Days at the Morisaki Bookshop – Satoshi Yagisawa – English Medium

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a poignant Japanese novel that delves into themes of healing, self-discovery, and the transformative power of literature. Originally published in 2010 and translated into English by Eric Ozawa in 2023, the story unfolds in Tokyo's renowned Jinbōchō district, known for its rich literary heritage.

The narrative centers on Takako, a 25-year-old office worker whose life unravels when her boyfriend announces his intention to marry someone else. Devastated, Takako quits her job and retreats to her uncle Satoru's secondhand bookshop, the Morisaki Bookshop. Initially indifferent to reading, Takako finds solace among the stacks of books and the eccentric patrons who frequent the shop. Through her interactions with these individuals and her immersion in literature, Takako embarks on a journey of personal growth and emotional healing.