What do you think?
Rate this book
Messenger Cat #1
El café de los gatos mensajeros
UNA CAFETERÍA MUY ESPECIAL, CINCO ENCUENTROS Y UN GATO QUE DESEA VOLVER A VER A SU DUEÑA
Desde Japón, una novela sobre la magia de las pequeñas cosas
Más de 100.000 ejemplares
Tras una larga vida con una familia que lo ha llenado de amor, Fūta acaba de llegar al más allá. Pero entre el mundo de Michiru, su dueña, y el de este gato atigrado existen puentes que conectan ambos sitios.
El Café Pont se encuentra en el limbo y es un lugar de lo más los clientes escriben en una tarjeta el nombre de la persona a la que desean volver a ver y Nijiko, la propietaria, asigna un gato mensajero a cada petición. El trabajo de los mininos consiste en provocar el encuentro y transmitir las palabras que el solicitante y el destinatario jamás se dijeron. Es una tarea complicada y de gran responsabilidad, pero no hay nada que un ronroneo no pueda lograr.
Además, si consigue completar cinco trabajos como gato mensajero, Fūta podrá volver a ver a Michiru. ¿Conseguirá acurrucarse en su regazo de nuevo y agradecerle el tiempo que pasaron juntos?
★★★★★ «Te deja con una maravillosa sensación de esperanza y calidez.»
★★★★★ «Es muy especial. Te llegará al corazón.»
★★★★★ «Una historia que emocionará a los amantes de los gatos.»
Desde Japón, una novela sobre la magia de las pequeñas cosas
Más de 100.000 ejemplares
Tras una larga vida con una familia que lo ha llenado de amor, Fūta acaba de llegar al más allá. Pero entre el mundo de Michiru, su dueña, y el de este gato atigrado existen puentes que conectan ambos sitios.
El Café Pont se encuentra en el limbo y es un lugar de lo más los clientes escriben en una tarjeta el nombre de la persona a la que desean volver a ver y Nijiko, la propietaria, asigna un gato mensajero a cada petición. El trabajo de los mininos consiste en provocar el encuentro y transmitir las palabras que el solicitante y el destinatario jamás se dijeron. Es una tarea complicada y de gran responsabilidad, pero no hay nada que un ronroneo no pueda lograr.
Además, si consigue completar cinco trabajos como gato mensajero, Fūta podrá volver a ver a Michiru. ¿Conseguirá acurrucarse en su regazo de nuevo y agradecerle el tiempo que pasaron juntos?
★★★★★ «Te deja con una maravillosa sensación de esperanza y calidez.»
★★★★★ «Es muy especial. Te llegará al corazón.»
★★★★★ «Una historia que emocionará a los amantes de los gatos.»
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2022
109 people are currently reading
6546 people want to read
About the author
Nagi Shimeno
13 books13 followersNagi Shimeno (Author) Nagi Shimeno is a writer and café owner based in Tokyo. She was a 1st Delicious Literature Award finalist and is the author of the Café Dodo and Messenger Cat series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
September 6, 2025
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Messenger Cat Cafe is a heartfelt tale structured as a series of reunion-related vignettes. Fuuta, a recently deceased cat, takes on a messenger job, sending words of consolation and encouragement from the afterlife (and sometimes life) to grieving loved ones. This then allows them to move on in their journeys, having "spoken with" their loved one, having heard the words in their heart.
The premise is intriguing, the case-by-case structure effective, and the solace that Fuuta provides heartwarming. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a calm, soothing balm for the heart.
Messenger Cat Cafe is a heartfelt tale structured as a series of reunion-related vignettes. Fuuta, a recently deceased cat, takes on a messenger job, sending words of consolation and encouragement from the afterlife (and sometimes life) to grieving loved ones. This then allows them to move on in their journeys, having "spoken with" their loved one, having heard the words in their heart.
The premise is intriguing, the case-by-case structure effective, and the solace that Fuuta provides heartwarming. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a calm, soothing balm for the heart.
