supplies, and gift items. Kinokuniya is particularly known for its comprehensive manga and graphic novel sections, making it a significant contributor to the growth of manga readership in North America. The company maintains strong connections with Japanese publishers and regularly imports current titles directly from Japan. Their stores often serve as cultural bridges, hosting events related to Japanese literature, art, and pop culture. Kinokuniya’s business model combines traditional bookselling with modern retail concepts, including dedicated spaces for specialty items and cafes in select locations. The company also operates an e-commerce platform, allowing customers to purchase books and other merchandise online.