Malaysian readers have long welcomed the opening of new bookshops, regardless of size.

Books Kinokuniya Malaysia has announced via its social media platforms that it will launch its second outlet at Pavilion Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur on Sept 4 – a development set to draw strong interest from the local literary community.

"We are opening our doors at Pavilion Damansara Heights on Sept 4, 12pm! Come join us and be part of this exciting new chapter," read a recent Kinokuniya posting.

The Japanese retailer's new outlet occupies two adjoining lots in the mall’s new wing.

Building on the reputation of its flagship store at Suria KLCC - known for its extensive book selection and for hosting launches, discussions and author engagements - the new Pavilion Damansara Heights branch (an outpost store, if you will) is poised to continue that role as a hub for community, dialogue and cultural exchange.

There are also plans for the second Kinokuniya outlet to host author meet-and-greets and book discussions. Photo: The Star/Filepic

In Malaysia, the main store offers a wide range of books, magazines, and stationery from Japan, including a collection of manga, graphic novels, art and design books, cookbooks, travel titles, and children’s books in both English and Japanese. It also carries titles in Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese.

Through its social media channels, Books Kinokuniya at Pavilion Damansara Heights will announce promotional offers and activities ahead of its launch day next month. The Pavilion Damansara Heights mall also offers convenient accessibility, with a direct elevated walkway connection to the Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT station.

Books Kinokuniya’s Suria KLCC, which houses more than 300,000 titles in English, Japanese, Chinese and Bahasa Malaysia, will also mark its 25th anniversary next year. It also operates a stationery and gift counter at Seibu in The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur.

Kinokuniya opened its first overseas store in San Francisco in 1969, followed by New York in 1981. Today, it operates over 80 stores and 35 sales offices worldwide, including in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

In 2022, Kuala Lumpur welcomed two other Asian bookstore chains: Japan’s Tsutaya Books at Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Taiwan’s Eslite Spectrum at The Starhill Mall.