February 22, 2026
Korektno. Dopao mi se mačak, kafe i ceo koncept. Nažalost, neke priče (većina) su bile ravne i nisu me zanimali likovi. Poslednja priča i epilog su najslađi deo knjige i da je cela takva ocena bi bila veća.
Čitala bih nastavke.
Čitala bih nastavke.
December 8, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lindo!
Ternura total este libro y en el epílogo me fue inevitable contener la lágrima.
Este libro llegó oportunamente, fue un refugio y muy reconfortante tras días algo estresantes y no solo me brindó calma, me despertó una ternura inmensa el gatito gris, Fūta que me recordó muchísimo a mi peluche..
El mensaje del libro es precioso. 🌈🪽🐾
La narrativa es hermosa, me encanta leer sobre sus patitas y sus ronroneos y todo lo que hacen los gatitos.. lo amé.
Destaco las siguientes frases para volver muy pronto a ellas:
⁃ no tiene sentido preocuparse de lo que aún no ha sucedido.
⁃ Según dicen, al morir, las mascotas esperan a sus dueños en el puente arcoíris hasta que puedan reencontrarse en el más allá.
⁃ Los padres quieren que sus hijos sean felices y los hijos quieren que los padres no se preocupen por ello. Al menos en este aspecto los gatos y los humanos nos parecemos.
⁃ Es cierto lo que dicen sobre los gatos atigrados: tenemos un fuerte sentido de la responsabilidad.
⁃ Obon, el festival de los difuntos.
⁃ Higan, que es un festival que se celebra en los equinoccios de primavera y otoño.
⁃ En mi corazón le doy gracias a mi madre a quien nunca conocí.
⁃ Para ellas es duro separarse de sus hijos, pero lo hacen porque su deseo de que crezcan sanos y felices, aunque sea lejos de ellas, es incluso más fuerte.
⁃ Si una gata da a luz en la calle no puede cuidar de su camada ella sola. Así que coge a sus cachorritos y busca una casa donde puedan hacerlo
Lindo!
Ternura total este libro y en el epílogo me fue inevitable contener la lágrima.
Este libro llegó oportunamente, fue un refugio y muy reconfortante tras días algo estresantes y no solo me brindó calma, me despertó una ternura inmensa el gatito gris, Fūta que me recordó muchísimo a mi peluche..
El mensaje del libro es precioso. 🌈🪽🐾
La narrativa es hermosa, me encanta leer sobre sus patitas y sus ronroneos y todo lo que hacen los gatitos.. lo amé.
Destaco las siguientes frases para volver muy pronto a ellas:
⁃ no tiene sentido preocuparse de lo que aún no ha sucedido.
⁃ Según dicen, al morir, las mascotas esperan a sus dueños en el puente arcoíris hasta que puedan reencontrarse en el más allá.
⁃ Los padres quieren que sus hijos sean felices y los hijos quieren que los padres no se preocupen por ello. Al menos en este aspecto los gatos y los humanos nos parecemos.
⁃ Es cierto lo que dicen sobre los gatos atigrados: tenemos un fuerte sentido de la responsabilidad.
⁃ Obon, el festival de los difuntos.
⁃ Higan, que es un festival que se celebra en los equinoccios de primavera y otoño.
⁃ En mi corazón le doy gracias a mi madre a quien nunca conocí.
⁃ Para ellas es duro separarse de sus hijos, pero lo hacen porque su deseo de que crezcan sanos y felices, aunque sea lejos de ellas, es incluso más fuerte.
⁃ Si una gata da a luz en la calle no puede cuidar de su camada ella sola. Así que coge a sus cachorritos y busca una casa donde puedan hacerlo
December 20, 2025
se ha sentido como un abrazo al corazón ❤️❤️❤️ muy bonito, sensible y muy fácil de leer ❤️❤️❤️
September 27, 2025
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
A heartwarming piece of healing fiction translated from Japanese, Messenger Cat Café is a welcome addition to the recent trend in cat-related fiction.
