Sonoko Machida's welcoming The Convenience Store by the Sea joins recent J-healing bestsellers nurturing community and celebrating kindness. In MojikÅ's Retro District, famous for "adorable retro buildings by the glittering sea," is the titular convenience store, the "top sales ranking" branch of the Tenderness chain, promising "Caring for People, Caring for You." Its location on the ground level of Golden Villa Apartments means regular customers, particularly among the senior citizens who populate floors three through eight.
Undeniably, the store's success is also directly linked to its manager, Shiba, his model good looks surpassed only by an irresistible charisma. He's even managed to inspire Mitsuri, one of his loyal staff, to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a manga artist with the creation of her popular online series, The Phero-Manager's Indecent Diary (ongoing, with Shiba's permission). Among their regulars are acerbic Urata, whose sharpness belies deep, insightful caring; cram-school teacher Kiriyama, whose drawing finally gets the audience it deserves; teen Azusa, who finds genuine friendship over Tuesday night sweets; a recent retiree who relearns the meaning of family; and a love-wary young man navigating his first thwarted crush. Floating through all their lives is everyone's favorite, "Whatever Guy," with his uncanny ability to locate anyone at any time.
In Machida's English-language debut, charmingly translated by Bruno Navasky, she writes encouragingly of unexpected connections that foster new growth and fulfillment. Come in seeking easy gratification, leave with a promise of soulful nourishment, she seems to say. Deftly decorated with sly humor and the slightest hint of fabulism, The Convenience Store by the Sea is a thoroughly inviting, sigh-inducingly satisfying read. --Terry Hong