Kinokuniya Bookstore announced it will no longer carry Chinese-language books on its USA online store and at Kinokuniya Seattle starting May 1st, 2026. In a blog post, it clarified that certain books, such as artbooks like Genshin Impact: Official Art Book and Arknights Illustration Collection, will still be available. Other unaffected books include English translated Chinese books, such as Heaven Official’s Blessing and Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. Danmei fans, fret not as these books will still be available for purchase.
Books that are currently on sale and are impacted by this announcement can be found under the Chinese Books category at 50% off. No reason as to why Kinokuniya Book Stores of America decided to do this, but it could be a business and financial decision as it carries fewer Chinese-language books compared to English-language and Japanese-language books. Certain branches, such as the San Jose Kinokuniya, used to carry Chinese-language books in store but haven’t in years. There’s little evidence to show that this is a supply/fulfillment issue as the store will continue to carry Chinese-language artbooks of popular series from Genshin and Arknights.
Online reactions range from disappointment to panicked as users wondered, in confusion, where they could buy their English-translated books. Others weren’t aware the bookstore carried Chinese-language books.
Source: Kinokuniya USA Blog Announcement
