New bookstore openings are few and far between in these print-hostile times, even in a city as committed to physical media as Tokyo. Having started business in January 2016 with very little fuss, Title bucks the trend with its beautiful, 10,000-title collection of tomes and magazines on subjects from philosophy and pressing social issues to everyday life.
Run by a former manager of the Libro chain, who aims to recreate the kind of friendly neighbourhood atmosphere that characterised Tokyo’s bookshops of old, Title also houses a small café and an upstairs gallery, while events aimed at reintroducing both locals and visitors to the joys of print are held regularly. It’s the kind of place we’d like to stop by every day – if our bank balance would allow.