It’s not rare to lose yourself after a breakup, and when Takako’s boyfriend breaks up with her, seemingly out of the blue, she finds herself adrift with no job and a hefty case of depression. It’s her uncle, Satoru, who pulls her out of it. He is a bit of a wayward son himself, who surrounded himself with books after his own wife left him suddenly. Satoru invites Takako to help him run his bookstore in Jimbocho, Tokyo’s book district. She is reluctant but can’t turn down the free lodging that came with the deal and, little by little, finds herself charmed by the shop’s regulars. She came to Jimbocho to be “fixed,” but soon starts fixing those around her and finding real joy in the process.
I, too, was charmed by the folks of this adorable neighborhood. It takes courage to go against the grain and feel fully comfortable with yourself. Mostly, I’m dying to go to a district devoted entirely to books.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Pair with: Elderflower cherry spritz
Peaches to Apples 