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The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park
The enchanting new novel by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, about five strangers who each seek comfort from a healing hippo ride.
Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground in Hinode Park, where you will find a very special age-old hippo ride named Kabahiko. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery. They call it "Healing Hippo."
In The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park, the apartment residents each find their way to Kabahiko, confessing their troubles and drawing upon the hippo's rumored abilities. From a struggling student who pets the hippo's head to reverse his poor academic performance to the lonely new mother who hopes that touching the hippo's mouth will allow her to better express herself, this heartwarming, eclectic cast of characters will all come to Kabahiko for healing in their lives—though they may not always find it in the ways they expect.
With Aoyama's classic charm and emotional power, The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a deeply moving celebration of kindness, community and understanding.
Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground in Hinode Park, where you will find a very special age-old hippo ride named Kabahiko. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery. They call it "Healing Hippo."
In The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park, the apartment residents each find their way to Kabahiko, confessing their troubles and drawing upon the hippo's rumored abilities. From a struggling student who pets the hippo's head to reverse his poor academic performance to the lonely new mother who hopes that touching the hippo's mouth will allow her to better express herself, this heartwarming, eclectic cast of characters will all come to Kabahiko for healing in their lives—though they may not always find it in the ways they expect.
With Aoyama's classic charm and emotional power, The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a deeply moving celebration of kindness, community and understanding.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2023
397 people are currently reading
14577 people want to read
About the author
Michiko Aoyama
26 books1,464 followersMichiko Aoyama was born in 1970 in Aichi Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. After university, she became a reporter for a Japanese newspaper based in Sydney before moving back to Japan to work as a magazine editor in Tokyo. What You are Looking for is in the Library was shortlisted for the Japan Booksellers' Award and became a Japanese bestseller. It is being translated into more than fifteen languages. She lives in Yokohama, Japan.
青山 美智子 Japanese name
青山美智子 Chinese name
青山 美智子 Japanese name
青山美智子 Chinese name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 645 reviews
December 20, 2025
i could use a healing hippo in my life.
https://emmareadstoomuch.substack.com...
this is a nice example of the lovely and therapeutic subgenre of Japanese lit fic in which a magical entity helps a bunch of people heal their various issues. in this book, it's rubbing the body parts that correlate to your sadness on a crying hippo in a park.
it's weird and a bit repetitive (the throughline of the magic hippo's slogan is said verbatim), but i enjoyed it — although i prefer the author's first english-translated book.
even healing hippos can't beat libraries.
bottom line: pleasant!
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc / libro.fm for the alc)
https://emmareadstoomuch.substack.com...
this is a nice example of the lovely and therapeutic subgenre of Japanese lit fic in which a magical entity helps a bunch of people heal their various issues. in this book, it's rubbing the body parts that correlate to your sadness on a crying hippo in a park.
it's weird and a bit repetitive (the throughline of the magic hippo's slogan is said verbatim), but i enjoyed it — although i prefer the author's first english-translated book.
even healing hippos can't beat libraries.
bottom line: pleasant!
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc / libro.fm for the alc)
October 13, 2025
Looking at this book by its cover: a design so reminiscent of the last, I anticipated a familiar story retold but this of the Healing Hippo at the Hinode Park. And while it did split opinions among some of my friends, I found myself connecting with it on a much deeper level than with the author’s debut.
The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a story of regeneration, following a group of strangers living in a newly built apartment who are all immobilized by their personal struggles. Among them are a high school student struggling with academic pressure, a timid mother unable to express her true self among other friends of mom, a woman taking a leave from work after heartbreak, a child who lies to hide his athletic insecurity, and a man grappling with his relationship with his aging mother.
Though strangers at first, their lives begin to intersect when they hear a strange rumor: that touching the worn, concrete animal ride, a hippo named Kabahiko in the small park across from the dry cleaner can heal the pain you carry. As each of them, hesitant but quietly hopeful approaches the mysterious figure of Kabahiko, they begin to experience subtle yet profound shifts in their lives, slowly rediscovering connection, courage, and clarity.
The flair of the story is that the hippo itself is not a magical cure; its power is not in granting wishes but in serving as an impetus. Meeting Kabahiko does not make a wish come true—it forces an affinity. It draws people together, giving them a new perspective and the courage to finally face themselves. When things are hard, it is natural to want to cling to something—and that is okay.
At heart, Michiko Aoyama’s writing is defined by its gentle, meditative quality. Her stories are driven by the quiet, introspective moments in between. She specializes in unearthing profound meaning in the mundane, transforming a simple experience into a powerful ritual of hope. One of the particular quotes I like in the book goes:
Her subtle social commentary also adds depth, touching on issues like academic pressure, motherhood, and workplace stress, though these themes are handled in a soft, personal way rather than through harsh critique. The result is a comforting narrative that balances reflection and optimism.
At long last, this book is a worthwhile read because it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: it offers a quiet space for reflection and optimism. While its gentle pace may not satisfy those seeking theatricality, it is a book that slowly penetrates the heart. It leaves you not only with a feeling of recovery but with a gentle nudge to move forward, equipped with a slightly new, and kinder, way of seeing your own world. I am already excited to read her other books and indulge in the Aoyama World; I hope the translation is in work!
