Imagine raising a child in a foreign land, surrounded by a new culture, and constantly reflecting on the quiet beauty of life’s simple moments.

In パリの空の下で、息子とぼくの3000日, Hitonari Tsuji’s memoir not only takes you through the streets of Paris but invites you to pause and ask yourself:

How do the small moments in your life shape your own journey? What does true happiness look like for you?

My 3,000 Days with My Son Under the Parisian Sky（パリの空の下で、息子とぼくの3000日）by Hitonari Tsuji

The Book in 3 Sentences

Hitonari Tsuji’s “パリの空の下で、息子とぼくの3000日” recounts his life in Paris as a single father raising his son.
Through everyday experiences and cultural encounters, he reflects on their bond and the challenges of parenting in a foreign country.
The book offers a warm look at their relationship and the small moments that define their 3,000 days together.

Impressions

How Did I Discover It?

I discovered this book after the tragic news of Miho Nakayama’s death, the Japanese singer and actress who was also the ex-wife of the author.

Her passing in an accident was a devastating shock, especially considering she was only 54 years old. I learned that she had been married before, which was public knowledge, but something I hadn’t personally known.

When I found out that her ex-husband, the author of this book, had written a memoir about his life with her and their child, I became curious to explore their shared experiences and understand how he remembered their time together.

Who Should Read It?

I would recommend the book to:

Parents, especially fathers, who are interested in the complexities of raising a child and navigating the parent-child relationship.
Readers fascinated by living abroad, as the book offers a unique perspective on raising a child in Paris while dealing with the challenges and rewards of a cross-cultural experience.
Fans of personal memoirs, particularly those who enjoy introspective, heartfelt narratives about life, self-discovery, and personal growth.

How the Book Changed Me

1. Embrace Simplicity and the Present Moment

The soft Christmas light in the book reminds us that happiness often comes quietly, without us needing to chase it.

Have I ever had a moment where happiness simply arrived — perhaps during a quiet evening or a small, meaningful encounter? Reflecting on these moments, I realize that sometimes peace comes when I stop seeking it.

I asked myself: How can I focus more on appreciating the simple moments instead of always pursuing bigger goals?

2. Living for Others Beyond Oneself

In the book, the father shifts from living for himself to living for his son.

I’ve had moments where I realized my life isn’t just about my own desires but about contributing to the well-being of someone else. How has my sense of purpose evolved over time? What would it mean for me to focus not just on myself but on those I care about?

This reflection is going to help me uncover what really matters as I continue on my journey.

3. Respecting Individual Journeys and Letting Go of Control

The father decides to listen quietly and let his son navigate his own world, without imposing his will.

How often do I find myself wanting to step in and guide others, perhaps out of love or concern? There might be times when letting go and trusting others to find their own path is the most supportive thing I can do.

I asked myself: Have I ever stepped back to allow someone else to grow? How can I find a balance between offering guidance and giving space?

4. The Power of Connection Through Simple Acts

The author’s bond with his son deepens through the simple act of cooking together.

Even if I don’t often cook, I’ve felt the power of small, everyday gestures — like preparing a meal or sharing food. These simple actions can build connections that words might not reach.

I asked myself: How can I use everyday moments to connect more deeply with those I care about? Even small acts of kindness or thoughtfulness can carry lasting meaning.

My Top 3 Quotes

“On Christmas Eve, father and son had a session of Englishman in New York on the bed in the child’s room. Outside the window, the windows of the neighboring building could be seen, with modest plants decorated there. A soft Christmas light was gently pouring in. I thought to myself, happiness is like this gentle light, something that quietly comes and stays when you’re not being greedy.” (クリスマス・イヴに父子は子供部屋のベッドの上でEnglishman in New Yorkをセッションした。子供部屋の窓の外に隣の建物の窓が見える。ささやかな植物が飾られている。淡いクリスマスの光がそこに降り注いでいる。幸せというものは欲張らない時にすっとやってきて寄り添うこういう優しい光のようなものじゃないか、と思った。)
“I couldn’t help but think, How many more years will I be able to watch over this child? I suddenly stopped and looked back. My son was slowly crossing the main street about 50 meters ahead. I thought to myself, He’s grown so much. I hurriedly took out my phone and captured his figure in a photo.” (あと何年、この子を見守ってやることができるだろう、と考えてしまった。ぼくは不意に立ち止まり振り返った。息子が50メートルほど先の大通りをゆっくりと横断していた。大きくなったな、と思った。ぼくは急いで携帯を取り出し、その後ろ姿を写真に残した。)
“I returned to my work. I reread what I had written earlier. That’s how writing a novel is. Every morning, I always reread what I wrote the day before. I always reread what I wrote up to that point. Before bed, I always reread what I wrote that day. Little by little, I write like that. I almost never reread diaries or essays. That’s the big difference, even though they’re all in the same Japanese language. I thought to myself, the time I spent with my son felt just like writing a novel.” (ぼくは仕事に戻った。さっき書いたところを読み直した。小説というのはそういうものなのだ。昨日、書いたところまでを必ず、朝に読み返す。さっき、書いたところまでを必ず、読み返す。寝る前に、今日書いたところまでを必ず読み返す。そうやって少しずつ少しずつ書いていく。こういう日記やエッセイはほぼ読み返さない。そこが同じ日本語の仕事でも大きな違いなのだ。ぼくと息子の時間はまるで小説を書くようだったな、と思った。)

Tsuji’s story is a gentle invitation to reflect on the everyday acts that connect us — whether it’s a shared meal, a quiet walk, or a simple gesture of love.

As you read his memoir, take a moment to think:

When was the last time you stopped to truly appreciate the present? What small, yet meaningful moments can you cherish today?

Let’s explore together how simple acts can bring more meaning into our lives.