Kinokuniya Bookstore - San José — Attraction in San Jose

Thank you, Kinokuniya!

I just finished doing my taxes, I'm a 1099 employee and I get to use forms 1040, 1, 2, C and SE, plus form V because I pay by check. Lots of forms! Plus it's easier for me to print out two of everything and fill them out, keeping one set for my records, so you can see why I value a good pen.

This year (2023) they decided to make the print on all the forms SMALLER for some reason. A month or two ago, I was in Kinokuniya and thought, "If nothing else, I should buy a pen that writes really well to do my tax forms with". I picked out a nice Uni "Power Tank" 0.5, made in Japan by the Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Ltd., and it does just the trick! My forms would be very difficult to read if I used my usual budget Bic, but with this pen I was able to write both small and clearly. And yeah, the pen was under $5.

I've been going here for years and they have a TON of manga in Japanese and a large section in English too. Plus children's educational materials in Japanese and Japanese/English. They have Japanese language learning books, books by Japanese authors in both languages, Japanese cookbooks and books on flower-arranging, and tons of niche magazines.

And the pens! Fountain pens, collectible pens, calligraphy pens, you-name-it pens. Plus tons of other things. They have some Ghibli DVDs but not enough for my taste, can there ever be enough for my taste, though?

So here's the deal: Go here. If you've already been here, go again. Have some ramen at Santouka, go in here and you won't be able to leave without at least some neat little thing, then get your shopping on in...

I feel uncomfortable shopping here as a black man. Everytime I enter I have the cashiers turn their full attention to me. I try to ignore it but it is so obvious. Usually I am buying gifts to send back to my friends in FL. But I try to think about what I want to get them before I enter so I don't have to be in an uncomfortable position for long. The only time I endure it is if I want to get something for myself and I really want to learn more about it. But to be honest I rather buy the stuff on Amazon bc of my experience. And I actually have done this for the Sakura Densya (Plus it was cheaper). I like supporting local businesses, bit not when I'm watched like a criminal just for walking in the store. (Probably the realest review you will ever read. Fight hate of all kinds....

White woman here. I love this place, currently studying Japanese. I understand enough to read a Japanese knitting pattern. Good place to pick Japanese study material. I like the kanji posters. I have all grade levels, 1-6.

Prices are retail and it is easy to spend a lot of money here. 🤑

Staff is Bilingual in English and Japanese and able to order in-print books from Japan. Takes two weeks to arrive. Request a phone call for a reminder to pick up.

The Manga section is in Japanese and English and it is not lacking in selection

In walking distance is Teaspoon coffee/tea house and Clover Bakery.

Parking is plentiful but tight on the weekends so be mindful of your time.

Overall a good place for all my Japanese...