A Century of Books: Kinokuniya and Dick Bruna Celebrate 100 Years

Every once in a while, two cultural institutions hit a milestone together and, over time, they build something genuinely thoughtful.

In 2027, Japan’s retail bookstore giant Kinokuniya turns 100. By pure coincidence, the late Dutch graphic artist and picture-book icon Dick Bruna would have turned 100 the exact same year. Rather than waiting until the clock strikes midnight, Kinokuniya is launching their joint celebration early: the Dick Bruna Birth & Books Kinokuniya 100th Anniversary Commemorative Book & Goods Fair, starting nationwide on November 12, 2026.

Online pre-orders are already underway, and the stationery and accessory lineup does what great merch should: it honors Bruna's bold graphic minimalism without losing Kinokuniya’s identity as an uncompromising home for readers.

Who is Dick Bruna?

Born in Utrecht in 1927, Dick Bruna (1927–2017) was a titan of 20th-century graphic design and illustration. Before creating his world-famous white rabbit Miffy in 1955, Bruna designed more than 2,000 paperback covers for his family's publishing firm, A.W. Bruna & Zoon.

Among his most enduring creations was Black Bear, a charming little mascot created for detective paperbacks whose eyes were permanently bloodshot from staying up all night reading books. Bruna authored over 120 picture books, translated into more than 50 languages, built on thick hand-drawn black outlines, pure primary colors, and ruthless visual reduction.

What is Kinokuniya?

Founded in Shinjuku, Tokyo in 1927, Kinokuniya has evolved from a local literary outpost into an international retail empire with more than 100 stores across Japan alongside flagship locations across the United States, Asia, and Australia. Beyond retail floors, Kinokuniya operates university book centers, academic library supply networks, and theatrical performance venues, remaining one of Japan’s most influential hubs for literature, arts, and intellectual culture.

The Collaboration Lineup

The collection leans into Bruna's signature color palette (Bruna red, yellow, blue, and green) alongside retro Tyvek book accessories that match Kinokuniya’s archival branding:

Bookseller Mascot Keychains (¥2,970): Plush bag charms of Miffy and Boris the Bear wearing custom navy Kinokuniya bookseller aprons, clutching miniature illustrated picture books under their arms.

Embroidered Bunko Book Covers (¥2,310): Soft-touch paperback book sleeves in vibrant Bruna colors with embroidered patches and thematic bookmark charms (Miffy in Blue, Boris in Yellow, and Miffy in Red or Green).

Staedtler 925 75 Mechanical Pencils (¥990): Germany’s utilitarian drafting pencil finished in bold Bruna primary colors, featuring tiny book-story illustrations visible inside the lead-grade indicator window.

Traditional Logo Tyvek Book Covers & Pouches (¥1,980–¥2,200): Ultra-durable paper-like Tyvek covers and zip pouches displaying Kinokuniya’s heritage book logo paired with Marching Black Bears and Miffy party motifs.

Book Pouch - Black Bear (¥2,200): This book pouch features an illustration of a black bear who loves reading, adding a touch of color to your reading time. It honors Dick Bruna's minimalist design with his iconic mascot.

For every purchase of ¥1,500 (tax included) or more of eligible books at our stores, you will receive one original shopping bag as a gift. Additionally, special sets including the original shopping bag will be available for purchase on our online store.

Fair Details & Availability

Event: Dick Bruna Birth & Books Kinokuniya 100th Anniversary Book & Goods Fair

Launch Date: November 12, 2026 (In-store across all domestic Kinokuniya locations, Asahiya Shoten shops, and campus outlets)

Pre-Orders: Exclusively available online via the Kinokuniya Web Store (store.kinokuniya.co.jp) - You cannot reserve in stores.