Meruhenhouse

Meruhenhouse (メルヘンハウス) is a Japanese children's book specialty bookstore founded in Nagoya in 1973 by Tetsu Miwa. It is recognized as Japan's first bookstore dedicated exclusively to children's literature. From its opening, the store refused to stock magazines, manga, TV tie-in picture books, or abridged classics, focusing instead on carefully selected children's books under the motto 'Good books for children!' (子どもたちに良い本を！). After 45 years of operation, the original store closed in March 2018. In August 2021, the founder's son, Jotaro Miwa, reopened the physical store, continuing the original philosophy while bringing his own experience as a musician and cultural curator to create a unique, live-feeling selection and event program. The store remains active, hosting events such as 'Adult Picture Book Evening' (大人絵本夜会) and exhibitions, and selling curated picture books, including limited editions and signed copies.

Meruhenhouse was founded in 1973 in Nagoya by Tetsu Miwa as Japan's first bookstore specializing in children's books. The store's guiding principle was 'Good books for children!' (子どもたちに良い本を！). From the beginning, Miwa chose not to carry magazines, manga, TV program tie-in picture books, or digests of classics, instead offering only carefully selected children's literature. This curated approach earned the store a dedicated following over decades. In March 2018, after 45 years of operation, the original Meruhenhouse closed its doors, to the regret of many customers. In August 2021, the founder's son, Jotaro Miwa, reopened the physical store. Jotaro, who had a long career as a musician and engaged with various cultural activities, brought a fresh perspective to the bookstore. He proposed unique, live-feeling book selections and event planning, actively operating with free ideas unbound by conventional bookstore concepts. The revived store continues to host events such as the 'Adult Picture Book Evening' (大人絵本夜会) and exhibitions, and sells curated picture books, including limited editions and signed copies. It remains a beloved cultural spot in Nagoya.

• 2021

  Reopened by second-generation owner Jotaro Miwa.

• 2018

  Original store closed after 45 years.

• 1973

  Founded in Nagoya as Japan's first children's book specialty store.

Specialty bookstore for carefully selected children's literature, avoiding mass-market or tie-in books.

• Curated children's books

• Picture books

• Limited edition picture books

• Signed picture books

1. 1メルヘンハウス – メルヘンハウスmeruhenhouse.com
2. 2メルヘンハウスについて – メルヘンハウスmeruhenhouse.com
3. 3Meruhenhouse - Wikidatawikidata.org