The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a story of regeneration, following a group of strangers living in a newly built apartment who are all immobilized by their personal struggles. Among them are a high school student struggling with academic pressure, a timid mother unable to express her true self among other friends of mom, a woman taking a leave from work after heartbreak, a child who lies to hide his athletic insecurity, and a man grappling with his relationship with his aging mother.
Though strangers at first, their lives begin to intersect when they hear a strange rumor: that touching the worn, concrete animal ride, a hippo named Kabahiko in the small park across from the dry cleaner can heal the pain you carry. As each of them, hesitant but quietly hopeful approaches the mysterious figure of Kabahiko, they begin to experience subtle yet profound shifts in their lives, slowly rediscovering connection, courage, and clarity.
The flair of the story is that the hippo itself is not a magical cure; its power is not in granting wishes but in serving as an impetus. Meeting Kabahiko does not make a wish come true—it forces an affinity. It draws people together, giving them a new perspective and the courage to finally face themselves. When things are hard, it is natural to want to cling to something—and that is okay.
At heart, Michiko Aoyama’s writing is defined by its gentle, meditative quality. Her stories are driven by the quiet, introspective moments in between. She specializes in unearthing profound meaning in the mundane, transforming a simple experience into a powerful ritual of hope. One of the particular quotes I like in the book goes:
"I think anxiety is evidence of a powerful imagination. Anxiety is something you feel about something that hasn't happened yet or about others. The facts that you can picture those things shows you have a good imagination."
"I always thought that imagination was a positive thing"
"Sure, kindness and consideration are all part of imagination. I think someone as anxious as you must be a kind person"
Her subtle social commentary also adds depth, touching on issues like academic pressure, motherhood, and workplace stress, though these themes are handled in a soft, personal way rather than through harsh critique. The result is a comforting narrative that balances reflection and optimism.
At long last, this book is a worthwhile read because it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: it offers a quiet space for reflection and optimism. While its gentle pace may not satisfy those seeking theatricality, it is a book that slowly penetrates the heart. It leaves you not only with a feeling of recovery but with a gentle nudge to move forward, equipped with a slightly new, and kinder, way of seeing your own world. I am already excited to read her other books and indulge in the Aoyama World; I hope the translation is in work!
August 14, 2025
3 pretty "meh" stars. ☹️ well, this book was not at all what I expected!! I'd read "What You are Looking For is in the Library" earlier this year and enjoyed it, so I requested this title. Unfortunately I did not find any "magical hippos" at all, just broken-down playground equipment. I really expected more Magic Realism and instead it was just some sort-of connected stories about a bunch of losers struggling with daily life... 🤷🏻♀️
July 7, 2025
The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a charming, cosy read of interconnected short stories. I picked it up, thinking I'd read a little before bed, only to soon find I was already halfway through! I flew through its under 200 pages.
From the author of What You Are Looking For is in the Library, I think I enjoyed The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park even more. The stories are quietly powerful, showing a window into each character's life, and focusing on community, friendship, and family.
If you love Japanese translated fiction in the vein of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, or healing reads, then this one is for you!
From the author of What You Are Looking For is in the Library, I think I enjoyed The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park even more. The stories are quietly powerful, showing a window into each character's life, and focusing on community, friendship, and family.
If you love Japanese translated fiction in the vein of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, or healing reads, then this one is for you!
July 15, 2025
Told through a series of loosely connected stories, The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park follows different people drawn to a small neighbourhood park and its oddly comforting hippo statue. Each character carries something heavy: a boy anxious about school, a new mother who’s lost her sense of self, a wedding planner who's forgotten how to listen. And somehow, through quiet encounters and small moments, they begin to heal.
But the real magic is in how it all comes together. When you step back, you realise the book traces the stages of a life—from childhood to old age. It’s not just about individual growth, but a tender exploration of how we change over time, and how connection (even fleeting) can bring us back to ourselves.
If you loved Before the Coffee Gets Cold or Strange Weather in Tokyo, this belongs on your shelf. It’s soft, wise, a little whimsical, and quietly profound.
Highly recommend.
But the real magic is in how it all comes together. When you step back, you realise the book traces the stages of a life—from childhood to old age. It’s not just about individual growth, but a tender exploration of how we change over time, and how connection (even fleeting) can bring us back to ourselves.
If you loved Before the Coffee Gets Cold or Strange Weather in Tokyo, this belongs on your shelf. It’s soft, wise, a little whimsical, and quietly profound.
Highly recommend.
October 19, 2025
I just love this book. Michiko Aoyama has a way of writing that is so incredibly beautiful; it's the type of book I just want to hug! Although I borrowed it from the library, it is definitely going on my wishlist—it’s one I absolutely want to own and re-read.
Her writing style is so captivating. It’s simple, yet profound, tackling complex, universal emotions in a truly poetic way. She manages to take everyday struggles—like dealing with anxiety, overthinking, burnout, people-pleasing, and feeling stuck—and transform them into deeply emotional yet super heartwarming and uplifting stories.
I loved her first novel, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, and this one carries the same resonant magic. Her books are distinctly different from typical Hollywood-style stories or trendy spicy romances; instead, each chapter is its own complete story. They are loosely united by a common thread, which in this case is a whimsical hippo statue at Hinode Park.
