The Nakano Thrift Shop | Book Review | 2005 | Hiromi Kawakami

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born on July 18, 1958 in Tokyo, Japan, Hiromi Kawakami is a renowned Japanese author celebrated for her evocative writing. She graduated from Ochanomizu University with a degree in education. Kawakami began her literary career in the early 1990s. Her works, known for their lyrical prose and quiet introspection, delve into themes of human connection and the subtleties of everyday life.

In addition to The Nakano Thrift Shop, which garnered widespread acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of mundane existence, her notable works include Strange Weather in Tokyo, the tale of a peculiar romance between a young woman and her former high school teacher.

Hiromi Kawakami has received several prestigious literary awards, including the Akutagawa Prize and the Yoshikawa Eiji Prize for Literature. Her writing stands out for its serene, unhurried pace, in addition to its ability to lay bare the profound truths of everyday life.

SYNOPSIS

The Nakano Thrift Shop by Hiromi Kawakami is a delightful novel set in a modest thrift store filled with an eclectic mix of second-hand items. From everyday rice cookers and vintage clothes to life-sized celebrity cutouts and quirky cigarette lighters, these items find new life in the hands of Mr. Nakano, the shop’s eccentric owner. People give away or sell these items at throwaway prices, often during moves, preferring this method to the costlier option of their proper disposal.

Mr. Nakano is a charming womanizer with a history of numerous wives and mistresses. His uncanny eye for unique objects and his shop’s loyal customer base adds an enigmatic element to the story. New customers with peculiar needs and bizarre bargaining skills further add to the intrigue.

The story is narrated from Hitomi’s point of view. Hitomi is a young, inexperienced girl working at the shop. She becomes readers’ window into this fascinating world. Her observations and interpretations lend a relatable perspective to the narrative. Alongside her is Takeo, a reclusive young man whose awkward demeanor and compulsive apologies are captivating, to say the least. This becomes even more evident as their relationship unfolds in unexpected ways.

Masayo, Mr. Nakano’s lively and artistic sister, adds to the vibrant mix. Masayo frequently visits the shop, her infectious charm regularly boosting sales and spirits alike. She even mentors Hitomi with her wisdom and grace, providing a grounding influence amid the shop’s daily hustle and bustle.

WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT THE NAKANO THRIFT SHOP

The Nakano Thrift Shop beautifully captures the essence of finding beauty in the ordinary. It is a quintessential Japanese story, enriched with cultural references and expressions that transport you to the heart of Japan. The book mentions various objects and traditions, like the kotatsu (a heated table), the Chinchirorin game, furoshiki wrapping, and notable Japanese actresses like Kaoru Yumi and Seiko Matsuda. It also introduces readers to Japanese cuisine, such as katsudon, bento lunches, and mochi rice cakes. In doing so, Hiromi Kawakami offers readers a mouth-watering glimpse into everyday Japanese life.

Each chapter of The Nakano Thrift Shop is titled after an object, serving as a fragment of an episode in the shop’s life. These chapters progress linearly in time but at varying speeds. At times, they delve deeper into the characters’ private lives without moving the plot forward.

The characters truly represent Japanese culture. Their reserved, introverted personalities lead to frequent miscommunications and misunderstandings. Except for the lively Masayo, all three – Mr. Nakano, Hitomi, and Takeo – are introverts. This introversion dictates their interactions with a sense of restraint that feels distinctly Japanese. This delicate interplay of silence and unspoken feelings makes their relationships so much more authentic.

That said, what truly stands out about The Nakano Thrift Shop is its depiction of the simplicity of life without going after any dramatic highs. Instead, it simmers slowly, drawing readers into its serene flow. This unhurried pace allows you to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT THE NAKANO THRIFT SHOP

The book’s slow pace and episodic structure can feel off-putting for those who prefer a more dynamic plot. Hitomi’s passive narration may seem too indecisive, often making the story line feel stagnant. This can be particularly unsatisfying for those who seek a stronger, more assertive protagonist. Furthermore, the ending, which is too tidy for its own good, may lack the ambiguity some readers prefer.

QUOTES

When you get old and long-sighted, you can’t look your sweetheart in the eye from close up. You need a little distance, so that you can focus on each other. So that your faces don’t look blurry – anyway, you need a little distance.

Having to worry about whether someone is healthy enough to tolerate my fierce hatred or criticism before I decide to blame them – that’s what I call getting old.

…in contrast to the creepiness around him, Tadokoro gave off a pleasant smell. Rather than any particular cologne, the aroma seemed to have more of a warm presence, something like fragrant tea or freshly roasted rice cakes. The scent was completely different from the impression Tadokoro himself emanated.

These things are old, so you can’t let them collect dust, Mr. Nakano often said. Because they are old, they must be immaculate. But not too perfect. It’s a fine line, a fine line, he would say, chuckling as he passed the duster over everything.

CONCLUSION