These Japanese books about booksellers reignited my love for reading

By Chanda Bisht

When asked about my favourite activity, I’d often reply, “Oh, I love reading books!” In truth, I used to consider it merely a hobby. However, after interning at eShe for three months, my perspective has transformed.

Working in an environment that is overflowing with books, I feel as though I am immersed in a literary wonderland. Each book offers a unique lesson, continuously broadening my horizons. My affection for books is blossoming like a flower as I uncover new layers and narratives that rekindle my passion for reading every day.

During this time, I encountered three captivating Japanese books: The Bookshop Woman by Nanako Hanada, translated to English by Cat Anderson; and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and its sequel More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric Ozawa. 

What’s common in all three is that they all celebrate the unwavering spirit of bibliophiles and the profound impact books and authors have on our lives. It is a remarkable parallel to my own journey spending time in a workplace that abounds in books. 

The Bookshop Woman (Hachette India, INR 599) is a biography that follows a Tokyo woman’s journey of self-discovery through dating and books. Nanako Hanada, the author, meets different kinds of people through a dating app called ‘PerfectStrangers,’ where she describes herself as a ‘sexy bookseller’. In return for a meeting, she offers strangers books tailored to their personality and tastes, creating a perfect book match. 

In this digital age, where online interactions can be fraught with uncertainty and one never knows who is on the other end of the chat, finding a genuine connection is akin to searching for a lost bookmark in a vast library. Over time, Hanada finds genuine happiness in recommending books and connecting with others. Through these interactions, she learns more about herself, confronts her problems, and eventually embraces a new life, leaving behind her old self and even the dating app.

Interestingly, the memoir, first published in 2018, became a bestseller in Japan, enabling the 45-year-old Hanada to make enough money in royalties to actually set up a bookshop in Tokyo called Kani Books! The book’s English translation released in July 2024.

Hanada’s journey teaches us valuable lessons – firstly, of course, to think carefully about how you present yourself on social media! But her experiences also highlight the importance of taking risks and persisting with one’s faith in humanity, despite encountering a few dubious individuals. 

By doing so, we can make more informed decisions about how we engage and connect with others, both online and offline. Hanada’s story demonstrates that overcoming our inhibitions and engaging with new people is also a path to self-discovery and inner growth.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (HarperCollins India, INR 399) was originally published in 2009 and translated to English in 2023. It won the Chiyoda Literature Prize and was also made into a film. It is a heartwarming tale that left me smiling even after I’d put it down! The story revolves around Takako, a 25-year-old woman who, after experiencing heartbreak, finds solace in her uncle’s charming Morisaki Bookshop in Tokyo’s Jimbocho neighbourhood. 

This area is a haven for book lovers, filled with second-hand bookstores dedicated to modern Japanese literature. Despite its very modest profitability, Morisaki Bookshop thrives thanks to a loyal clientele.

Takako moves into the bookshop’s second floor, initially overwhelmed by the literary flood surrounding her. Gradually, she carves out a space for herself and begins to heal. Her uncle Satoru helps her open up, and she starts reading voraciously, finding solace in books and new friendships. 

The book’s sequel, More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (HarperCollins India, INR 399), which released last month, continues this book-laden journey with its delightful cast of characters. It explores the deepening relationship between Takako, her uncle and his wife, while books weave in and out of their lives, setting an enchanting backdrop to their story.

These books offer invaluable lessons about learning from others, relying on loved ones, finding peace, letting go of pain, and creating lasting memories. They beautifully intertwine the love of literature with the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. 

The characters’ discussions about books and life provide profound insights, illustrating that life’s complexities can often be navigated through thoughtful conversations and a passion for reading. The books also taught me a lot about Japanese culture – particularly life and relationships in a vibrant city like Tokyo. 

Through these books, I have discovered what it truly means to fall in love with books and stories. They have further ignited a passion for reading that I never knew I possessed. Surrounded by countless books in my current role, I am constantly fascinated by the worlds they contain and the life lessons they offer. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the magic of storytelling and the endless possibilities that each new book presents.