Go Tokyo Your Experience
Morioka Bookstore: The “One Book” Bookstore Hidden in Ginza
Tucked away in the historical building “Suzuki Building” in Tokyo‘s Ginza is a unique bookstore—Morioka Bookstore. This bookstore has no dazzling shelves of books, no eye-catching signage, and only displays one book.
This bookstore, founded by Morigana in 2015, breaks the concept of traditional bookstores with its “one book, one room” philosophy, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the only book displayed each week, resembling a large-scale performance art.
The unique concept of Morigana Bookstore
Rather than saying that Morikata Bookstore is a bookstore, it is more accurate to say that it is an experiment and experience about reading. The shop is small, about five tsubo in size, but its simple yet profound design attracts many literary enthusiasts and artists.
In this space, the bookstore owner, Morikata Tokuyuki, carefully selects one book each week, which could be a new release, a rare edition, or even an art book or photography collection. This “less is more” business philosophy allows books to become the sole focus of the space, helping readers concentrate more on the essence of the texts.
One Book, One Room: Reexamining the Meaning of Reading
The core philosophy of Morikawa Bookstore stems from the owner’s reflections on modern reading habits. In traditional bookstores, faced with a multitude of bestsellers and a dazzling array of choices, many people often find themselves at a loss and leave hastily after casually flipping through. To help readers focus more on the content of the books, Morikawa introduced the concept of “One Book, One Room,” allowing each book to have its unique display and narrative style, and planning related art exhibitions to provide an immersive reading experience.
This avant-garde approach not only makes the bookstore stand out but also has earned widespread recognition. Senkō Bookstore even won the German iF Design Award in 2016, becoming a symbolic presence in Japanese bookstore culture.
Moving away from price wars and returning to the essence of books.
Unlike large chain bookstores, Senkō Bookstore rejects commercial price competition and focuses on the intrinsic value of books. There are no crowded shelves, no promotional discounts, just carefully selected books and a quiet space, guiding readers back to the essence of reading.
It reminds people that, in today’s society where information is overflowing, physical books still possess their unique charm.
Experience a different atmosphere in Ginza
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a moment of tranquility, Morinaka Bookstore is an ideal choice. It not only offers a place to rediscover the joy of reading but also serves as a peaceful paradise to calm your mind.
In the bustling commercial area of Ginza, Morikawa Bookstore stands like a heron independent from the noise, bringing inner peace and the pure charm of books to people.