In this book, the worlds between the living and the dead are quite close and liminal spaces allow travel between them. Recently deceased cat Fuuta takes a job in the afterlife as a messenger cat at Café Pont to earn the reward of seeing his still living owner, Michiru, earlier than the typical waiting period.
Messenger cats are tasked with arranging meetings between people who cannot normally meet with one another for whatever reason, but have to do so with a certain finesse as to not disturb the delicate balance of the world.
Determined to be reunited with Michiru as soon as possible, Fuuta must investigate his clients and deliver creative solutions to satisfy these unique requests.
The writing can be simple, but it lends to the cozy, reassuring feeling that the novel has, and the interesting characters and charming worldbuilding really make this a delightful, bittersweet, and very healing read.
A heartwarming piece of healing fiction translated from Japanese, Messenger Cat Café is a welcome addition to the recent trend in cat-related fiction.
In this book, the worlds between the living and the dead are quite close and liminal spaces allow travel between them. Recently deceased cat Fuuta takes a job in the afterlife as a messenger cat at Café Pont to earn the reward of seeing his still living owner, Michiru, earlier than the typical waiting period.
Messenger cats are tasked with arranging meetings between people who cannot normally meet with one another for whatever reason, but have to do so with a certain finesse as to not disturb the delicate balance of the world.
Determined to be reunited with Michiru as soon as possible, Fuuta must investigate his clients and deliver creative solutions to satisfy these unique requests.
The writing can be simple, but it lends to the cozy, reassuring feeling that the novel has, and the interesting characters and charming worldbuilding really make this a delightful, bittersweet, and very healing read.
August 24, 2025
espero que tenha continuação
Foi super fofinho e adorei que fosse narrada pelo gato, no entanto houveram algumas coisas que ainda ficaram um pouco confusas para mim
E também não realizaram o encontro que o gato da ponte queria 😔😔
Foi super fofinho e adorei que fosse narrada pelo gato, no entanto houveram algumas coisas que ainda ficaram um pouco confusas para mim
E também não realizaram o encontro que o gato da ponte queria 😔😔
November 10, 2025
Bello, intenso e profondo come solo un libro giapponese (in particolare un libro su un caffè e gatti) può esserlo.
Ho provato tantissime emozioni durante la lettura che non riuscirei a esprimerle in parole ma io desidererei tantissimo che i nostri amici animali possano realmente venirci a trovare ogni tanto. Sarebbe altrettanto bello poter ricevere dei piccoli messaggi dai nostri cari defunti, anche celati sotto forma di un profumo, fiore o piccola coincidenza.
Ho letto questo libro in un momento in cui pensavo tantissimo al mio cane venuto a mancare due anni fa; mi sono incolpata per non aver fatto di più e avrei tanto voluto avergli dato anche solo un bacino e una carezza in più.
Non ho letto nemmeno la trama, stranamente, mi ci sono buttata a capofitto solo perchè la copertina era intrigante e volevo cambiare un po' dai soliti romance. Eppure... mi è arrivato proprio quando ne avevo così tanto bisogno.
Sono una ragazza che fa caso a ogni singola piccola cosa che succede intorno a me quindi per me questo libro è stato proprio la prova che loro ci guardano nel mondo azzurro e ogni tanto ci vengono a trovare. Basta solo accorgersene.
Ho provato tantissime emozioni durante la lettura che non riuscirei a esprimerle in parole ma io desidererei tantissimo che i nostri amici animali possano realmente venirci a trovare ogni tanto. Sarebbe altrettanto bello poter ricevere dei piccoli messaggi dai nostri cari defunti, anche celati sotto forma di un profumo, fiore o piccola coincidenza.
Ho letto questo libro in un momento in cui pensavo tantissimo al mio cane venuto a mancare due anni fa; mi sono incolpata per non aver fatto di più e avrei tanto voluto avergli dato anche solo un bacino e una carezza in più.
Non ho letto nemmeno la trama, stranamente, mi ci sono buttata a capofitto solo perchè la copertina era intrigante e volevo cambiare un po' dai soliti romance. Eppure... mi è arrivato proprio quando ne avevo così tanto bisogno.
