Taiwanese bookstore chain Eslite opened its first store in Japan on Friday, Taiwan News reported.
Located in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district, the store sells new books as well sidelines and gifts from more than 50 Taiwanese brands. The store's design seeks to "incorporate local characteristics while preserving the essence that defines Eslite" and combines aesthetic elements drawn from Japan's Edo period with modern industrial arts. There are themed light fixtures throughout the store that feature work from the Japanese poet Matsuo Basho as written by Taiwanese artist Tung Yang-tzu.
To celebrate the opening, Eslite is holding a book exhibition in store, in partnership with Japanese publishing company Yurindo and real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan.
The first Eslite store opened in Taiwan 30 years ago, and now the chain has 44 stores in Taiwan, three in Hong Kong, two in mainland China and now one in Japan.