Interview with the owner, Mr. Kawanabe
We spoke with Mr. Kawanabe, the owner of Shuchinsha, about his feelings as he marks one year since opening and his passion for the bookstore business.
Background of the opening and the origin of the store name
The reason for moving to Fukiya and opening a bookstore is
Kawanabe
During a trip while on a career break, I visited Fukiya and was captivated by the warmth of the people and the gentle climate. The thought of “What kind of life would it be like to live here?” sparked my decision to move.
I then moved in the autumn of 2022 and first got a job at a local security company to establish a foundation for my life.
After moving, I learned that a traditional house near my home (the current store) was for sale. I thought about what I could do there, and since I have always loved books, I decided to run a bookstore because I could work on it with passion and it is a product that does not spoil.
Since I had no experience working in a bookstore, I prepared for opening by visiting independent bookstores across the country, listening to the owners talk about bookstore management, and reading books related to opening a bookstore.
After waiting for a reliable carpenter to be available, I carried out renovation work, and about a year and a half after purchasing the property, it opened in April 2025 as the only bookstore in the Fukiya area. This spring marks one year since opening.
Can you tell us about the origin of the store name "Shuchinsha"?
Kawanabe
The name "Shuchinsha" is derived from "Shuchinbon" (袖珍本), which were small-sized Japanese bound books made during the Edo period.
Shuchinbon are small-sized Japanese books that can be carried in the sleeves or pockets of traditional clothing, similar to modern paperback books.
I wanted to give the store a name that evokes a sense of Japanese taste, reflecting the historical image of Fukiya.
At the same time, this name also carries the hope that "I want the books encountered in this place to go out to various places with you."
About the book selection
Can you tell us about the characteristics of your book selection?
Kawanabe
I consciously keep a larger selection of books in paperback size, which can be considered a modern version of Shuchinbon. This is to ensure that tourists visiting Fukiya can easily pick them up and take them home and that they are easy to read on the train ride back.
The genres of the books displayed vary, including books about the history of Fukiya, travel, flora and fauna, and food, all of which match the rich natural and historical town of Fukiya.
Regarding the arrangement of the books, I am conscious of not overcrowding and ensuring that the covers are visible to convey the charm of the books.
Additionally, all the books we handle are new releases. This is based on my desire to display books that I have personally selected and to produce the overall atmosphere of the store.
There are many books related to Okayama Prefecture as well, right?
Kawanabe
In addition to books by famous authors from Okayama Prefecture, such as Yoko Ogawa, Kiyoshi Shigematsu, and Atsuko Asano, we also have books related to local heroes like sculptor Denchu Hirakushi and former professional baseball player Senichi Hoshino.
In particular, I have a larger selection of books by Yoko Ogawa, as I also read her works frequently.
Thoughts after one year since opening
Please share your thoughts after one year since opening.
Kawanabe
Having gone through a full cycle of seasons, I feel that I have grasped a rhythm for operating the store.
Moreover, my unchanged goal since the opening is to continue the bookstore in this place called Fukiya for a long time. Recently, I saw a local sake shop celebrating its 200th anniversary, which strongly reminded me that my first year is just the beginning.
I want to become a presence that makes repeat visitors to Fukiya think, “Oh, that bookstore is still here this year.”
Finally, please share a message for the readers.
Kawanabe
I believe that the joy of searching for books in a town bookstore lies in the unexpected encounters with books.
With internet shopping becoming common, many people may not have the opportunity to visit town bookstores recently, but I would be happy if you could encounter your favorite book in Fukiya, where quiet and relaxed time flows.
The content of the books I display may change with the times, but I want to continue to uphold the policy of allowing customers to enjoy "the time to choose books slowly and leisurely."
Conclusion
As mentioned in the interview, book sales have become mainstream through internet shopping in recent years, and the opportunities to choose books while holding them have decreased compared to the past.
On the other hand, independent bookstores reflecting the personalities of their owners have been increasing in various places in recent years.
When you visit Fukiya, why not enjoy an unexpected encounter with "a book that can only be found in this place" in this space where the town's history and the owner's dedication merge?
Data on Shuchinsha
| Name | Shuchinsha |
|---|---|
| Address | 370-2 Fukiya-cho, Nariwa, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | DM on Instagram |
| Parking | None Use Fukiya Furusato Village parking |
| Business Hours | Business days and hours will be announced on Instagram |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Fukiya Bookstore Shuchinsha |
