Maruzen, the nation's second largest bookstore chain, closed its
century-old
 Osaka Shinsaibashi store on July 31st 2005.  Maruzen plans to reopen in
Shinsaibashi Sogo Department Store on September 7th.

Maruzen Kyoto Kawaramachi will close on October 10th 2005.  The foreign
section will shut down about a month earlier, on September 4th.
Maruzen says they are looking for a new location in downtown Kyoto,
but gives no specific date.

Maruzen closed its Hiroshima branch in 2002 and its Kobe branch in 2003.
Their new flagship store in Marunouchi (west side of JR Tokyo) which
opened September 2004 is considered a success.  Along with books the
company deals in stationery and clothing.


Foreign book bargain sales in Maruzen Kyoto Kawaramachi:

August 11 - 22  (7th floor)
August 20 - September 4  (8th floor) final clearance sale

[cross posted with permission from soc.culture.japan.moderated moderators]