A view from Amazon's new office. Various scenarios were set up to illustrate reading seamlessly integrated into one's lifestyle.
Amazon's e-reader "Kindle" series has been revamped. As previously reported, the hardware has been refreshed, featuring thinner and lighter designs, and the introduction of color display models. To complement these new Kindles, Japan-exclusive premium leather sleeves, co-developed with Milan-based BONAVENTURA and Japan's MAISON CANAU, have been announced.
These accessories are designed to beautifully adorn daily life and enrich reading styles, all for Kindle, which champions the motto "Beyond Reading."
Silent commercials are also being rolled out, depicting a quiet and profound reading experience with Kindle.
Thinner, Faster, More Comfortable — Completely Revamped Hardware
Let's briefly introduce the new Kindles. The entry-level "Kindle (6-inch)" is 11% thinner at 6.9mm.
The 16GB model weighs approximately 140g, making it extremely lightweight and less tiring for extended reading sessions. Page-turn speed has improved by 30% compared to previous models, and it adopts a full-flat design that eliminates the step between the bezel and the screen.
The 32GB model features an aluminum back for a premium feel, and in addition to the classic Graphite, offers unique colors such as "Ube Purple (16GB)" and "Alpine Sky Blue (32GB)."
All products have achieved a thinner profile.
Color variations have also increased.
"Kindle Paperwhite (7-inch)" and the color display model "Kindle Colorsoft (7-inch)" are also 13% thinner at 6.8mm. A subtle but practical improvement is the relocation of the power button from the bottom to the "top right of the device," preventing accidental presses when using it in airplane seat pockets or on a desk stand.
The Paperwhite boasts the highest-ever black-and-white contrast. The Colorsoft vividly renders magazines and encyclopedias with color E-ink and is available in a new "Fig" color.
The top-tier "Signature Edition" features an aluminum back, 32GB storage, automatic brightness adjustment, and wireless charging, and is also available in a refreshing "Seagrass Green."
New Accessories and Services Expanding Reading Freedom
Peripherals that offer more freedom in reading styles have also appeared. Of note is the "Kindle Click Page Turn Remote" (5,180 yen), which allows for hands-free operation via Bluetooth.
Equipped with a wrist strap, it's compatible with models from 2024 onwards, enabling page turns and brightness adjustments without touching the screen. This allows for comfortable reading postures, such as operating it from under a blanket during cold seasons.
For the Signature Edition, a leather cover with page-turn buttons (11,980 yen, shipping November 11) is also available. Users can enjoy their preferred style with a selection of 19 official covers.
On the service front, the unlimited reading subscription service "Kindle Unlimited," offering millions of titles, will be rebranded as "Kindle+" starting October 23. Kids' models have also been refreshed into "6-inch monochrome" and "7-inch color" versions, bundled with a 1-year "Amazon Kids+" benefit and a kids' cover.
In addition to unlimited access to over 2,000 children's books, features for parents to check history and restrict content are also enhanced.
About Kindle for Kids
Japan-Exclusive Leather Sleeves Respond to a Culture of Cherishing Tools
As mentioned at the beginning, the "leather sleeves" co-produced with BONAVENTURA and MAISON CANAU are being introduced as accessories to enrich the reading experience. The reason for their Japan-exclusive release lies in a unique user culture specific to Japan.
Japanese Kindle users have a higher accessory purchase rate than the global average, and a deep-rooted aesthetic sense of carefully considering how to carry and customize their devices from the moment of purchase, cherishing and using their tools with care. To meet this demand, these genuine leather products were planned not just to protect the device, but to beautifully blend into daily life. Two sizes are available: 7-inch and 11-inch (compatible with Kindle Scribe).
Milan-based BONAVENTURA offers a slip-in type featuring high-quality shrink leather adorned with an iconic belt and snap closure. The interior is lined with suede-like fabric, meticulously finished by skilled artisans.
Available in four colors: Etoupe, Black, Blue Cyan, and Azalea Pink. The 7-inch version costs 33,000 yen, and the 11-inch version costs 44,000 yen.
Meanwhile, MAISON CANAU's case, which champions "Ultimate BLACK and Minimalism," is characterized by its pouch-like appearance with an L-shaped metal zipper. Designed in Japan and crafted in an Italian workshop, its stitch-free exterior construction achieves a smooth, skin-like feel. The interior is lined with light gray suede-like material.
It comes in a single Black color. The 7-inch version is 15,400 yen, and the 11-inch version is 25,000 yen. Its serene, minimalist design is likely to elevate the reading experience.
These top-tier leather sleeves, which bring joy to the touch, truly embody the motto "Beyond Reading." They are accessories that elevate the entire reading experience, from the tranquil moments of immersing oneself in a book to the everyday act of carrying it.
BONAVENTURA Kindle Leather Sleeve for 7-inch, Etoupe
BONAVENTURA Kindle Leather Sleeve for 11-inch, Etoupe
Kindle Leather Sleeve MAISON CANAU for 7-inch, Black
