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[How to add comments on Book Tree]

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Under the Midnight Sun by HIGASHINO Keigo

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Under the Midnight Sun by HIGASHINO Keigo

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One of the most complex, thought-provoking and heart breaking mystery novels I've ever read!

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Interesting protagonists.

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Under the Midnight Sun by HIGASHINO Keigo

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Under the Midnight Sun by HIGASHINO Keigo

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One of the most complex, thought-provoking and heart breaking mystery novels I've ever read!

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Interesting protagonists.

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Under the Midnight Sun by HIGASHINO Keigo

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Under the Midnight Sun by HIGASHINO Keigo

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One of the most complex, thought-provoking and heart breaking mystery novels I've ever read!

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Interesting protagonists.

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Quote "In a sense, then, my mother’s offhanded quip ended up steering me toward my destiny."

Kenzaburo oe is a noble prize winner. Won the award after yasunari kawabata. His books and style are so fascinating. This book is divided to 3 parts with the death is a main theme. Kenzaburo oe is highly recommnded, he tells us a lot about Japanese culture and japanese people. Also his book hiroshima note is very good.

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Kenzaburo oe, a noble prize winning author. Won the award after yasunari kawabata. His books along with death by water draw us a pic of the Japanese culture and lifestyle. Death by water is divided to 3 parts, with the theme of death is the main theme. Kenzaburo is highly recommended.

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An excellent read! Full of twists and turns. An interesting portrayal of interactions of Japan and America over several generations. Highly recommend for anyone interested in history or anyone who likes books with surprising twists

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Very deep reflection on the life of Osamu Dezai. Interesting read

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"That night I finally realized the truth. I’m not the sort who gets ahead in the world. I have no choice but to resign myself to that. I must now unequivocally abandon the dream of a triumphant return in robes of gold. I shall proceed with calm composure, bearing always in mind the old adage that green pastures are where you find them." Self portrait

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Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

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Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

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This is a unique time travel book. It helped me reflect on what I would do or not do if I knew the outcome would be the same.

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Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba

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Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba

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This was a very nice journey of self discovery and love. I really enjoyed it!

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A really great book! It has a little romance, a little mystery, a little horror, a little humour. It’s set in a small country island where periodically the government ‘confiscates’ the memories of certains items from its citizens. Then the the items are rounded up and destroyed along with any record of them. This essentially erases the item from history books and modern society. But what happens when someone on the island is immune from this memory theft.

It is hard for me to rate though… it was a 5/5 for most of the book but the ending really fell flat to me. Not that there was anything wrong with it. There wasn't any plot holes, bad twists or bad characterization. It just didn’t grab my attention the way most of the book did. But even so I’d still read it again because I liked the rest so much 😝

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I would highly recommend reading Breasts and Eggs by Kawakami Meiko. This work was a literary treasure about mothers, women and growing up that is wrapped in a nice story. Kawakami’s poetic / song writing style makes the story about an author who aspires to be a single mom very interesting and immersive. The main character’s 38 years on earth are laid out in a way that gives each reader something interesting to learn about. I loved every minute of reading this book. I almost forgot that it has 500 pages. That speaks volumes of how well the story is written and translated. Must read at least once!

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I recommend this book to anyone interested in Japanese cooking or Japanese noodle dishes!

The book goes into detail about the different types of Noodles that are common to use in Japanese cooking and offers plentiful recipes that are simple to re-create and enjoy.

My favourite recipe is the stir fried yakiudon. So good!

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きつねの嫁入り　【日本語/英語版】

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きつねの嫁入り　【日本語/英語版】

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I love all the Yellow Bird Project books, but I really enjoyed this tale about a kid tricking a rich man into having an elaborate wedding with the help of some crafty Kitsune.

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ルルとララのコットンのマカロン

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ルルとララのコットンのマカロン

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Because I am studying children's literature and am still learning Japanese, I love reading Japanese children's novels. I am enjoying the ルルとララ series of books right now and am just finishing ルルとララのコットンのマカロン. The series is about two cute girls who bake sweets in a forest. These are chapter books and are the perfect level for me to read where it is not too hard but not too easy! I recommend it for Japanese learners! :)

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Gift Wrap: 30 Ideas for Furoshiki and Other Sustainable Solutions by Christine Leech

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Gift Wrap: 30 Ideas for Furoshiki and Other Sustainable Solutions by Christine Leech

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I love furoshiki and have used them in the past to wrap my bento for a picnic or time outside to enjoy a lunch in the sun. Learning how to use fabrics for gift wrapping was interesting and a surprise, with the amount of different techniques and ideas presented in the book! I also loved how the author included other ways to use fabrics for gift wrapping ideas.

