As FAHASA celebrates the 50th anniversary of its establishment (1976–2026) and marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between FAHASA and Kinokuniya Group (2016–2026), on July 1, 2026, FAHASA, in collaboration with Kinokuniya, officially launched the Japan Book Week at Nguyen Hue Bookstore under the theme “Japan Through the Pages of Books.”
The event serves as an opportunity for FAHASA and Kinokuniya to reflect on a decade of strong, effective, and culturally meaningful cooperation. From the first Japan Book Weeks organized in 2016, to the development of Japanese-language book sections at key bookstores across Vietnam and the introduction of Vietnamese books to international markets, the two organizations have worked together to bring Japanese books, the Japanese language, and Japanese culture closer to Vietnamese readers, while also introducing Vietnamese culture and publications to readers in Japan.
A Decade of FAHASA – Kinokuniya Partnership
From the first Japan Book Weeks held in 2016 to the nationwide expansion of Japanese-language book sections, FAHASA and Kinokuniya have jointly built a sustainable cultural bridge between Vietnam and Japan.
Over the past ten years, the two organizations have collaborated on numerous notable initiatives, including Japan Book Weeks in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Manga Festivals, cultural exchange programs featuring Japanese authors and illustrators, and the opening and expansion of Japanese-language book sections in various cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Can Tho. They have also strengthened professional exchanges and management training programs through mutual learning opportunities in international markets.
Today, FAHASA and Kinokuniya operate nearly 30 Japanese-language book sections nationwide, with more than 60,000 copies sold annually. These sections serve the Japanese community living, studying, and working in Vietnam, as well as a growing number of Vietnamese readers interested in Japanese language and culture. Best-selling categories include manga, comics, art books, Japanese-language learning materials, children’s books, and reference titles.
In addition to retail operations through approximately 30 bookstores and the FAHASA e-commerce platform, FAHASA collaborates with Kinokuniya to supply books, educational materials, and teaching equipment to Japanese international schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as other international schools, educational organizations, and language centers.
Beyond bringing Japanese books to Vietnamese readers, FAHASA and Kinokuniya have also partnered to establish a Vietnamese Book Corner in Tokyo, Japan, serving the Vietnamese community abroad. This initiative helps promote Vietnam’s reading culture and makes the latest Vietnamese-language publications available to international readers. Located within Book Kinokuniya Tokyo, the Vietnamese Book Corner is replenished monthly by FAHASA with newly published titles to meet the educational and recreational needs of the Vietnamese community in Tokyo.
The partnership between FAHASA and Kinokuniya therefore extends far beyond the import, distribution, and promotion of books. More importantly, it represents a shared journey in creating modern reading and cultural spaces where readers can access high-quality original publications while gaining deeper insights into the language, culture, lifestyle, creativity, and humanistic values of the Land of the Rising Sun.
A Rich and Diverse Japanese Book Space
Under the theme “Japan Through the Pages of Books,” commemorating the 10th anniversary of the partnership between FAHASA and Kinokuniya, this year’s Japan Book Week offers a vibrant, modern, and culturally immersive Japanese book space. The featured publications have been carefully selected by FAHASA to cater to a wide range of readers, including students, Japanese-language teachers, Japanese language learners, young Vietnamese readers interested in Japanese culture, and members of the Japanese community living and working in Ho Chi Minh City.
The event is being held at Nguyen Hue Bookstore, one of FAHASA’s longest-standing bookstores and the first FAHASA bookstore to introduce a dedicated Japanese-language book section. Over the past decade, it has become a familiar destination for readers seeking original Japanese publications and remains a location that FAHASA continues to invest in and develop with great care.
The exhibition area spans both the ground floor and mezzanine level of the bookstore, showcasing a wide variety of titles, including Japanese-language learning materials ranging from beginner to advanced levels, Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) preparation books, dictionaries, listening-speaking-reading-writing practice guides, and language reference books. Visitors can also explore Japanese picture books (Ehon), children’s books, literature, cultural publications, novels, lifestyle books, business titles, cookbooks, gardening guides, handicraft books, fashion, architecture, art publications, and Japanese magazines.
The exhibition features celebrated works by renowned Japanese authors such as Haruki Murakami and Keigo Higashino, alongside popular manga series and beloved characters from Japanese popular culture, including Doraemon, Detective Conan, Chiikawa, Sanrio Characters, and Mofusand. Visitors will also find publications related to acclaimed filmmakers such as Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai. The collection includes titles from leading Japanese publishers such as Kadokawa, Shogakukan, Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shinchosha.
A special highlight of this year’s exhibition is the display of a diverse collection of art books covering a wide range of themes. These include books on Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, the visual beauty of Japan as portrayed in games, anime, and manga, as well as publications exploring architecture, fantasy worlds, and Japan’s natural landscapes. Richly illustrated and visually striking, these art books offer readers a unique and inspiring cultural experience.