The stories feature characters of all ages, from kids to older adults, as they grapple with different issues and try to find their own path forward. This non-traditional structure might not appeal to everyone, but these slice-of-life vignettes, full of hope and human connection, definitely resonated with me.
Without spoiling the book, the stories are perfect if you're looking for:
❤️ A cozy read
📚 Simple yet philosophical stories about life
💖 Dealing with burnout
💛 Mental health representation (anxiety/depression)
✨️ Stories about getting out of your head and living in the moment
🥰 A heartfelt and uplifting read
Her writing style is so captivating. It’s simple, yet profound, tackling complex, universal emotions in a truly poetic way. She manages to take everyday struggles—like dealing with anxiety, overthinking, burnout, people-pleasing, and feeling stuck—and transform them into deeply emotional yet super heartwarming and uplifting stories.
I loved her first novel, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, and this one carries the same resonant magic. Her books are distinctly different from typical Hollywood-style stories or trendy spicy romances; instead, each chapter is its own complete story. They are loosely united by a common thread, which in this case is a whimsical hippo statue at Hinode Park.
The stories feature characters of all ages, from kids to older adults, as they grapple with different issues and try to find their own path forward. This non-traditional structure might not appeal to everyone, but these slice-of-life vignettes, full of hope and human connection, definitely resonated with me.
Without spoiling the book, the stories are perfect if you're looking for:
❤️ A cozy read
📚 Simple yet philosophical stories about life
💖 Dealing with burnout
💛 Mental health representation (anxiety/depression)
✨️ Stories about getting out of your head and living in the moment
🥰 A heartfelt and uplifting read
September 19, 2025
To be objective, this is a type of moralistic "adjust your attitude and you will be happier" fiction. And theoretically I am allergic to those, western rebelliousness and distrust of moralistic "for the good of society" tales. But I do not even really mind that here and I still like, respect this book. There is a very japanese sincerity to it, the cultural details are far off enough I can detach from being too critical and, trying to be objective, it is very well observed about how humans feel and make choices. Its sincere optimism ends up being sweet and cheerful to me rather than, for example, performative and hypocritical.
It is that school of japanese "short fiction collection" type of volumes, several independent stories vaguely supernatural associated with some mundane location or activity, and all published all together as some kind of "cozy" light fiction. I do not relate well to that subgenre of books, but this author is an exception. I liked What You Are Looking For Is in the Library better, but this is also enjoyable, and made me smile. Maybe because the insight it is a bit deeper than usual with other similar authors, or because it does not go into truly supernatural but instead focus on humans choosing to do something through insight gained from interaction with other humans. I find it honestly sweet. I enjoyed all the subtle connections between characters also, and if you are in the mood for cheery inspirational-ish japanese this is good!
Real rating - 3.5 stars, rounding down right now, not sure why, but I can adjust it in the future depending on how I process it.
It is that school of japanese "short fiction collection" type of volumes, several independent stories vaguely supernatural associated with some mundane location or activity, and all published all together as some kind of "cozy" light fiction. I do not relate well to that subgenre of books, but this author is an exception. I liked What You Are Looking For Is in the Library better, but this is also enjoyable, and made me smile. Maybe because the insight it is a bit deeper than usual with other similar authors, or because it does not go into truly supernatural but instead focus on humans choosing to do something through insight gained from interaction with other humans. I find it honestly sweet. I enjoyed all the subtle connections between characters also, and if you are in the mood for cheery inspirational-ish japanese this is good!
Real rating - 3.5 stars, rounding down right now, not sure why, but I can adjust it in the future depending on how I process it.
July 13, 2025
Thank you to Doubleday and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a quiet and heartfelt read about everyday people, their struggles, and the small moments that help us heal.
Told through a series of loosely connected short stories, it follows residents of an apartment complex who are all working through a personal issue. Be it exam pressure, ageing, loneliness, or anxiety. Each person ends up drawn to the Healing Hippo, a toy located in Hinode Park that’s said to have healing powers.
Though the Hippo is in the title, the book isn't really about it. It’s about the characters learning to see themselves and others a little more clearly.
It’s not quite magical realism in the traditional sense as the hippo doesn't really have magical powers. It feels more like a symbol or a gentle prompt for each character to look inward and begin to change something they’ve been struggling with.
I loved how each story showed someone drawing strength or inspiration from those around them. The healing here isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s slow, honest, and deeply human, which makes the stories relatable.
The tone throughout the book was thoughtful, whimsical in a grounded way, and full of warmth. It’s not the most subtle or complex of books, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, a cosy, comforting, and easy story is exactly what you need.
I finished this in two sittings and felt like I’d just been wrapped in a hug.
A gentle 4 star read. 💖
The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a quiet and heartfelt read about everyday people, their struggles, and the small moments that help us heal.
Told through a series of loosely connected short stories, it follows residents of an apartment complex who are all working through a personal issue. Be it exam pressure, ageing, loneliness, or anxiety. Each person ends up drawn to the Healing Hippo, a toy located in Hinode Park that’s said to have healing powers.
Though the Hippo is in the title, the book isn't really about it. It’s about the characters learning to see themselves and others a little more clearly.
It’s not quite magical realism in the traditional sense as the hippo doesn't really have magical powers. It feels more like a symbol or a gentle prompt for each character to look inward and begin to change something they’ve been struggling with.