Great recommendation for anyone interested in sustainability and the idea of reuse, reduce, recycle.

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I love cooking and packing a Bento for work everyday, however, I don't like the idea of waking up super early and making the food in time for my early commute (applause to all the hard working individuals and parents who do this everyday!). So I appreciated the different techniques and ideas presented in the cookbook on saving time while making a healthy lunch.

Would recommend to anyone looking for easy lunch ideas that are affordable, easy to make and prepare every week. I can't wait to try out the new recipes!

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Another wonderful read by one of by favorite Japanese authors.

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Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei Vol 1 by Kumeta Koji

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Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei Vol 1 by Kumeta Koji

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I would highly recommend reading the Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei manga. It is filled with multiple stories of quirky characters who face a range of emotions from extreme depair to extreme positivity. The chapters that spoke about writing down your hopeless goals and the danger of asking introverts to speak up were extremely funny. It was a lot of fun to read.

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I loved the way that the stories in this book handled grief, relationships, and identity. I found Mikage to be relatable in many ways, and while the portrayal of the character Eriko is outdated she was an incredibly important and unforgettable part of the first story. This was the first book that I read from this author and I am looking forward to trying more.

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A very wholesome story about the challenges faced by people who are afflicted with disabilities. Great and relatable characters who display how important it is to rely on each other through difficult times. Highly recommend reading it. Looking forward to reading more volumes of the series.

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I recommend this book to anyone that wants a quick refresher on the many ways that one can use a furoshiki to wrap gifts and belongings. It's a great skill to have for a greener lifestyle. I am excited to try some of the furoshiki wrap techniques for some fun springtime accessories and fancy gift wrapping ideas.

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What Did You Eat Yesterday, Volume 1 by Fumi Yoshinaga

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What Did You Eat Yesterday, Volume 1 by Fumi Yoshinaga

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This was a sweet manga, great for lifting your mood. I liked the differences in the personalities of the main characters and thought that they went well together in a fun way. I enjoyed the detail that manga went into for each of the recipes made and I would love to try some.

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This is my third Murata Sayaka book, and it didn’t disappoint. Her conversational writing style and dark humor will keep you engaged through multiple unsettling moments The story offers a humorous yet likely accurate view on the challenges of fitting into society, leaving you questioning if you're an earthling or an alien if you can’t. Overall, I enjoyed it, but recommend reading Convenience Store Woman first, to better appreciate her unique comedic style, as this one is a bit harder to digest.

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Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama Vol. 1

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Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama Vol. 1

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I recommend this book to fantasy manga lovers. The art style is gorgeous and reminds me of the movie The Last Unicorn. It is a coming of age tale of a young witch, but also a thrilling mystery lies underneath. Some aspects remind me of Noragami, one of my favourite manga of all time. I'm excited to continue the series.

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My favorite quote from this book has to be

“Hey, this just sounds like good news to me. Congrats!”

This book really hits home as an ex kpop twt user! Especially because the author nails fandom speak and how people on the internet act vs in real life. The quote I mentioned is in between some nasty and negative comments and it was so accurate to fandom. Actually pretty insightful to how some people feel and think within the community and really interesting to see how we interact with the same media.

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As a sake lover, this book is a must-read! The author explores various shuzos (sake breweries) in Yamaguchi Prefecture, including Asahi Shuzo, famous for Dassai, and Sumikawa Shuzojo, known for Toyobijin. This book gave me a deeper understanding of how these breweries have thrived for over a century and why the younger generation remains passionate about this historical industry.

Beyond industry insights, I was inspired by the unwavering dedication of the kuramoto (brewery owners) to their craft. Their pursuit of perfection in brewing their ideal sake is truly admirable. The author also provides tasting notes for various sake. Although I haven't tried them all yet, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and hope to visit these breweries in Japan someday.

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Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again by Shigeru Kayama

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Godzilla and Godzilla Raids Again by Shigeru Kayama

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This is a novelization of the first two Godzilla movies by the writer who provided the original outlines for the films. As I had seen the first movie it was a nice way to revisit it and to get a look at the inner thoughts of the characters. I had not seen the second movie so it was fun to experience it for the first time. I would recommend this book to fans of Godzilla who would like to re-experience the story in a different way.

