Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Born and raised in Kyushu, a southern island of Japan, Takako relocates to Tokyo to pursue life in the big city after graduating from a local college. Life seems to be going quite well until, one Friday night in June, Takako receives the startling news that her boyfriend of one year, Hideaki, is going to marry someone else.

After receiving the devastating news, Takako learns that Hideaki’s soon-to-be-wife is a colleague of hers. Heartbroken, Takako quits her job and falls into depression after realising that she has no one to turn to. Then, one day, she receives a voicemail from an unfamiliar voice. Takako tries to work out who mysteriously left the message – and then it finally hits her: it was her Uncle Satoru. But why was he calling?! All Takako can recall of her uncle is that he is much older than her, and that his wife Momoko left him roughly five years ago.

Upon returning her uncle’s call, Takako is met with an unexpected offer of free accommodation in exchange for helping her uncle at the Morisaki Bookshop, which is in the neighbouring town of Jimbōchō, a bookshop district in Tokyo. While working at the Morisaki bookshop, Takako, who was previously not a book reader, discovers her passion for books. Despite believing she had nothing in common with her uncle, they develop a strong bond over heartbreak, books, and coffee.

Takako and Satoru’s lives appear to be going well until, one day, Momoko reappears without warning or explanation, and moves in upstairs. Uncomfortable with Momoko’s return, Satoru pleads with Takako to find out why she left in the first place.

This novel explores the everyday moments that shape our lives, such as connecting with family members, heartbreaks, new beginnings, and the unexpected twists of life.