Takahashi City, Nariwa-cho, is located in the west-central part of Okayama Prefecture.
The Fukiya district, in a highland area at an elevation of about 550 meters, flourished from the Edo period as a source of copper mined at the nearby Yoshioka Copper Mine and bengara, produced as a byproduct.
The mine closed in 1972, but the streetscape of Fukiya Furusato Village, in the heart of the district, quietly tells of its former prosperity with bengara-colored latticework, known as Japan Red, and Sekishu roof tiles.
In the heart of this beautiful streetscape, next to the nationally designated Important Cultural Property Former Katayama Residence, the bookstore Shuchinsha opened in 2025. This independent bookstore, with its owner’s carefully curated selection of books, is a place you’ll want to drop into while traveling.
We spoke with the owner about how they feel now, one year after opening.
The information presented is current as of the article’s publication in August 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Shuchinsha
Shuchinsha, which opened in April 2025, is the only bookstore in the Fukiya district.
Owner Kawanabe Hirokazu was drawn to the atmosphere of the Fukiya district when he stopped by while traveling, and moved from Saitama to Fukiya in 2022.
After moving, he found the current property while working in security and opened the bookstore.
A shop renovated from an okonomiyaki restaurant
The warm, wood-filled shop was once an okonomiyaki restaurant. It was renovated from a vacant building that had been left empty after the restaurant moved elsewhere to expand its premises.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by the fresh scent of new wood and built-in bookshelves.
A counter made from the former griddle
The checkout counter is at the back of the shop.
In fact, it is a griddle that was once used to cook okonomiyaki, repurposed as is. Kawanabe says, “It was so sturdily built that it was difficult to tear out,” so during the renovation, they combined it with wood to create a stylish counter.
The wallpaper around the counter, decorated with botanical illustrations, catches the eye. Kawanabe told us that it was inspired by the fact that many plant fossils have been excavated in the Nariwa area.
Bookshelves filled with thoughtful details
The bookshelves are lined with books neatly displayed with their covers facing out.
Kawanabe says he is particular about displaying books so their covers are visible and easy to pick up, rather than cramming them in haphazardly. Care is taken to ensure every book is at an accessible height and position.
The wooden pillar in the center of the shop also serves as a beautiful bookshelf, adding a sense of depth to the space.
We spoke with owner Kawanabe about how he feels now that the bookstore has been open for a year and his thoughts on the bookselling business.
Shuchinsha details
| Name | Shuchinsha |
|---|---|
| Address | 370-2 Fukiya, Nariwa-cho, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | Via Instagram DM |
| Parking | None Use the Fukiya Furusato Village parking lot |
| Hours | Business days and hours announced on Instagram |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Fukiya Bookstore Shuchinsha |
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