I loved how each story showed someone drawing strength or inspiration from those around them. The healing here isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s slow, honest, and deeply human, which makes the stories relatable.
The tone throughout the book was thoughtful, whimsical in a grounded way, and full of warmth. It’s not the most subtle or complex of books, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, a cosy, comforting, and easy story is exactly what you need.
I finished this in two sittings and felt like I’d just been wrapped in a hug.
A gentle 4 star read. 💖
September 30, 2025
great concept, couldn't feel too connected to the characters
July 29, 2025
A charming little book filled with tender moments of everyday life and the appreciation we have once we realized how precious the time we have with ourselves and others. The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is as healing as the title, its not magic or fantastical charm of the hippo statue ride in the desolate park that gave these characters the healing, its more of the rediscovery of their strengths through the helping and gentle offering from others even the strangers. A collection of loosely interconnected stories of the resident of an apartment building Advance Hill with each residents from young age to older men had their own personal fears and struggles. With a boy finding himself fallen back in his studies in a new school, a mother struggling to voice out her opinion, a young woman suffering from ear pain took leave from her work, a boy's fear of running pretend to injure his leg and soon caught himself feeling pain on the actual leg, a man in a strained relationship with his mother after moving out of childhood home and then moving back near to his mother with hope to restors their connection. Each stories featured a distinctive part of their body that is in pain or in need of healing which are head, mouth, ear, leg and eyes. The legend as told by the old lady worked at Sunrise cleaning, if you pat any part of Kabahiko or the orange hippo ride at the Hinode Park, they said it can heal you. These people then seek for the comfort of Kabahiko to heal their hurting parts, wishing for them to be healed
Its subtle, heartwarming moments of these characters exploration on their struggles are relatable. I love the depiction of Kabahiko the hippo, there is a charming side to this innocent hippo ride at the park, its face a mix between smile and sadness, changing depends on the person's state of mind at the time they came for him. All of these characters want is probably hopeful wishes, they have their feelings hurt or maybe things they want to change and pouring their hearts out to this hippo helped a bit. But what helped them the most is not the hippo but the people they met along their way, those who gave them words of encouragement or affirmation, the realization they have once they discovered the true meaning of their life and what they can choose to be. I like this, i like the simpleness of it, you dont need big words or magical beings to heal you out of your agony. Maybe all you need is the wishful and hope you gained from being able to tell the truth to someone that can listen to you.
Thank you to Times Reads & Ms Putri for the review copy
Its subtle, heartwarming moments of these characters exploration on their struggles are relatable. I love the depiction of Kabahiko the hippo, there is a charming side to this innocent hippo ride at the park, its face a mix between smile and sadness, changing depends on the person's state of mind at the time they came for him. All of these characters want is probably hopeful wishes, they have their feelings hurt or maybe things they want to change and pouring their hearts out to this hippo helped a bit. But what helped them the most is not the hippo but the people they met along their way, those who gave them words of encouragement or affirmation, the realization they have once they discovered the true meaning of their life and what they can choose to be. I like this, i like the simpleness of it, you dont need big words or magical beings to heal you out of your agony. Maybe all you need is the wishful and hope you gained from being able to tell the truth to someone that can listen to you.
Thank you to Times Reads & Ms Putri for the review copy
tbr-2
November 6, 2025
June 14, 2025
The healing hippo actually healed me
June 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
Sooooooo class trip to find the healing hippo?
Sooooooo class trip to find the healing hippo?
November 29, 2025
⭐️4.5/5
🦛synopsis: the residents of advance hill, an apartment block next to hinode park, know the existence of an orange stone hippo who’s name is kabahiko. he is called that because kabahiko sounds like hippo and rumours say: if you touch hippo with the part of your body that needs healing, kabahiko will help make it better.
This book tells the intertwined stories of five residents, each grappling with personal challenges:
1. Miyahara, a boy anxious about school (head)
2. Sawa, a first-time mother struggling with her new role (mouth)
3. Chiharu, a wedding planner taking a break from work, (ear)
4. Yayu, whose legs can no longer carry him as they once did (leg)
5. Kazuhiko, an editor-in-chief struggling with his vision, (eyes)
Each neighbour faces hardships that make them second-guess themselves, losing nearly all hope in their own abilities. through each story, kabahiko becomes a reminder that sometimes healing comes not from instant miracles but from small acts and having hopes. not only for the characters but, in a sense, for the reader is reminded of this as well. Even sensitive topics such as aging, parting ways, illness, loss of identity, or the complexities of motherhood are discussed in this novel. this book reminds us that there is wisdom to be found in every stage of life. we need not compete with others, because everyone’s struggles are unique. after all life is and will never be a race.
🦛 thoughts: I absolutely loved The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park. this gentle, healing-fiction novel is both a tender story and almost a guide to self-reflection. Each character’s journey is portrayed with compassion and realism, exploring themes we all face in life, sooner or later. aoyama-san has a remarkable way of taking mundane characters and turning them into teachers of the life lessons we all eventually encounter. these precious insights add real value to the reader’s own experience. and while kabahiko is a centralpiece, reading between the lines reveals that sometimes what we truly need is someone who listens. and in other moments we want one who offers genuine, uncomplicated guidance.
in the end, it’s the small, honest acts, taking care of one another, showing up for the people we hold close. because healing doesn’t require magic. it can be as simple as offering comfort or understanding and that may not solve every question we carry, but provide the support we need to keep on going.
