Back when television was still a novelty, Sakai Moeko — a beloved 43-year-old actress and household favorite — was second to none when it came to brewing a perfect cup of coffee. That coffee brought her together with Ben-chan, a man passionate about theater, and the two seemed set for a warm and contented life together. Then, out of nowhere, he declares a "life revolution" and walks out the door for a younger actress. Heartbroken, Moeko turns to a coffee-loving friend for advice… and the farce b...
A Tale of Love & Coffee
In the era when television was still new in Japan, the 43-year-old actress Moeko Sakai was renowned not just for her role as a beloved side character in a popular TV drama, but also for her ability to brew an exceptional cup of coffee. Living with her husband Ben-chan, who was eight years her junior, their shared passion for theater and coffee was the connection that held them together. However, their serene existence takes an unforeseen turn one day when Ben-chan unexpectedly announces a that he needs "revolution in his lifestyle” and leaves Moeko to live with a younger woman from his theater group. Distraught by this sudden separation, Moeko turns to her coffee-loving friend Suga Kan-ichi for comfort. What unfolds is a lively romantic comedy, full of wit, warmth and coffee.
Japanese level
The grammar structures found in this book are not particularly advanced; however, the abundance of "low frequency" vocabulary makes it necessary to frequently consult a dictionary while reading. For that reason I’d rate this as accessible for a reader at N1 level or above.
Specialized vocabulary
Theater and TV industry-related vocabulary
Vocabulary related to brewing coffee
I would recommend this book to
Anyone interested in reading something from the Showa period
Anyone interested a story with retro vibes
Anyone who is a coffee lover
Anyone who enjoys romantic comedies
My review 4.5/5 stars
I tend to gravitate towards contemporary novels, but every now and then I enjoy straying outside of my usual preferences. So, reading a book from the Showa period was a particularly enjoyable and refreshing experience for me.
The novel transported me to the world of Tokyo in the 1960s, with its snappy dialogue and descriptive language that painted a vivid picture of life at the time. Even though the book was written over 60 years ago, the writing style is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for learners and non-native readers. The retro feel of the book was especially charming, and I found myself further drawn into the story by the details surrounding the protagonist Moeko's job as a television drama actress during a time when television and dramas were still a novelty in Japan.
The author's experience in writing for theater and TV was evident in the way the story was crafted, with distinct and slightly exaggerated characters that brought the story to life. The lovable and outspoken heroine Moeko was particularly endearing, and I found myself rooting for her throughout her journey. The book had a great sense of tempo, with the action progressing at an even pace that never lagged, while still allowing plenty of time time to get to know the large cast of characters and follow their personal ups and downs.
All in all, reading this book was a delightful experience for me, and I have nothing negative to say about it! I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in reading something from the Showa period.