Nippon Shuppan Hanbai to open unmanned TOSHOP in Hachioji

Nippon Shuppan Hanbai, in collaboration with the Library Distribution Center, will open a new unmanned library shop called ‘TOSHOP’ in Hachioji, Tokyo, on October 3. The shop will be located within the ‘SPOT HACHIOJI’ multi-purpose exchange space at the newly established Sotto-no-mori complex.

TOSHOP aims to revitalize local communities by offering a variety of products, including children's books, stationery, board games, and regional goods such as handkerchiefs and bags produced by local textile and dyeing factories in Hachioji. The shop utilizes a completely cashless system with self-checkout registers.

This expansion follows successful pilot programs and permanent installations at the ‘Kainan nobinos’ in Wakayama Prefecture and ‘Manabi no Mori no Noniichi Cared’ in Ishikawa Prefecture. Moving forward, the company plans to expand the TOSHOP model to other public libraries and strengthen collaborations with local bookstores through reading events and information sharing.