Books Kinokuniya, the Japanese bookstore chain with its flagship Southeast Asian outlet in Singapore's Ngee Ann City, has established itself as the definitive destination for readers seeking Southeast Asian books in Singapore. Since opening its doors in 1999, the store has grown to stock over 400,000 titles across four floors, with a dedicated section for Southeast Asian literature that spans fiction, non-fiction, history, travel writing, and translated works from across the region. For readers interested in the literary output of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, Kinokuniya offers an unmatched selection that combines international bestsellers with hard-to-find local and regional titles.
The store's location at 391 Orchard Road places it at the heart of Singapore's shopping and cultural district, making it accessible to both residents and tourists. With an average footfall of over 10,000 visitors per day, Kinokuniya Singapore has become a hub not just for book sales but for literary events, author signings, and cultural programming that highlights the diversity of Southeast Asian writing. Its commitment to stocking both English-language and vernacular works, including Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay, and Chinese titles, sets it apart from other international book retailers in the region.
The Southeast Asian Literature Section: A Curated Journey
Kinokuniya's Southeast Asian literature section is located on the third floor of the store, occupying approximately 200 square metres of floor space. The section is organised by country, with sub-sections for fiction, non-fiction, history, politics, and travel writing. The selection is curated by a team of five buyers who specialise in different parts of the region, each with academic backgrounds in Southeast Asian studies or extensive experience in the book trade.
Country-Specific Holdings
The store's inventory for each country reflects both canonical works and contemporary releases:
- Thailand: Over 800 titles in English and Thai, including works by Thai authors to watch, such as Pitchaya Sudbanthad's Bangkok Wakes to Rain (S$28.90) and Rattawut Lapcharoensap's Sightseeing (S$22.50). The section also carries translations of modern Thai fiction, including Duanwad Pimwana's Bright (S$26.00).
- Vietnam: Approximately 600 titles, including English translations of Vietnamese classics like Bao Ninh's The Sorrow of War (S$24.90) and Duong Thu Huong's Paradise of the Blind (S$22.00). The store also stocks a growing selection of best Vietnamese novels in English, including recent releases by Nguyen Phan Que Mai and Ocean Vuong.
- Indonesia: Around 700 titles in English and Indonesian, featuring works by Eka Kurniawan (Beauty Is a Wound, S$29.90) and Leila S. Chudori (Home, S$27.50). The section includes both Indonesian fiction in translation and original Indonesian-language novels.
- Malaysia: Over 500 titles, including works by Tash Aw (We, the Survivors, S$28.50) and Tan Twan Eng (The Garden of Evening Mists, S$25.90). The section also carries Malaysian literary icons like K.S. Maniam and Shirley Geok-lin Lim.
- Philippines: Approximately 400 titles, featuring authors such as Gina Apostol (Insurrecto, S$26.50) and Miguel Syjuco (Ilustrado, S$24.00).
Pricing and Availability
Prices at Kinokuniya are generally in line with other Singapore bookstores. A typical paperback novel from the Southeast Asian section costs between S$22 and S$32, while hardcovers range from S$35 to S$55. The store offers a 10% discount for members of its Kinokuniya Premier membership programme, which costs S$30 per year. For readers on a budget, the store also maintains a bargain section on the fourth floor where older Southeast Asian titles can be found for as little as S$8 to S$15.