Probably Nara’s oldest book store is closing its doors
for the last time on October 31st.
KEIUNDO-TOYOSUMI SHOTEN (Keiundo Toyosumi bookstore)
「桂雲堂豊住書店」is on Higashimuki-kita shopping street.
It started as a publishing business in Igaueno (Iga city in Mie Prefecture)
in 1816 (registered officially in 1867),
all the way back in the Edo era.
The last owner passed away in August, and there is nobody to fill his shoes.
He was extremely well-informed, especially about history, antiques,
and Nara, like a book sommelier.
The store sold not only new books but also had many rare old books
and specialist books on history, antiques, cultural assets, and Nara.
KEIUNDO-TOYOSUMI SHOTEN will be missed by its fans.