Sono una ragazza che fa caso a ogni singola piccola cosa che succede intorno a me quindi per me questo libro è stato proprio la prova che loro ci guardano nel mondo azzurro e ogni tanto ci vengono a trovare. Basta solo accorgersene.
May 2, 2025
El libro es para aquellos a quienes les gustan los relatos cortos sobre la vida.
Personalmente, es una lectura fácil y rápida, que te emociona. Me parece imposible no empatizar con al menos uno de los relatos.
Personalmente, es una lectura fácil y rápida, que te emociona. Me parece imposible no empatizar con al menos uno de los relatos.
March 15, 2026
This is both so cute and packed such an emotional punch that I was not ready for. Excuse me while I openly sob over cream puff cake.
As a concept I was already sold. Growing up very attached to cats, of course I like to think of how they viewed their life with me and if they could, how they might send reminders of their love after they’ve passed (as I do with any loss, humans are included in this sentiment). Clearly this struck that sensitive wish, I’m tearing up just thinking about it again.
Putting myself aside, the Land of Blue and its closeness to Green is deeply comforting as an afterlife while maintaining enough structure for an interesting narrative. We get to see it through a balance of wonder and matter-of-factness that only a feline perspective could teeter successfully. Fuuta is a combination of observational knowing and simplistic almost innocence that gives you the important and impactful details while also instinctively moving on to his own whim. Makes for a fun, brisk pace that’s very easy to read.
I’ve talked about how a lot of introspective Japanese Lit I read tends to focus on grief and/or regret, and this keeps such a healthy variety in its approach among the 5 tasks. It sets you up for the near typical idea of grieving those you’ve lost via death, but soon expands that idea among the living as well. The life you didn’t choose, an opportunity at justice, the chance at reconciliation, all things that can weigh down your heart as well as an unspoken goodbye.
I loved this so much, I need them to translate the rest asap or learn Japanese faster to continue the series
As a concept I was already sold. Growing up very attached to cats, of course I like to think of how they viewed their life with me and if they could, how they might send reminders of their love after they’ve passed (as I do with any loss, humans are included in this sentiment). Clearly this struck that sensitive wish, I’m tearing up just thinking about it again.
Putting myself aside, the Land of Blue and its closeness to Green is deeply comforting as an afterlife while maintaining enough structure for an interesting narrative. We get to see it through a balance of wonder and matter-of-factness that only a feline perspective could teeter successfully. Fuuta is a combination of observational knowing and simplistic almost innocence that gives you the important and impactful details while also instinctively moving on to his own whim. Makes for a fun, brisk pace that’s very easy to read.
I’ve talked about how a lot of introspective Japanese Lit I read tends to focus on grief and/or regret, and this keeps such a healthy variety in its approach among the 5 tasks. It sets you up for the near typical idea of grieving those you’ve lost via death, but soon expands that idea among the living as well. The life you didn’t choose, an opportunity at justice, the chance at reconciliation, all things that can weigh down your heart as well as an unspoken goodbye.
I loved this so much, I need them to translate the rest asap or learn Japanese faster to continue the series
February 21, 2026
I just said goodbye to my cat on February 18th. Needing a distraction, I naturally went to the bookstore. While examining a book I've been wanting to read, I kept hearing this little voice telling me to look to my left. I turned my head to look at the shelf to my left and this book was staring out at me. My first reaction was, I can't possibly read this right now, it will hurt too much. But not believing in coincidences, I decided to trust the little voice and took the book to the register.
It was exactly what I needed.
What a beautiful world Shimeno has created where cats are the messengers between the land of the living and the afterlife. The protagonist cat, Fuuta, must figure out how to deliver five messages before he is allowed to see his owner from the land of the living.
It is a story that feels very old, like a folk tale, but is also fresh. I guess I would say it feels timeless.
It is told in concise language and the story moves at a brisk pace. I almost finished reading it in one sitting.
Touching and uplifting.
It was exactly what I needed.
