Another “town bookstore” disappears.

· “Sun Books Hamadayama” (3-chome Hamadayama), located in front of Hamadayama Station, will close on August 14. Known for its rich selection of humanities and literary books, as well as publisher-themed fairs, this unique bookstore has been beloved for over 40 years.

“I couldn’t sit still after hearing the news,” “I just had to buy one last book.”

Since the closure announcement was posted in mid-July, loyal customers have been visiting nonstop. The store’s representative said, “The reason for closing is financial difficulties. But I never imagined so many people cared about this place. We were truly relied upon.”

Near the entrance, the “fair shelf” displays books from the publisher Shoshi Kankanbo. Next to the register are “books we hope will sell and new releases,” and beside them is a “learning from history” shelf. The 65-square-meter store, with its distinctive atmosphere, is packed with around 19,000 books and magazines.

The bookstore first opened…

Sun Books Hamadayama

Sun Books Hamadayama is a charming independent bookstore located in the Hamadayama neighborhood of Suginami, Tokyo. Established in the 1970s, it has become a beloved cultural hub known for its carefully curated selection of books, cozy atmosphere, and community-focused events. The store reflects Tokyo’s vibrant literary culture and serves as a gathering place for book lovers and local residents.

Hamadayama Station

Hamadayama Station is a small railway station located in Suginami, Tokyo, operated by the Keiō Corporation. It opened in 1916 as part of the Keiō Line and primarily serves the residential neighborhood of Hamadayama. The station is known for its quiet, local atmosphere and proximity to parks and temples, such as the nearby Hamadayama Hachiman Shrine.

Shoshi Kankanbo

“Shoshi Kankanbo” refers to a historic site in Japan associated with the Edo period (1603–1868), known as a checkpoint or barrier station (関所, *sekisho*) on the Kiso Road, part of the Nakasendō highway. These checkpoints were used by the Tokugawa shogunate to monitor and control travel, particularly to prevent weapons smuggling and the movement of women (to enforce hostage policies). Today, Shoshi Kankanbo is a cultural landmark, offering insights into Edo-era transportation and security systems.