Renowned Japanese lifestyle brand Tsutaya Bookstore opens its first \r\nstore in Shanghai's Columbia Circle. [Photo provided to \r\nchinadaily.com.cn]

Renowned Japanese lifestyle brand Tsutaya Bookstore marked its foray \r\ninto Shanghai with the opening of its store in the city on Dec 24.

Operated by Tsutaya Investment Co. Ltd, the bookstore is located \r\nwithin Columbia Circle, a cultural space in the city's Changning \r\ndistrict.

According to Nomura Takuya, CEO of Tsutaya Investment Co. Ltd, the \r\nstore was opened in Columbia Circle because he was attracted to the \r\nhistorical building the store is currently situated in. Built in 1925, \r\nthe Baroque-style architecture was once recognized as one of the \r\n"Excellent Historical Buildings in Shanghai".

This was also the reason the Japanese company retained the building's original fireplace and Corinthian pillars.

To mark its opening, the artworks of Japanese sculptor Kohei Nawa and\r\n Chinese artist Xu Jing are being displayed across its two floors.

In the coming months, the bookstore is planning to host a series of \r\noffline events, including lectures by artists and authors, book clubs \r\nand art-themed events.

Zhang Hai, CEO of Shanghai Region Headquarters of China Vanke, the \r\ndeveloper behind Columbia Circle, the new bookstore would serve to \r\nreinforce Changning district's image as a vibrant lifestyle and cultural\r\n hub.

The bookstore is currently only accepting customers by appointment. \r\nCustomers can make appointments via the store's WeChat mini program or \r\nthrough Tsutaya's official WeChat account.