JAPAN, FICTION

Convenience Store Woman
Sayaka Murata
Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori

This slim little novel follows Keiko, a Tokyo local who's always felt like an outsider, as she gets a job at her local convenience store (konbini) and finally feels like she's found her place. It's a scathing critique of contemporary work culture and explores what it means to conform in the most delightfully off-kilter way. 

Whenever I land in Japan, I always make sure my first stop is a konbini to pick up a new-to-me drink and explore their pre-prepared food section (Lawson's egg sandos never miss). Reading about Keiko transported me instantly to the heart of Tokyo again.

Recommended by Thea Powell who was last in Japan in 2020 (her fifth visit!). Follow Thea's reading and travels here.