“It’s funny. No matter where you go, or how many books you read, you still know nothing, you haven’t seen anything. And that’s life.”

In trying to find more books about books to satisfy my contemporary Japanese literature cravings, I came across the Morisaki bookshop series by Satoshi Yagisawa and was immediately enthralled by the premise. I’ve dreamt of visiting the book town of Hay-on-Wye and its eponymous festival for years, but to learn there’s a similar town in Japan made my heart burst. 

Synopsis

Twenty-five-year-old Takako has never been interested in reading, despite the Morisaki bookshop being in her family for three generations. It’s her Uncle Satoru’s pride and joy, having devoted his entire life to the bookshop–even after his wife Momoko, suddenly left him five years ago.

When Takako’s life crumbles around her (her secret office boyfriend reveals he’s marrying someone else and she loses her job)–she decides to nurse her broken heart in peace and accepts her eccentric uncle’s offer to live rent-free in the tiny room above the family bookshop. Surfacing from a depressive episode, Takako is surprised to find herself within the stacks of books in her room. As the seasons change, Takako discovers that she has more in common with her uncle than she first thought. 

This literary fiction novel focuses on the relationships and the development of characters– which, to a point, includes the bookshop itself. Morisaki bookshop looks after Takako, Satoru, Momoko and its patrons. The bookshop helps them through their crises and teaches the characters about life, love and the healing power of reading.

Real-Life Inspiration

Readers will be thrilled to learn that Jimbocho, the setting of the eponymous bookshop, is very real and is as delightful in real-life as it is in fiction. Much like Hay-on-Wye in Wales (also known for the annual Hay Festival), this district in Tokyo is known as the city’s literary centre for second-hand bookstores and publishing houses, as well as a popular antique and curio shopping area. The book even mentions the Kanda Second-Hand Book Festival and Jimbocho Book Festival, which transforms the city into a bibliophile’s paradise every autumn. 

Like most books about books, Days at Morisaki Bookshop also features a great deal of recommended authors and titles that the reader can enjoy as well. This includes some of Japan’s most notable writers like Natsume Sōseki, Jun’ichirō Tanizaki and Ryūnosuke Akutagawa.

Literary Therapy

“It was as if a love of reading had been sleeping somewhere deep inside me all this time, and then it suddenly sprang to life.”

Takako’s story is deeply grounded in real life, and her character arc offers hope for the future –an inspirational story for the readers. Readers take part in the journey, as Takako finds comfort in books, learns about their transformative powers and that life is not as straightforward as we are led to believe. Books bring Takako back to herself, helping her find a community with the customers of Morisaki bookshop and even connections with the previous owners of the preloved novels, who had been moved to the point of annotating beautifully written passages. The story touches upon the themes of family, friendship, new beginnings and most importantly–the healing power of books. 

Simple But Effective

“I don’t think it really matters whether you know a lot about books or not…But I think what matters far more with a book is how it affects you.”

It’s a short novel with a simple premise that can touch the hearts of many. Reading this isn’t the adrenaline rush of a dramatic novel, but rather a peaceful and serene experience that calms the reader with its grounded characters and simple premise of a young person trying to find their way in life. 

Soul Searching

“I don’t think so. It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life. ”

Anyone at a crossroads in their life will see themselves in the protagonist (like I did) and long for a place as magical and loving as the Morisaki bookstore. It’s perfect for those feeling a bit lost and unattached in their twenties. Ultimately, it is a book about self-care, self-love, and self-acceptance through the power of reading. 

Final Thoughts

“I decided to drop anchor. For me, this is a sacred place. It’s where I feel most at ease.”

This cosy book has helped me feel seen as an equally lost twenty-five-year-old woman who looks to books for comfort. Like Takako, I stopped at the Morisaki bookshop for a short while and I dropped anchor. I felt peaceful as I flipped through the pages of Takako’s life.  It’s a quick read–perfect for helping anyone in a reading slump, and I heartily recommend it to those seeking reassurance that everything will work out in the end.