There is a unique corner in Tolosa's Old Town where books are read in an unconventional way. The bookstore HonYa offers hundreds of stories that begin on the back cover and are read from right to left, a reading style uncommon in the region.
Located at the intersection of Errementari and Leitza streets, this recently opened establishment aims to establish comics, and especially manga, in an area of inland Gipuzkoa with limited specialized offerings. The owner, a Tolosa resident of Chinese origin, seeks to share his passion for this literary genre and become a focal point for comic enthusiasts throughout the territory.
“"I wanted it to be a special store, with carefully selected products, a place where you can be surprised and discover new things."
HonYa, whose name means "book" and "store" in Japanese, opened its doors last August. Despite being during the holiday season, it attracted a notable number of tourists, and the approach of Christmas boosted business, drawing customers in search of original gifts.
While manga is the flagship product, the bookstore also sells European and American comics, graphic novels, and illustrated books, including literature in Basque, especially for children. In addition to books, HonYa offers board games, dolls, accessories like glasses and backpacks, and even organic Asian food. The owner adapts the inventory to customer demands and handles custom orders.
Among the most popular titles are Dragon Ball and Doctor Slump, but the selection is not limited to Asian comics or action genres. Works by authors like the Spanish Paco Roca and themes such as World War II are also available. A market deficiency is the scarce availability of comics in Basque, despite existing demand at the store.
The clientele is diverse, ranging from middle-aged regular readers to young people discovering manga, and parents looking to encourage reading in their children through comics as an engaging tool. On the occasion of Book Day, the bookstore displayed its offerings on the street, attracting numerous curious visitors. Businesses like HonYa represent a breath of fresh air for local commerce in Tolosa's Old Town, an area experiencing many business closures.
As a recommendation, the owner suggests Briar, by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García, a comic that reinterprets the tale of Sleeping Beauty with a feminist and empowering approach. The HonYa bookstore has the potential to become a key destination for comic lovers in inland Gipuzkoa, being a unique establishment in the area.