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Chihayafuru by Yuki Suetsugu and A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai

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Chihayafuru by Yuki Suetsugu and A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai

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After reading the first 5 volumes of Chihayafuru (already owned the first copy), I highly recommend this series to people who are interested in people who are passionate about something. It could be cards, sports, or anything else. But this series really makes you feel motivated because the characters have so much passion and desire and work so hard to achieve what they want. It is also a good series for those wanting to read more about friendships or cards, as friendships and being with others area very prominent themes.

I also highly recommend A Man and His Cat to everyone, but especially to people who love sweet, fluffy feel-good reads and cats. Fukumaru is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen, and his relationship with Mr. Kanada is amazing. I’ve only read the first volume, but it really hooked me, and I plan to read the rest of the series.

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にほんむかしばなし 一 「ふくろうのそめものや」 - でじじ

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にほんむかしばなし 一 「ふくろうのそめものや」 - でじじ

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Short folktales like this are so fun to listen to while my hands are busy and so helpful for my language study!

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Selected Shorts: A Touch of Magic - Symphony Space

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Selected Shorts: A Touch of Magic - Symphony Space

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A really curious selection of short stories that, while more or less seeming towards the magical - some very much so, some very understated - and equally broad in mood (thoughtful, sorrowful, horrific, funny. . .), were all interesting and beautifully told.

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I enjoyed the fact that Murakami-san can write a book about the T-shirts he loves! I was able to relate to his collection since I have large collections of things like craft supplies and Pokémon cards myself 🫣 Maybe I should make a zine about my collections and reference his book!

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Before reading this book, I only knew Kyoto for its stunning temples and serene landscapes. However, this book explores Kyoto's sensory experiences, such as its food, rituals, and customs, which I had never encountered in typical travel books. It is really cool to learn about these unique aspects of the city.

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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

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This section of the book really resonated with me:

Technology progressed and everyone was getting cellphones with color screens. I hung onto my outdated model for as long as I could, but finally it had become too scratched and worn and I had to replace it. When I got my new cellphone, I hit upon the idea of texting my old phone. It was my first replacement and I was probably feeling quite excited. After thinking for a moment, I typed the simple message, “thank you for everything” and added a heart symbol. Then I pressed send. My old phone pinged immediately and I checked my texts. Of course it was the message I had just sent. “Great! My message reached you. I really wanted to say thanks for all you have done.” I said to my old phone, then I closed it with a click. A few minutes later, I opened my old phone and was surprised to find that the screen was blank. No matter what button I pressed, the screen did not respond. My cell phone, which had never broken since the day I first got it, had gone dead after receiving my message. It never worked again. As if the phone, realizing that its job was done, had resigned from its post of its own accord.

It just really makes me think of all of the trinkets that I hoard which have meaning to me. I’m one of those people who feel bad when their stuffed animals fall off of the bed or apologizes to objects that I bump into. It’s giving empath lol

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Ode to Kirohito is a captivating tale of a man who finds purpose amid adversity. It showcases themes of ambition, deceit, betrayal, violence, and love, presented through an unsettling yet inspiring journey. Tezuka introduces a diverse array of complex characters, each enhancing the story's depth. Despite the story's intense themes, its conclusion offers a hopeful reminder that, occasionally, good people do prevail.

Would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys reading manga.

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Nichijou is the perfect series for anyone who wants to take a break and read something that is just simple and fun. This first volume does a great job at introducing us to characters that I am so fond of by throwing us straight into the wacky situations that they deal with. It's really great for a laugh and if you are looking for something different.

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These three short stories made me want to read everything else this author has published! Oyamada brought each scene into clear focus with sharply rendered details and immersive sensory imagery, yet pieced these elements together off-kilter to create a subtly surreal atmosphere. The kind of stories that provoke questions rather than provide answers. I could have easily and eagerly read this in one sitting, but I decided to pace myself and read the three stories in three nights so I could have a bit of time to sit with and reflect on each section – there was so much to chew on! (and so much chewing was had! why were there so many meals in this book? what does it all mean????)

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A Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

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A Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi

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“The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them” such a great philosophy for an undefeated swordsman

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Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa

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Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa

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This is a collection that contains the short stories In a Grove, Rashomon, Yam Gruel, The Martyr, Kesa and Morito, and The Dragon. This was my first time reading this author, and so it was a great way to be introduced to his writing. The forward and introduction in this edition also provided interesting details on his life and works.

