Sanseido Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store to close in 2026

Sanseido Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store has announced it will close permanently on December 31, 2026. The large-scale bookstore, located in the Seibu Ikebukuro building, has operated since 2015, succeeding the former Libro Ikebukuro Main Store.

As part of the winding-down process, the bookstore will begin reducing its operations in stages. The B1 and 1st floors of the Book Building are scheduled to close on October 4, 2024. From October 5, 2024, until the final closure, the store will operate only within specific zones of the Annex B1 level.

At its peak, the store featured approximately 800,000 volumes and a sales area of about 3,300 square meters. It was known for specialized sections such as the 'tanakanata' staff recommendation corner and the 'ARS LOCUS' art and fine arts section. The store has already begun discontinuing various services, including new subscriptions and certain reservation services.