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

This was also the reason the Japanese company retained the building's original fireplace and Corinthian pillars.

To mark its opening, the artworks of Japanese sculptor Kohei Nawa and Chinese artist Xu Jing are being displayed across its two floors.

In the coming months, the bookstore is planning to host a series of offline events, including lectures by artists and authors, book clubs and art-themed events.