Category: Book Reviews

“If you could return to one moment in your past, who would you visit?” That’s the premise of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, a Japanese novel I recently read (in the original). The story takes place in a tiny café where time travel is technically possible… but only under a set of oddly specific rules. You…

If you’ve ever sat at your desk wondering how your boss got their job — or why your coworkers seem completely unbothered by chaos — you’re not alone. But what if the real key to surviving (and even thriving) at work isn’t about fixing them… but about better understanding them — and yourself? In Surrounded by…

“What do a novelist and a marathon runner have in common?” At first glance, not much — one sits still for hours, the other moves relentlessly forward. Haruki Murakami is best known for his surreal, emotionally resonant novels like Norwegian Wood and Kafka on the Shore, but fewer people know he’s also a devoted long-distance runner. In What I…

Being raised by two doctors, I was always surrounded by highly educated people. Now, approaching my 30s and starting to think about building a family of my own, I find myself reflecting more on the kind of parenting I received — and the kind I want to give. 高学歴親という病 (The Illness Called Highly Educated Parents)…

Most of us are taught to value quick answers and solutions, whether in school, work, or daily life. But in ネガティブ・ケイパビリティ―答えの出ない事態に耐える力 (Negative Capability: The Power of Embracing Uncertainty), psychiatrist Hosei Hahakigi challenges this conventional thinking. The book argues that true ability isn’t always about solving problems swiftly — it’s about learning to endure uncertainty and live with…

What does it take to create a story that stands the test of time? In Hirohiko Araki’s Art of Manga, the artist behind some of Japan’s most influential works reveals how he crafts characters, structures narratives, and builds visual worlds. This isn’t just a guide for drawing. It’s a deeper look at the process behind creating…

Honestly, I’ve always found it challenging to create strong villains in my stories, but this book opened my eyes to the art of crafting memorable antagonists. In “New Manga Techniques: How to Create Villains,” the creative genius behind one of Japan’s most iconic manga series shares invaluable insights that not only guide aspiring writers but…

In a society where aging is often seen as an inevitable decline, Ritsuko Inokuma’s The Old Woman Behind Bars challenges us to confront an uncomfortable truth: For many elderly women in Japan, prison may be the only place where they experience care, stability, and even a sense of belonging. This paradox forces us to ask, are we truly…

Have you ever felt drained or uneasy before meeting someone, even though you know you’ll enjoy their company once you’re together? Maybe you find yourself dreading the meetup, even with close friends, or feeling a bit tense or reluctant to follow through on plans. While the time spent together might be enjoyable, there’s often a…

Have you ever wished for something impossible, thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great if this could happen?” Doraemon, a beloved Japanese anime, brings those dreams to life, offering a whimsical glimpse into a world where the impossible feels within reach. For those who are new to the world of Doraemon, the story revolves around Doraemon, a robot…