In addition to books, the event also introduces a variety of cultural products closely associated with Japan, including stationery, books accompanied by exclusive merchandise, gifts, and products featuring iconic anime and manga characters. Together, these offerings create a comprehensive cultural experience, allowing visitors not only to discover and purchase books but also to gain a deeper appreciation of the beauty and charm of Japanese culture in everyday life.
Discover the Jump Shop Experience
A Paradise for Japanese Manga Fans
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the partnership between FAHASA and Kinokuniya, FAHASA launched dedicated Jump Shop display areas on June 25, 2026, at three FAHASA bookstores: Nguyen Hue and Tan Dinh in Ho Chi Minh City, and Long Bien in Hanoi.
Jump Shop is a retail brand officially authorized and operated by Shueisha, the publisher behind the renowned manga magazines Weekly Shonen Jump and V Jump. Widely recognized as a must-visit destination for manga enthusiasts in Japan, Jump Shop brings beloved manga characters to life through a wide range of official and exclusive merchandise.
The Jump Shop spaces at FAHASA showcase merchandise inspired by some of Shonen Jump’s most popular manga series, including One Piece, Naruto, Chainsaw Man, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
One of the unique features of Jump Shop products is that many items incorporate original artwork directly from the manga manuscripts created by the authors themselves, rather than illustrations adapted from anime versions. The product range includes manga volumes, art books, stationery, accessories, gifts, fashion items, and highly sought-after collectible merchandise favored by fans around the world.
Special Promotions Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership
As a token of appreciation to readers and customers who have supported FAHASA and Kinokuniya throughout the past decade, FAHASA is offering a 10% discount off the cover price of all Japanese-language books across the entire FAHASA bookstore network from July 1 to August 1, 2026.
In addition, visitors participating in Japan Book Week at FAHASA Nguyen Hue Bookstore will have the opportunity to receive attractive gifts, exclusive souvenirs inspired by Japanese culture, and take part in a variety of engaging cultural and experiential activities organized throughout the event. The promotional program runs alongside the book exhibition, Jump Shop product showcase, and special meet-and-greet sessions with renowned artist Tokyo Genso, creating a diverse and memorable experience for book lovers and enthusiasts of Japanese culture alike.
Tokyo Genso Visits Vietnam for the First Time to Meet Readers
One of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s Japan Book Week is the special meet-and-greet program featuring Tokyo Genso, the acclaimed Japanese artist renowned for his imaginative works that reimagine familiar urban landscapes through a poetic and visually captivating lens.
Since beginning his professional career in 2008, Tokyo Genso has contributed background art and visual design to numerous well-known anime and video game projects. His artworks have gained widespread recognition for transforming modern cityscapes into lush, nature-filled environments illuminated by vibrant light, creating evocative “green worlds” rich in emotion, imagination, and vitality.
Tokyo Genso is best known for a series of celebrated art books, including Tokyo Genso Art Works, Tokyo Genso Art Works Vol.2, Osaka Genso Art Works, and Tokyo Genso’s Apocalyptic Stroll. These publications have captivated art enthusiasts in Japan and around the world through their distinctive visual style and compelling storytelling.
This marks Tokyo Genso’s first visit to Vietnam and his first opportunity to meet Vietnamese readers in person. As part of the event, he will participate in two special public appearances:
- July 2, 2026 – Nguyen Hue Bookstore, Ho Chi Minh City
- July 3, 2026 – FAHASA Tan Dinh Bookstore, Ho Chi Minh City
To create a memorable experience for fans, FAHASA and Kinokuniya will offer two autograph session categories: Special Pass and Standard Pass.
Special Pass
Customers who arrive early to receive a queue number and purchase one eligible Tokyo Genso art book from the program selection between June 24 and July 3, 2026, will receive:
- One autograph session with Tokyo Genso
- One simple personalized sketch created by the artist
- One special postcard prepared by the artist
- A commemorative photo opportunity with the artist
Standard Pass
Customers joining the event on a first-come, first-served basis and obtaining a queue number will receive:
- One autograph session with Tokyo Genso
- A commemorative photo opportunity with the artist
This special program offers a rare opportunity for enthusiasts of manga, illustration, design, visual arts, and Japanese culture to meet Tokyo Genso in person, gain insights into his creative journey, learn about the inspirations and processes behind his most celebrated works, and create unforgettable memories during his inaugural visit to Vietnam.
FAHASA – 50 Years of Serving the Community and Spreading Knowledge
Through this event, FAHASA continues to reaffirm its position as one of Vietnam’s leading book distributors, playing a vital role in developing the foreign-language book market, expanding access to international knowledge, and fostering cultural exchange through books.
Japan Book Week 2026 is not only a celebration of books and reading but also a meaningful milestone in the partnership between FAHASA and Kinokuniya. The event reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to promoting reading culture and strengthening the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Japan. As FAHASA marks its 50th anniversary, this collaboration further highlights the company’s long-standing mission of serving the community, disseminating knowledge, and connecting Vietnamese readers with the richness and diversity of global cultures. Through initiatives such as Japan Book Week, FAHASA continues to contribute to a vibrant reading culture while creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations.
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