What a beautiful world Shimeno has created where cats are the messengers between the land of the living and the afterlife. The protagonist cat, Fuuta, must figure out how to deliver five messages before he is allowed to see his owner from the land of the living.
It is a story that feels very old, like a folk tale, but is also fresh. I guess I would say it feels timeless.
It is told in concise language and the story moves at a brisk pace. I almost finished reading it in one sitting.
Touching and uplifting.
August 26, 2025
Le doy 3,5 estrellas, aunque redondeo a 3 porque la edición tiene algunas pequeñas erratas.
Es una lectura ligera y tierna, muy recomendable para cuando apetece algo fácil pero con un toque especial. A pesar de su sencillez, invita a reflexionar sobre las relaciones humanas y cómo nos comunicamos con los demás.
Me ha gustado especialmente el capítulo del profesor, que me ha parecido de los más emotivos y con más fondo.
Sin ser inolvidable, es un libro tierno, que se lee rápido y deja una sensación agradable.
Es una lectura ligera y tierna, muy recomendable para cuando apetece algo fácil pero con un toque especial. A pesar de su sencillez, invita a reflexionar sobre las relaciones humanas y cómo nos comunicamos con los demás.
Me ha gustado especialmente el capítulo del profesor, que me ha parecido de los más emotivos y con más fondo.
Sin ser inolvidable, es un libro tierno, que se lee rápido y deja una sensación agradable.
November 16, 2025
É um livro simples, e, no geral, bem escrito. Em algumas partes, fica a ideia de que perdemos informação. Fico na dúvida de de ido à escrita ou à tradução.
A história é muito bonita e aquece o coração. Faz nos indagar sobre a vida, a morte mas sobretudo sobre aqueles que nos fazem a vida ter sentido.
A história é muito bonita e aquece o coração. Faz nos indagar sobre a vida, a morte mas sobretudo sobre aqueles que nos fazem a vida ter sentido.
February 4, 2026
Una bella chicca con protagonista un micio super bello.
L’idea alla base è carina:
Una persona fa una richiesta su un cartoncino.
Il gatto porta un messaggio a chi ne ha bisogno, che sia nel mondo azzurro o nel mondo verde.
Le missioni sono una più appassionata dell’altra.
Ovviamente il lieto fine non manca.
Davvero una lettura coccola.
L’idea alla base è carina:
Una persona fa una richiesta su un cartoncino.
Il gatto porta un messaggio a chi ne ha bisogno, che sia nel mondo azzurro o nel mondo verde.
Le missioni sono una più appassionata dell’altra.
Ovviamente il lieto fine non manca.
Davvero una lettura coccola.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
me at 2am finishing this book: 
February 27, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
March 3, 2026
es muy cozy, y aunque la redacción no me ha encantado me ha gustado mucho el libro
March 11, 2026
Un récit qui parle du deuil et du passage à l'après. C'est beau, doux et ça se lit vite.
Mon seul problème : nous sommes dans la peau d'un chat et voyons l'histoire par ses yeux.
Mon seul problème : nous sommes dans la peau d'un chat et voyons l'histoire par ses yeux.
March 16, 2026
un libro tierno para leer y no pensar mucho... pero estoy muy orgullosa de la traductora <3
August 9, 2025
Dou 4,5 ⭐️
O fim do livro retrata basicamente o sucesso dos gatos mensageiros, nos quais completaram as 5 missões e na qual a sua recompensa é rever quem quiserem do país verde.
E sinto que foi aqui que faltou mais desenvolvimento…emoções, palavras.. tudo o que mais ansiei no livro todo foi ver o Futa a conseguir o que queria, mas foi algo tão passageiro que enfim :((
Tirando isto, adorei o livro, muito fácil de ler e entender a história. Muito querido e aconchegante.
Confesso que adoro ler livros de autores japoneses.. tenho um fraquinho pela escrita deles 🤍
O fim do livro retrata basicamente o sucesso dos gatos mensageiros, nos quais completaram as 5 missões e na qual a sua recompensa é rever quem quiserem do país verde.
