The Japanese have always had a knack for storytelling. Whether it is through their architecture, Sumi-e (Japanese brush artistry), haikus or books, the Japanese have a gentle and calming way of conveying stories from life and do so with accuracy and dreamy detail. And today we are delighted to bring you 25 of the coziest Japanese authored books to read in your downtime.
1. Before the Coffee Gets Cold
The story is set in a small, old café in Tokyo where, according to local legend, customers can travel back in time while their coffee is still hot. Four customers’ stories are told in the book, from hoping to confront a lost love, to getting to know a person they did not have the chance to meet, but will they get what they came for before their coffee gets cold?
2. Before Your Memory Fades
The Café Donna Donna is not all it seems to be as customers discover its ability to let them travel through time. The book follows four individuals who for various reasons take a trip back, and through their journeys gain an appreciation for the here and now.
3. The Boy and The Dog
A house dog turns stray after an earthquake separates him from his first owner. The book tells the story of the stray as he spends five years searching for his dear friend, along the way being taken in by several people whom he helps heal.
4. The Cat who Saved Books
A heartwarming adventure story in the name of saving mistreated books sees a high school student and a talking cat team up. Along their adventures they learn about the importance of books, while exploring themes of first love and friendship.
5. The Convenience Store by the Sea
A story following the customers of a 24/7 convenience store called “Tenderness” where the customers are more like seekers of advice and the manager is more like their guru. It is a heartfelt tale with poignant advice for surviving the ups and downs of life.
6. The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen
Set in the mystical Chibineko Kitchen, customers flock from all around to try their magical “kagezen” dish, which allows diners to be reuinted with a departed loved one. The book follows a young woman seeking one last chance to connect with her recently deceased brother, ultimately leading to healing, new beginnings, and a sense of peace.
7.The Calico Cat at the Chibineko Kitchen
This book details the stories of four individuals visiting the Chibineko Kitchen in search of one last chance to connect with someone they’ve lost. As long as their meal stays warm, they can speak with their loved ones, and in doing so discover what truly matters in their lives.
8. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
A classic tale of a young woman reinventing herself after a breakup, this book tells the story of Takako, who after being dumped moved into the room above her uncle’s second-hand bookshop. There she finds friends, a love for literature, and a new beginning in life as she and her uncle learn to navigate their unconventional relationship.
9. Days at the Torunka Cafe
Set against the backdrop of a small, neighborhood café in Tokyo, this book tells the story of four regulars going through periods of feeling lost, and how through small, everyday interactions they are able to heal and find new beginnings.
10. The Easy Life in Kamusari
Thrust from his comfy city life, a high-school graduate is enrolled in a forestry program in a remote mountain village. While initially resistant to the change, he soon finds himself learning the trade and appreciating the beauty of the forest and the local traditions and festivals. Through his experiences he learns to respect nature, traditions and finds the sense of purpose and belonging he was looking for.
11. Kamusari Tales Told at Night
A young man is sent to a remote village to learn forestry, a job he did not want. As he adapts to the slow country life, he becomes engrossed in local legends and traditions as well as enamored by the only other young person in the village. The book explores appreciation for the old world and the journey of a young man trying to find his way in the world.
12. The Ex-Boyfriend’s Favorite Recipe Funeral Committee
A recently dumped café owner prepares her ex’s favorite dish and finds comfort and calm through the experience. Starting a therapy group for other women to work through their pain with cooking. The book explores the connection between cooking and sharing, and how it helps the characters find comfort and heal their broken hearts.
13. The Forest of Wool and Steel
The Forest of Wool and Steel follows the life of a young man enchanted by the sound of a Piano being tuned, leading to a series of apprenticeship under master tuners of varying temperaments. The book is a mystical and warm tale about finding one’s calling, exploring themes of perseverance, self-doubt, and the moments of revelation that occur on the journey to finding purpose.
14. The Full Moon Coffee Shop
A mystical café run by cats, with no fixed location or hours, comes to bring those in need a warm drink and advice from the stars above. Appearing before four unsuspecting Kyoto residents, the cats come to help those who have been feeling lost and need guidance to return to their destined paths.
15. The God of Nishi-Yuigahama Station
Asking the question of whether you would want to see your loved ones one more time if they had been in a train accident, this book tells the tale of four strangers looking for closure and connection to the loved ones they lost on that fateful day. With the help of a fabled train station ghost, they are forced to face the reality of whether they could handle seeing their loved ones again.
16. The Guest Cat
Set against the background of a failing marriage, a stray cat strolls into the lives of an estranged Tokyo couple. Igniting conversation and joy on a level that they hadn’t experienced in a long time. Though even with their renewed sense of purpose they know their happiness is short-lived, and the book offers a meditation on the small joys of life, the transient nature of relationships and the quiet ways we connect with others.
17. The Great Passage
A young, introverted bookworm is tasked with writing a massive 2,900-page Japanese dictionary called The Great Passage. Through his career-defining project, the young man discovers friendship, romance and the profound power of words.
18. The healing hippo of hinode park
A community’s connection to a hippo statue brings together the stories of five local residents who come to the statue in hope of healing their physical and emotional ailments. Through their shared connection to the statue they find healing, friendship, and a surprising sense of community.
19. If Cats Disappeared from The World
A terminally ill postman is offered a deal with the Devil to extend his life. For each object he makes disappear from the world, the devil gives him one more day of life. Through his journey, our young protagonist begins to gain an appreciation for what matters in life, as he discovers the true value of his memories and connections in the world around him.
20. The Kamogawa Food Detectives
This story follows the wholesome Kamogawa Diner in Kyoto run by father-daughter duo Koishi and Nagare Kamogawa. But their menu is no ordinary menu as it is created by the very patrons who frequent the diner, creating dishes that not only provide nourishment but let their customers connect with their past.
21. Lost Souls Meet Under a Full Moon
This novel recounts the story of a teenage medium, Ayumi Shibuya connecting living people to those in the world beyond. Ayumi helps his townspeople speak to the other world and through his work uncovers several secrets under the full moon which powers his connection to the world beyond.
22. The Lucky Ride
Following the life of “the unluckiest man in Japan”, The Lucky Ride tells the story of a man whose fate is changed by a mysterious driver. Exploring the idea the luck is not a random gift but a result of choices, actions and positive energy put out into the world.
23. The miracles of the Namiya General Store
A group of young delinquents hide out in an abandoned general store that, for one night only, receives letters seeking advice. To their own surprise they begin answering the letters, taking over from the old man who used to give the townspeople counsel. Changing the young boys’ perspective on life forever.
24. The Travelling Cat Chronicles
A diverse story of the intricate lives of several passengers on the Hankyu train line. Following them on their outward journey and the return journey six months later, showing how the characters’ lives have changed and how they resolved their problems.
25. Run with the Wind
A true underdog story, Run with the Wind tells the tale of a boy how lost is passion for running. Until it is reignited by one student with an outlandish plan and lofty goals. Along the way they find friendship, purpose and themselves.
