My name is Valentin Arnould, and I'm passionate about Japanese culture. In 2021, I started taking a particular interest in Japanese magazines. Initially, I bought and imported them simply out of passion to expand my personal collection.
Over time, I noticed that people around me were also becoming curious about these magazines. I was already signed up to Vinted at the time, and I thought it might be interesting to share this passion by importing copies for other French enthusiasts and collectors.
The goal wasn't to create a business, but to make these magazines more accessible and to share something I'm truly passionate about.
That's how the adventure began.
The Birth of Nihon-Gawa
Gradually, the activity grew. As the turnover increased, it became necessary to give the project a professional framework and to properly declare the sales made.
Nihon-Gawa was officially born on April 25, 2023, with the creation of my micro-enterprise.
This professionalization has never changed the nature of the project. Nihon-Gawa remains above all a passion, driven by the desire to introduce Japanese magazines in France and offer them at the fairest and most affordable prices possible.
A Necessary Pause
Shortly after the project launched, I started higher education. The time I could dedicate to Nihon-Gawa gradually decreased, leading to a pause in activity in mid-2025.
However, this pause never marked the end of the project or my passion.
With my studies now complete, I can finally fully resume the Nihon-Gawa adventure and dedicate all the energy it deserves once again.
A New Beginning
My desire remains the same as at the beginning: to share my passion and offer Japanese magazines at the fairest and most accessible price possible, despite the recent evolution of import costs to Europe.
The catalog may still seem modest at the time of this relaunch, but it will gradually expand. I want to take the time to develop it carefully, by selecting products that will truly interest enthusiasts and collectors.
This new beginning is only the start of the next chapter of the story.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted me since the creation of Nihon-Gawa, as well as to those discovering the project today.
I hope to continue sharing this adventure with you for a long time to come.
Nihon-Gawa is a passion, not a business.
Sincerely,
Valentin Arnould
Founder of Nihon-Gawa