The Nakano Thrift Shop
by Hiromi Kawakami
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by Hiromi Kawakami
We’re thrilled to feature The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami. This charming novel takes you inside a quirky Tokyo thrift shop where every object has a hidden story and every character is searching for connection. It’s a gentle, quietly humorous read—perfect for fans of character-driven fiction and anyone who finds magic in the everyday.
Personal Reflection:
Reading The Nakano Thrift Shop has been like peeking into a box of forgotten treasures. Each chapter reveals a little more about the intertwined lives around Mr. Nakano’s shop. Hitomi, our quietly observant narrator, brings a gentle introspection to her encounters with the enigmatic Mr. Nakano, spirited Masayo, and the rest of the crew. The novel unfolds in vignettes, focusing on subtle shifts in relationships and the beauty of small moments—reminding me of the depth and warmth that can be found in even the most ordinary places.
Food Connection:
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the recurring presence of Japanese comfort food: onigiri, miso soup, katsudon, yakitori, and more. Each dish is a moment of comfort or reflection—a quiet celebration of daily life. Inspired by the story, I’ve included a link to my favorite onigiri recipe so you can bring a bit of Tokyo into your kitchen.
Engagement Call:
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the characters, your favorite “found object” stories, or your own culinary experiments inspired by Japanese cuisine.
Share your reflections and photos in the comments—or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram!
If you want to try a new recipe or find inspiration in the book, let’s celebrate together.
Try our Onigiri Recipe and bring a taste of Tokyo to your home.
Where to buy the book:
The Nakano Thrift Shop can be found on Amazon.