🦛synopsis: the residents of advance hill, an apartment block next to hinode park, know the existence of an orange stone hippo who’s name is kabahiko. he is called that because kabahiko sounds like hippo and rumours say: if you touch hippo with the part of your body that needs healing, kabahiko will help make it better.
This book tells the intertwined stories of five residents, each grappling with personal challenges:
1. Miyahara, a boy anxious about school (head)
2. Sawa, a first-time mother struggling with her new role (mouth)
3. Chiharu, a wedding planner taking a break from work, (ear)
4. Yayu, whose legs can no longer carry him as they once did (leg)
5. Kazuhiko, an editor-in-chief struggling with his vision, (eyes)
Each neighbour faces hardships that make them second-guess themselves, losing nearly all hope in their own abilities. through each story, kabahiko becomes a reminder that sometimes healing comes not from instant miracles but from small acts and having hopes. not only for the characters but, in a sense, for the reader is reminded of this as well. Even sensitive topics such as aging, parting ways, illness, loss of identity, or the complexities of motherhood are discussed in this novel. this book reminds us that there is wisdom to be found in every stage of life. we need not compete with others, because everyone’s struggles are unique. after all life is and will never be a race.
🦛 thoughts: I absolutely loved The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park. this gentle, healing-fiction novel is both a tender story and almost a guide to self-reflection. Each character’s journey is portrayed with compassion and realism, exploring themes we all face in life, sooner or later. aoyama-san has a remarkable way of taking mundane characters and turning them into teachers of the life lessons we all eventually encounter. these precious insights add real value to the reader’s own experience. and while kabahiko is a centralpiece, reading between the lines reveals that sometimes what we truly need is someone who listens. and in other moments we want one who offers genuine, uncomplicated guidance.
in the end, it’s the small, honest acts, taking care of one another, showing up for the people we hold close. because healing doesn’t require magic. it can be as simple as offering comfort or understanding and that may not solve every question we carry, but provide the support we need to keep on going.
September 25, 2025
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is one of my all-time favourite reads, so of course I was highly anticipating this one. I might have overhyped it for myself, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations and it fell kinda flat for me. I missed the same philosophical depth to the stories, and they didn't have the same emotional punch to me. Everything just felt kind of generic.
October 1, 2025
Finished it in a day and half. This book is what i really need to read now about life. The story was setting in one place that is Hinode Park where the hippo can be found of.
The community called it Kabahiko and people say that if you touch the hippo’s body, it will make you better as he provide a cure.
This book contain of 5 stories and each stories has a personal problem to face in everyday life. Its remind me from my latest read; The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho Yeon.
From all the stories, there is one that give impact in my life. I love Sawa story where she pretend to connect with the mom group to feel accepted. In malay, we called it “hidung tak mancung, pipi tersorong-sorong” 🤣 she even didnt know how to speak up to express her opinions or object. She’s always feels sorry on the things that out of control. I hate it but at the same time, this is the real me before im turning 30’s.
I havent read the previous book from this author, What You Are Looking For In The Library. So, not to think twice, i will find that book and read. Hosnestly, im falling in love with the author’s idea and the translator writing style.
The community called it Kabahiko and people say that if you touch the hippo’s body, it will make you better as he provide a cure.
This book contain of 5 stories and each stories has a personal problem to face in everyday life. Its remind me from my latest read; The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho Yeon.
From all the stories, there is one that give impact in my life. I love Sawa story where she pretend to connect with the mom group to feel accepted. In malay, we called it “hidung tak mancung, pipi tersorong-sorong” 🤣 she even didnt know how to speak up to express her opinions or object. She’s always feels sorry on the things that out of control. I hate it but at the same time, this is the real me before im turning 30’s.
I havent read the previous book from this author, What You Are Looking For In The Library. So, not to think twice, i will find that book and read. Hosnestly, im falling in love with the author’s idea and the translator writing style.
May 3, 2025
I remember enjoying What You're Looking For is in The Library so I was excited to dive into this!
Overall, this book felt really young. Not even just because 50% of our protagonists were school-age kids. The problems were largely self-inflicted and easily resolved by a little self-awareness or a conversation so I struggled to get invested in, what felt like, very low stakes conflict.
I did like the interconnectedness of the characters and, while the hippo fell a bit flat for me, I appreciated the connection the characters all had through the apartment and the dry cleaners.
The translation was solid, if a little stilted at times. The storytelling was heavy on exposition, which worked in places but I'm not sure the characters had distinct enough voices to stick the landing. The 'Get it?! Because kaba-hiko rhymes with hippo' was repeated in every chapter (twice in the last one). Maybe it was lost in translation but I didn't find this funny the first time, it was downright grating by the fifth.
While at least no one was conversing with the dead in this story, I'd love to see a fresh take on healing fiction. Between What You're Looking For is in the Library, the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, the Food Detectives series, and the Go-Between series, these stories are all starting to feel the same... and getting a bit stale as a result!
I didn't regret the time I spent with this book but I didn't love it either. Its huge print and short page count make it a quick read for a quiet afternoon; but, I think it was a bit too young and simplistic to stand out as a new favourite.
