Renowned Japanese lifestyle brand Tsutaya Bookstore opens its first store in Shanghai's Columbia Circle. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

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

Operated by Tsutaya Investment Co. Ltd, the bookstore is located within Columbia Circle, a cultural space in the city's Changning district.

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