DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.10.07
A Bookstore Curated with an “Editor’s Perspective,” Beloved by Creators
Nearest Station
"SHIBUYA PUBLISHING & BOOKSELLERS（SPBS）" is a landmark bookstore in the "Oku-Shibu" area of Shibuya. Opened by an editor-owner under the unique concept of a “publishing bookstore,” it curates not only books but also lifestyle goods, vintage clothing, and art, all from an editorial perspective. The book selection is broad, ranging from new titles and long-sellers to works from independent publishers. In addition, original goods and collaboration items with creators are available, making it a bookstore frequented by many creators and artists.
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"SHIBUYA PUBLISHING & BOOKSELLERS（SPBS）" opened in 2008, before the name “Oku-Shibu” even existed. Established under the concept of a “publishing bookstore” by its editor-owner, the store uses books as an entry point while curating lifestyle goods, vintage clothing, and art from an editorial perspective, shaping the entire space like a single magazine. It is a place where visitors can not only buy books but also experience the everyday life and culture surrounding them. The store has earned many fans among creators and artists.
The glass-fronted exterior facing the backstreets of Oku-Shibu naturally draws in passersby.
Inside, books, lifestyle goods, and apparel are displayed together, giving the store the feel of a lifestyle shop as well as a bookstore.
In the paperback corner, POP displays with staff notes explain the reasons behind each selection, inspiring readers to pick up books.
The area for notable new releases and popular titles lets visitors keep up with the latest publishing trends in Japan.
The bookshelves at the "SPBS Main Store" are organized with themes set by the staff as if they were editors. Rather than simply arranging books, they are selected from the perspective of "how they resonate with our lives today." The selection is not limited to new publications, but crosses genres, including long sellers and even a book by an independent publisher. For example, the Culture section, under the theme of "Cutting through Urban Culture," includes everything from Katsuhiro Otomo's manga "AKIRA" to Kyoichi Tsuzuki's photo collection "TOKYOSTYLE. The books are accompanied by POP recommendations and explanations by the staff, making picking up a book as enjoyable as viewing a small exhibition.
Katsuhiro Otomo’s masterpiece "AKIRA," a symbol of Japanese subculture still read worldwide.
Kyoichi Tsuzuki’s "TOKYOSTYLE," a photo book capturing everyday life in Tokyo during the 1990s, essential for understanding urban culture.
A shelf titled “Travel to Places Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto”.
Features the “d design travel” series, each volume exploring one of Japan's 47 prefectures.
The photography section features art books with refined binding and design. Yoshihiko Ueda’s "Itsudemo Yume wo" ("Always Dream") is one representative example.
The children’s book corner offers both timeless long-sellers and new works with fresh perspectives, appealing across generations.
At "SHIBUYA PUBLISHING & BOOKSELLERS（SPBS）," apparel and goods are also chosen from an editor’s perspective—based on the idea of editing the lifestyle that surrounds books. Examples include tools for left-handed users (no longer available) and a humorous tape dispenser shaped like an otter holding tape. Popular souvenirs include original Hachiko-themed stickers and collaboration products with the leather goods brand "REEL." All of these items bring small surprises and discoveries to everyday life.
Clothes on display at the "Used Books and Clothing Fair. Vintage items selected from an editorial point of view are displayed along with used books, and are introduced as "clues to deciphering the culture of the past" just like books.
Unique notebooks, well-designed pens, and other themed stationery items. The selection combines practicality and playfulness.
Original Hachiko-themed stickers, produced in collaboration with the leather goods brand "REEL" (1,650 yen).
A tape dispenser shaped like an otter hugging tape. POP notes describe it as “healing like an otter,” making it a great gift (3,960 yen).
Inside the store, pop-ups are held regularly. The focus is not only on selling products but on “editing encounters between people.” They function as hubs of interaction, linking Shibuya with regional areas and creators with everyday customers. Past events have included "BOOK NERD," a bookstore from Morioka, and "STUDO," a general store, both of which brought local culture to Tokyo. At the time of coverage, illustrator and glass artist Awamoto Nono and silver jewelry brand "SUISUI" were featured. Since the content changes each time, visitors can look forward to new encounters with every visit.
At the time of coverage, a "POP UP CONVENIENCE STORE" by illustrator CONVENIENCE YOUNG was held (now finished).
Keychains by CONVENIENCE YOUNG, popular on social media and at exhibitions.
The "PIZZA T-shirt" by artist Shingo, with distinctive hand-drawn lettering.
Works by illustrator and glass artist Awamoto Nono, with transparent forms adding a light accent (finished).
Pop-up by Morioka culture bookstore "BOOKNERD" and interior goods store "STUDO". An initiative to connect local culture to Tokyo. (Now closed)
The information contained this article was correct as of October 07, 2025 (the time of publication)