I had my request to review this book approved by Random House UK / Transworld Publishers on NetGalley.
Overall, this book felt really young. Not even just because 50% of our protagonists were school-age kids. The problems were largely self-inflicted and easily resolved by a little self-awareness or a conversation so I struggled to get invested in, what felt like, very low stakes conflict.
I did like the interconnectedness of the characters and, while the hippo fell a bit flat for me, I appreciated the connection the characters all had through the apartment and the dry cleaners.
The translation was solid, if a little stilted at times. The storytelling was heavy on exposition, which worked in places but I'm not sure the characters had distinct enough voices to stick the landing. The 'Get it?! Because kaba-hiko rhymes with hippo' was repeated in every chapter (twice in the last one). Maybe it was lost in translation but I didn't find this funny the first time, it was downright grating by the fifth.
While at least no one was conversing with the dead in this story, I'd love to see a fresh take on healing fiction. Between What You're Looking For is in the Library, the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, the Food Detectives series, and the Go-Between series, these stories are all starting to feel the same... and getting a bit stale as a result!
I didn't regret the time I spent with this book but I didn't love it either. Its huge print and short page count make it a quick read for a quiet afternoon; but, I think it was a bit too young and simplistic to stand out as a new favourite.
I had my request to review this book approved by Random House UK / Transworld Publishers on NetGalley.
January 11, 2026
3.5
2026 reads: 5/300
i received a complimentary audio copy as part of libro.fm’s influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
at the bottom of a five-story apartment block is the children’s playground in hinode park, containing a special hippo ride named kabahiko. according to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you’ll be quickly healed. for this reason, kabahiko is referred to as the healing hippo. this book follows several residents of the apartment near hinode park as they visit the healing hippo for matters from academic performance to heartbreak to self-expression.
this seemed like such a beautiful book, so i was eager to dive in. i did enjoy the social commentary provided on the topics of academic pressure, motherhood, and more, while taking the time to adequately discuss each. i did find myself getting a bit bored at points, though, hence why this wasn’t a four star. still, i’d be interested in reading more from michiko aoyama.
2026 reads: 5/300
i received a complimentary audio copy as part of libro.fm’s influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
at the bottom of a five-story apartment block is the children’s playground in hinode park, containing a special hippo ride named kabahiko. according to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you’ll be quickly healed. for this reason, kabahiko is referred to as the healing hippo. this book follows several residents of the apartment near hinode park as they visit the healing hippo for matters from academic performance to heartbreak to self-expression.
this seemed like such a beautiful book, so i was eager to dive in. i did enjoy the social commentary provided on the topics of academic pressure, motherhood, and more, while taking the time to adequately discuss each. i did find myself getting a bit bored at points, though, hence why this wasn’t a four star. still, i’d be interested in reading more from michiko aoyama.
July 18, 2025
Thank you NetGalley & DoubleDay for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
‘The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park’ is a short book comprised of five loosely interconnected short stories that follow the residents of a condominium complex who are each dealing with an issue in their lives. Somehow, they all find their way to Kabahiko, a hippo in a playground that is rumoured to have magical healing properties…
The concept here was very sweet - I mean, who wouldn’t want to visit a magical hippo? - and the focus with the characters was on the little things in life. As our characters deal with their problems, they each come to certain realisations, and it’s all thanks to Kabahiko. The stories are very small, but by no means does that make them unimportant. It’s a book about everyday life and the magic we can find within it. I did find some of the stories a little repetitive and I found the messages of each short story to be quite obvious - which is fine - but I prefer a little more subtlety.
Overall, this little book is easy to read with a cute concept and empowering messages.
3 🌟
‘The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park’ is a short book comprised of five loosely interconnected short stories that follow the residents of a condominium complex who are each dealing with an issue in their lives. Somehow, they all find their way to Kabahiko, a hippo in a playground that is rumoured to have magical healing properties…
The concept here was very sweet - I mean, who wouldn’t want to visit a magical hippo? - and the focus with the characters was on the little things in life. As our characters deal with their problems, they each come to certain realisations, and it’s all thanks to Kabahiko. The stories are very small, but by no means does that make them unimportant. It’s a book about everyday life and the magic we can find within it. I did find some of the stories a little repetitive and I found the messages of each short story to be quite obvious - which is fine - but I prefer a little more subtlety.
Overall, this little book is easy to read with a cute concept and empowering messages.
3 🌟
September 18, 2025
This was so disappointing. I found it incredibly unengaging, surface level and extremely boring. Whilst I absolutely loved ‘What you’re looking for is in the library’ and have recommended it multiple times, this did not have the same rich character development or significance in the individual plots. The problems that needed solving felt like they lacked depth and impact and were quite repetitive. I listened to this on audiobook and kept getting distracted and I just wasn’t as enthusiastic about this as the previous book. Whilst I do love the gentleness of these forms of Japanese fiction and the interwoven self-help messages, this unfortunately fell very short for me.
