Japanese Healing Fiction

A newer subgenre of feel-good books is Japanese healing fiction, which focuses on characters who are often lonely or grieving and looking to heal their souls. Cats, cafes, bookshops, libraries, and a little magic also play a big part in these books.

Over the past few years, I've read and enjoyed a number of books that are Japanese healing fiction. I've found them to be soothing, relaxing, and uplifting, especially during difficult times. The following examples can be obtained through our library as ebooks on Libby (ask us about free registration):

• What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama  I'm a sucker for books that feature a library or librarian, and this one has a librarian with the magic of recommending books to people needing change in their lives.
• The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa  A heartwarming read about the bond between a stray cat and the young man who adopts him. Told from the perspective of Nana, the cat, he travels with Satoru around Japan for reasons that are yet unknown.
• The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura  A magical bookshop, with a young owner and her calico cat, appears only when cherry blossoms bloom and serves to help those who are grieving move on with their lives.
• We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida  A special clinic for the soul in Kyoto prescribes cats rather than medications for their patients to guide them through their issues. 
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi  In Tokyo there is a special cafe where people can travel back in time to relive a specific moment, but in order to return to the present, they must drink their cup of coffee before it gets cold.

These books go well with the cozy, fall reading season. Read one of these or find others on Libby through dodmwrlibraries.org. Of course, if you prefer books in print, you can always stop by the library to check out some Japanese healing fiction (and say hi to your friendly perch librarian).

Which healing or feel-good reads do you recommend? Share with us!

Wishing you good, comfy fall books from the perch.