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People Who Talk To Stuffed Animals Are Nice: Stories by Ao Omae

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People Who Talk To Stuffed Animals Are Nice: Stories by Ao Omae

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Loved this collection of stories! A section from the second story that stood out to me was:

When Nishimura came out as a lesbian to people at school or at work, she felt like it put a limit on the way people could talk. The “I respect you!” atmosphere made her sick, that’s what she complained to the stuffed animal about.

Sometimes, even as a bisexual woman of color, I feel like I might also come across this way with other poc, but it’s definitely something that happens more with white people, (imo) 🫣 On the topic of talking to stuffed animals, I usually either talk to my girlfriend, stuffed animals, or cats. It depends on the situation and what I’m complaining about lol

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Amazing maga! One of my favourites. If you are looking for some cuteness overload, this series is for you! But be warned it comes with lots of tears however there is always a happy ending! spoilers----- there is a part where Maru gets lost and of course we are very sad for him! But he not only finds his way home, he helps several other cats get home too!!----- spoilers end

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Such a cute story about a single dad whose Canadian brother-in-law comes to visit after the dad's brother died. It is a very gay-positive book even though there is no romance in it! (I had sort of hoped the dad and the Canadian would get together </3 ). It handles some tough topics like homophobia and discriminating in Japan but a lot of the book is the daughter just having a great time with her Canadian uncle!

I think this book is great for both adults and kids of all ages. Younger kids might have a bit of trouble understanding a few of the tougher subjects but the adults explain a lot of 'gay stuff' to the little girl in a very child friendly way.

(here is hoping for a sequal where they all move to Canada to be a family together!)

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The only thing I have to say about this series is... wow. This is one of the best depictions of abuse and intergenerational trauma I have ever seen in a manga. In fact, in most forms of media. The main character Seiichi has a very complicated relationship with his mother. He has a very loving father but his mother is very over-protective. I would give a legitimate trigger warning if you are easily upset by abuse.

my favourite quote: I'm sorry for killing you

Things you might like in this book:

accurate depictions of abuse

intergenerational trauma

loving, supportive father

abusive mothers

adult children taking care of sick parents

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If you like ramen, I would definitely check out this book! There is a recipe to make the noodles from scratch and a really good chashu recipe as well. I haven't made it yet but I've gotten the ingredients for green seaweed fried chicken. If you have a T&T or East Asian food store nearby you should be able to get everything in this book. Even just a normal grocery store will have most of the ingredients but might be missing a couple of the most 'exotic' ingredients. However, the author does try and provides alternatives for hard to get items

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Every time I finish a Junji Ito story I always just sit and try to process it haha He seems to follow a pattern; Big, long, very scary story, several random scary stories, a weird story that weirds you out, a medium length very scary story. A lot of these stories are legitimately creepy unsettling. It will disturb you in ways you never thought could be disturbing. If you live body horror, this is your book. If you don't, stay far away.

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Very cute! The boyfriend in this manga is in a wheelchair and I really think this manga avoids a lot of disability tropes. He isn't depicted as being weak or vulnerable in need of constant care. She struggles a little with having a relationship with a disabled man but she does not infantilize him and she takes the time to learn to be a good ally and support person without 'mothering' him. It can be hard to find a romance with a disabled person (especially a guy) so if you're looking for one... here it is!

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She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai and Tsubasa Yamaguchi

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She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai and Tsubasa Yamaguchi

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She was always the same, never listening to what anyone said. How weird that she’d given birth to someone like me. Even so, I felt a little better after speaking to her. It was like she’d shared some of her energy with me. I used that energy to send a text to Nobu.

This passage reminded me of my own mom and some friend’s moms. Maybe children raised by generational trauma live the same life, but in a different font. I also understand using the energy I get from other people! Whenever I catch myself not wanting to go out or see anyone I remind myself that after I go out/see my friends I feel so energized and happy.

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The series continues to be an inspiring tale, with the sibling rivalry and support shared between Mutta and Hibito at its core. We also get a deeper look into Mutta's struggles with low self-esteem and the humor that comes with him and the supporting cast constantly trying to boost his confidence. However, despite numerous challenges and his constant self-doubt, Mutta keeps moving forward, which is very inspiring. I'm excited to keep reading this motivating story.

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What a wonderful world Volume 1 by Asano Inio

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What a wonderful world Volume 1 by Asano Inio

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A compelling collection of interesting short stories featuring grounded characters, each exploring the theme of 'what is the point of living.' Some focus on chasing dreams, while others confront the reality of unfulfilled dreams and poor choices, yet each character finds solace in small joys. In their pursuit of contentment, each character displays how they cope with burnout, delusion, and quite often hope. I would highly recommend reading this one.