September 24, 2025
Michiko Aoyama’s previous book ‘What You Are Looking for is in the Library’ found me at the right time last year. I was in need of a pick-me-up, something warm and hearty and the book made its way to me. Fast forward a year later, I found her next book appearing on my doorstep just like that. The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park is a collection of short stories, each featuring a character ailing from something. Their lives are somehow interlinked with each other, considering how they all live in the same newly built apartment complex. And at the centre of the book is an old hippo standing in Hinode park not too far from the apartment, its orange colour fading with each passing year, chips and marks appearing on its body yet carrying a rather watery smile that instantly captures hearts.
Legend says that Kabahiko, the beloved hippo, carries magical powers, healing anyone who touches its timeworn body. And so we find the characters; a high school student seeking out help to cope with academic challenges, a woman who is recuperating from a heartbreak, a mother who has trouble speaking up her mind, a school kid trying to overcome his insecurity and a man struggling to mend his relationship with his aging mother, making their way to this hippo in the hopes of finding a solution.
This book, much like her previous one carries a certain gentleness, an ability to make oneself introspect on their own such challenges and to find answers without a sense of panic. It oozes optimism and comfort that comes with finding characters and scenarios that are so often relatable. Aoyama makes the world appear kinder and softer. I enjoyed reading this collection and I’m already looking forward to reading more by her.
Legend says that Kabahiko, the beloved hippo, carries magical powers, healing anyone who touches its timeworn body. And so we find the characters; a high school student seeking out help to cope with academic challenges, a woman who is recuperating from a heartbreak, a mother who has trouble speaking up her mind, a school kid trying to overcome his insecurity and a man struggling to mend his relationship with his aging mother, making their way to this hippo in the hopes of finding a solution.
This book, much like her previous one carries a certain gentleness, an ability to make oneself introspect on their own such challenges and to find answers without a sense of panic. It oozes optimism and comfort that comes with finding characters and scenarios that are so often relatable. Aoyama makes the world appear kinder and softer. I enjoyed reading this collection and I’m already looking forward to reading more by her.
May 17, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park' is a healing book indeed. Presenting various stories of people whose lives intersect somehow, the book does an amazing job presenting human courage and the way we can look at things under a different light and find the answers within ourselves. Therefore, I loved how the author didn't have the hippo being a magical entity and give the story a magical realism twist that most of the books of this genre often do, but had the characters do the work and the hippo work as a placebo to give them strength. The stories were also interesting and different from one another, but heartwarming nevertheless.
'The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park' is a healing book indeed. Presenting various stories of people whose lives intersect somehow, the book does an amazing job presenting human courage and the way we can look at things under a different light and find the answers within ourselves. Therefore, I loved how the author didn't have the hippo being a magical entity and give the story a magical realism twist that most of the books of this genre often do, but had the characters do the work and the hippo work as a placebo to give them strength. The stories were also interesting and different from one another, but heartwarming nevertheless.
August 24, 2025
Chiropractor propaganda
September 28, 2025
“Kabahiko is an amazing hippo. People say that if you touch the part of his body that you want to make better on yours, he’ll provide a cure.” ❤️🩹
This collection of loosely intertwined short stories featuring themes of hope, friendship and everyday kindness in the community, felt like it was intended for a much younger audience. Perhaps this was because the majority of the characters were children navigating the trials and tribulations of adolescence. While there is nothing wrong with this, I felt I was unable to deeply relate to their experiences and hardships 🛝
I also thought that each short story only skimmed the surface of our characters, and at times the pacing felt a bit rushed. I think if each of our characters were unpacked further, allowing for readers to spend a bit more time with them, I would’ve forged a much stronger bond, and appreciated their growth more 🌿
Unlike other collections of Japanese short stories that I have read, there was much less entwining between the characters. Also, while this may have been a translation issue, I thought there was too much repetition, particularly between each story. Although these issues are relatively minor, I felt that these reduced my ability to fully relish in this short story collection.
I think this 3.5⭐️ read is a cosy and comforting portrayal of the power of community. I’d recommend reading this if you love Japanese literature, slice of life and/or healing fiction 💕
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for gifting my copy 💌
This collection of loosely intertwined short stories featuring themes of hope, friendship and everyday kindness in the community, felt like it was intended for a much younger audience. Perhaps this was because the majority of the characters were children navigating the trials and tribulations of adolescence. While there is nothing wrong with this, I felt I was unable to deeply relate to their experiences and hardships 🛝
I also thought that each short story only skimmed the surface of our characters, and at times the pacing felt a bit rushed. I think if each of our characters were unpacked further, allowing for readers to spend a bit more time with them, I would’ve forged a much stronger bond, and appreciated their growth more 🌿
Unlike other collections of Japanese short stories that I have read, there was much less entwining between the characters. Also, while this may have been a translation issue, I thought there was too much repetition, particularly between each story. Although these issues are relatively minor, I felt that these reduced my ability to fully relish in this short story collection.
I think this 3.5⭐️ read is a cosy and comforting portrayal of the power of community. I’d recommend reading this if you love Japanese literature, slice of life and/or healing fiction 💕
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for gifting my copy 💌
August 14, 2025
Lovely, warm story.
All the characters and stories are interconnected.
They live in the same building and actually I realized that the first story happens with the person living on the first floor, the second with the one living on the second, and so on.
There is a special character and place that connects all of them.
Although at the beginning of the stories it seemed that the problems of the characters were just physical, they develop into something much deeper. And the book talks about relationships, feelings and much more.
Very similar to What You Are Looking For Is In The Library but different at the same time, less repetitive than that one.
