The best short Japanese books you can finish over the weekend

‘A warm, quirky novel on life, love, family estrangement and what remains when we are gone with a surprising emotional charge.’ Observer

A poignant journey into the essence of life, If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura unfolds a touching narrative of a man grappling with his mortality, facing a life-altering diagnosis. Alone, save for his cat Cabbage, he encounters the Devil who offers him extra life at a cost: to erase one thing from existence. This narrative takes us through a profound exploration of what truly enriches our lives, blending themes of loss, connection, and the intrinsic value of our choices. Translated by Eric Selland, known for The Guest Cat, this novel resonates deeply with readers who treasure life's intangible beauty.

‘Mieko Kawakami is a genius’ Naoise Dolan

‘Heaven is less than half the length and holds double the emotional force’ New Statesman

In Mieko Kawakami's compelling novel Heaven, the painful reality of bullying converges with the fragile beauty of an unexpected friendship between two adolescents. The narrative centers around a 14-year-old boy, marked by his peers for his lazy eye, and Kojima, a girl who similarly endures the brutality of her classmates. Together, they navigate the treacherous waters of their school life, finding solace and understanding in each other's company amidst a world that seems intent on breaking them down. Kawakami's masterful storytelling weaves a tale that is at once delicate and forceful, offering a deep dive into the psyche of the bullied and the resilience of the human spirit. 

One photograph, one treasured memory, one chance to go back . . .

In The Lantern of Lost Memories, a photo studio bridges the living with the afterlife, where people awaken with photos documenting their lives. They choose memories to fill a lantern that reveals their past before guiding them to the next world. With time, even precious memories fade, offering visitors a chance to return to and recapture one special day. Through stories of its visitors—from a Yakuza to a child—this narrative beautifully explores the essence of our lives and the moments that define us.

THE GLOBAL BESTSELLER

In the fifth installment in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, the same simple yet profound idea unfolds—a time-travelling cafe with a seat that offers its patrons a journey back in time. The rules are as whimsical as the premise: stay seated, return before your coffee cools, and know the past's events won't alter the future. This Tokyo café's latest visitors include a father grappling with his daughter's marriage, a woman longing to convey her feelings on Valentine's Day, a boy wishing to reunite his divorced parents with his smile, and a wife naming her child. Each seeks solace or resolution in the past, guided by the café's peculiar yet charming regulations, crafting a tale of whimsy grounded in the human condition.

Nestled in a Kyoto back alley, this unique eatery, run by a father-daughter team, serves as a haven for more than just food lovers. Transforming into 'food detectives,' they offer a heartwarming service—recreating dishes intertwined with the diner's fondest memories. From a pop star reminiscing over celebratory tempura to an Olympic hopeful longing for his father's bento lunches, each customer's quest is as much about savoring forgotten flavors as it is about rekindling the emotions of the past. Sequel to the bestselling The Kamogawa Food Detectives, The Restaurant of Lost Recipes is not just a story about food but a portal to cherished moments, expertly translated by Jesse Kirkwood, promising another course of sensory delight and nostalgic journeys.

Today, I’m starting a ‘rent a person who does nothing’ service . . . Except for very simple conversation, I’m afraid I can do nothing.

Ever thought being a professional 'do-nothing' could be a career? Meet Shoji Morimoto, the man who made laziness an art form. In Rental Person Who Does Nothing, read the hilarious and heartwarming tales of a man whose job is literally to exist. From keeping someone company during surgery to being the plus-one for divorce celebrations, Morimoto's adventures reveal the quirky, lonely, and heart-touching corners of human need. It's a witty exploration of how minimal effort can lead to maximum impact. If you're looking for a laugh, a cry, or just want to feel better about all those times you've been told you're doing nothing, Rental Person Who Does Nothing is your jam. Because sometimes, doing nothing is everything a person needs.

‘A sure bestseller.’ The Bookseller

Kaizen by Sarah Harvey is your fun-sized guide to big changes through small steps. Illustrated in vibrant colors and easy-to-digest sections, this book is the gently persuasive friend we all need. Forget the life-overhaul that lasts exactly two days. Kaizen nudges you to tweak life bit by bit—be it decluttering your desk, amping up those social skills, or finally making peace with your budget. Join the ranks of happy readers who've made ‘just enough’ progress without the guilt trip. After all, why sprint when you can enjoy the journey one step at a time? Perfect for fans of Marie Kondo and Hygge, but with the added twist that this journey is uniquely yours. No more cookie-cutter advice—create your own success story!