This photo taken on September 10, 2015 shows a customer picking up the latest book by popular Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami at a branch of major Japanese bookstore chain Kinokuniya in Tokyo. Murakami’s new book went on sale on September 10, with the major domestic bookstore chain buying 90 percent of the initial print run in a direct challenge to online rivals. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)
KAZUHIRO NOGI
AFP via Getty Images
A popular Japanese bookstore is opening its first Fort Worth-area location.
Kinokuniya sells manga, which are Japanese comic books and graphic novels, as well as other books, stationary and collectibles. They are opening this fall in the shopping center off NE Loop 820 in Haltom City, which will be anchored by the long-awaited H Mart.
This bookstore first opened in Tokyo 99 years ago with only five employees. After importing English books for 20 years, the bookstore opened its first overseas location in San Francisco in 1969. Now, the brand has 18 U.S. stores, including two other North Texas locations in Carrollton and Plano, and dozens more worldwide.
The Haltom City location means North Texas will have the most Kinokuniya shops in the state. The only other Texas locations are in Austin and Katy.
What does Kinokuniya sell?
Kinokuniya sells books, magazines and other gifts.
Of course, they have a wide variety of books written in Japanese, but in America, they mainly sell English versions of popular graphic novels and comics. Additionally, they sell many popular American novels. They offer every genre, from biography to cookbooks to philosophy and non-fiction.
Japanese stationary is also popular for its high quality and cute designs. Kinokuniya has pens, journals, cards, letters and origami- and anime-themed supplies.
Finally, the store also sells Japanese bits and bobs like cute purses, character-themed items, home decor, puzzles and accessories. Kinokuniya also sells the viral Sonny Angel figurines that have recently become a collectable trend in the U.S. They come in a “blind box” where customers do not know what the figurine will look like until they open the package.
Where to find Kinokuniya in Haltom City
Kinokuniya Books will officially open in September, according to their Instagram page.
Bookworms can find manga and other Japanese merchandise at 3930 NE Loop 820, Suite 300 in Haltom City.
The bookstore is hiring part-time sales clerks. To apply, visit their careers page here.
When will H Mart open in Haltom City? 
Construction of the new shopping center containing H Mart is underway at the intersection of N Beach Street and NE Loop 820 in Haltom City on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com
H Mart also plans to wrap up construction in September, according to the H Mart team.
Once construction is complete, the H Mart team will need some time to stock and equip the store for opening day sometime in the fall.
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Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.