Loved it 🙂
All the characters and stories are interconnected.
They live in the same building and actually I realized that the first story happens with the person living on the first floor, the second with the one living on the second, and so on.
There is a special character and place that connects all of them.
Although at the beginning of the stories it seemed that the problems of the characters were just physical, they develop into something much deeper. And the book talks about relationships, feelings and much more.
Very similar to What You Are Looking For Is In The Library but different at the same time, less repetitive than that one.
Loved it 🙂
September 6, 2025
3.75
“With the right tools and the support of trusted companions, adapting to change was another form of recovery.”
I’m solidly in my Japanese healing fiction era, and Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking for is in the Library is my absolute favorite! Like that one, this book includes slice of life stories of slightly interconnected people who live and/or work in the same vicinity to an old and peeling hippo ride situated in a quiet neighborhood park. Kabahiko (which kind of rhymes with “hippo”) has a legend surrounding him that involves healing, and all of our characters need physical or emotional healing in one form or another.
Through the book, we meet characters who are children all the way up to the elderly, but each one has lessons they learn along the way. Being open to experiencing new things, accepting love and help from others, dealing with heartbreak, accepting the aging process… these are just some of the concepts explored in the book.
While I didn’t love this one quite as much as What You Are Looking For, I did enjoy all of these characters seeking strength from the presence of the hippo and finding it within themselves. There was quiet growth, changes of perspective, and determination to keep going.
Thank you so much to Libro.fm and Harlequin Audio for the advanced listener copy!
“With the right tools and the support of trusted companions, adapting to change was another form of recovery.”
I’m solidly in my Japanese healing fiction era, and Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking for is in the Library is my absolute favorite! Like that one, this book includes slice of life stories of slightly interconnected people who live and/or work in the same vicinity to an old and peeling hippo ride situated in a quiet neighborhood park. Kabahiko (which kind of rhymes with “hippo”) has a legend surrounding him that involves healing, and all of our characters need physical or emotional healing in one form or another.
Through the book, we meet characters who are children all the way up to the elderly, but each one has lessons they learn along the way. Being open to experiencing new things, accepting love and help from others, dealing with heartbreak, accepting the aging process… these are just some of the concepts explored in the book.
While I didn’t love this one quite as much as What You Are Looking For, I did enjoy all of these characters seeking strength from the presence of the hippo and finding it within themselves. There was quiet growth, changes of perspective, and determination to keep going.
Thank you so much to Libro.fm and Harlequin Audio for the advanced listener copy!
September 11, 2025
I really loved how each story connected with the next. It made it flow really smoothly. It also made me feel more connected to the setting and the hippo. What a lad
January 10, 2026
A cute little book of short stories. I wish the cover hippo was orange like he is in the stories.
November 18, 2025
not quite my pseudophilosophical cup of tea but the cover goes crazy
October 2, 2025
5 episodic tales told in a fragment of one’s insecurities, physical distress and life struggle; so intriguingly comforting and such a page-turner too. Advance Hill where lies Hinode Park with a children’s playground on it, you can see an old hippo ride named Kabahiko sitting all worn out from its orange paint with a local legend attached to its existence— “…if you touch the hippo on the part of your body that needs healing, Kabahiko will make it better. They call him Healing Kabahiko.”
I loved how the stories were not that heavily approached and mainly light and comfortably relatable with its emotional solace and warm slice-of-life setting. Nothing too magical with Kabahiko and it rather a symbolic existence that struck the 5 individuals to pause, breathe and reflect after meeting the hippo; a realisation that get them to change their views, of understanding the limits, acknowledging the pains, regaining confidence, accepting changes and go allowing help from the people around them.
My fav would be Sawa’s story as it wonderfully explored an isolation and disconnection theme of a young mother who is long to express and be understood beyond the title of just being a mother. Loved the characterization and dynamics in both Kanato and Yuya’s tales also how the last story of Kazuhiko giving me an insight to the Sunrise Cleaning store and the old lady owner that always appeared in every story.
A charming, uplifting premise overall. Those illustrations from Rohan Eason adding a lovely opening perspective to each plot too (I really like his drawing style!). Another fav read from the author to my list!
ps: I wonder why Kabahiko is pink on the cover(?)
(review copy courtesy of Times Reads)
I loved how the stories were not that heavily approached and mainly light and comfortably relatable with its emotional solace and warm slice-of-life setting. Nothing too magical with Kabahiko and it rather a symbolic existence that struck the 5 individuals to pause, breathe and reflect after meeting the hippo; a realisation that get them to change their views, of understanding the limits, acknowledging the pains, regaining confidence, accepting changes and go allowing help from the people around them.
My fav would be Sawa’s story as it wonderfully explored an isolation and disconnection theme of a young mother who is long to express and be understood beyond the title of just being a mother. Loved the characterization and dynamics in both Kanato and Yuya’s tales also how the last story of Kazuhiko giving me an insight to the Sunrise Cleaning store and the old lady owner that always appeared in every story.
A charming, uplifting premise overall. Those illustrations from Rohan Eason adding a lovely opening perspective to each plot too (I really like his drawing style!). Another fav read from the author to my list!
ps: I wonder why Kabahiko is pink on the cover(?)
(review copy courtesy of Times Reads)
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