E sinto que foi aqui que faltou mais desenvolvimento…emoções, palavras.. tudo o que mais ansiei no livro todo foi ver o Futa a conseguir o que queria, mas foi algo tão passageiro que enfim :((
Tirando isto, adorei o livro, muito fácil de ler e entender a história. Muito querido e aconchegante.
Confesso que adoro ler livros de autores japoneses.. tenho um fraquinho pela escrita deles 🤍
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Messenger Cat Cafe by Nagi Shimeno
This bestselling Japanese book follows Fuuta, an orange tabby cat, who travels as a messenger cat between the afterlife and the land of the living. Once he has successfully delivered five messages he can see his cherished owner Michiru again.
The book follows some of the typical hallmarks of bestselling Japanese fiction in that it tells short, simple stories that involve cats, a cafe, healing and remembrance.
It was a pleasant, relaxing read.
Thank you G.P. Putnam's sons
for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 17th
G.P. Putnam's Sons
#arc #netgalley
#Messengercatcafe #cats
#Japanesebestseller
#Brightbookreviews
Messenger Cat Cafe by Nagi Shimeno
This bestselling Japanese book follows Fuuta, an orange tabby cat, who travels as a messenger cat between the afterlife and the land of the living. Once he has successfully delivered five messages he can see his cherished owner Michiru again.
The book follows some of the typical hallmarks of bestselling Japanese fiction in that it tells short, simple stories that involve cats, a cafe, healing and remembrance.
It was a pleasant, relaxing read.
Thank you G.P. Putnam's sons
for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 17th
G.P. Putnam's Sons
#arc #netgalley
#Messengercatcafe #cats
#Japanesebestseller
#Brightbookreviews
August 23, 2025
4,5 de 5.
Me ha parecido un libro muy tierno, reflexivo y con pequeñas lecciones de vida pero muy fácil de leer y entretenido.
Le doy un 4,5 porque al iniciar algunos capítulos se repite parte de la historia que ya se ha contado al principio y porque tiene algún error ortográfico que espero que revisen para futuras impresiones.
Me ha parecido un libro muy tierno, reflexivo y con pequeñas lecciones de vida pero muy fácil de leer y entretenido.
Le doy un 4,5 porque al iniciar algunos capítulos se repite parte de la historia que ya se ha contado al principio y porque tiene algún error ortográfico que espero que revisen para futuras impresiones.
April 19, 2025
3.5*. Very light and sweet.
March 12, 2026
Tenía muchas ganas de leerlo porque la historia desde la sinopsis me pareció adorable, así que compré una edición bastante asequible bajo la editorial de King, que no es la misma edición que el que está subido a esta plataforma.
⚠️Ya de primeras había un subtítulo debajo del título original que quedaba como un pegote y que rezaba: ¿Y si el amor de tu gato pudiera acompañarte en todas tus vidas? Y nada que ver con la esencia de la historia, pero claro, eso lo se después de leerlo. En fin, lo que quiero decir es que esta edición en concreto que tengo yo bajo la firma de KING está súper mal editada: tiene erratas, márgenes demasiado grandes y el inicio de párrafo un margen muy pequeño y sin sentido que vuelve confusa la lectura muchas veces. La traducción no es de las mejores y creo que podría mejorarse, pero al no saber japonés para leer el origina, esto es solo lo que percibo con la narrativa.⚠️
💥Un despropósito con el que estoy lidiando a la hora de valorar esta lectura, porque no se qué puntuación darle, estoy enfrentada entre valorarlo como historia o valorar la historia JUNTO con la edición que YO he leído, que no se si será peor que la otra que no tiene la firma de KING. Por lo que finalmente, como la autora no tiene la culpa, voy a valorarlo según historia, considerando que podría ser perfectamente 3 ⭐ y media.💥
🔹Por parte ya de la historia es tan tierna como parece y acaba sientiéndose como un abracito al corazón. Está narrada a través de Fuuta, un gato, y debo decir que la autora ha conseguido reflejar bien cómo podría sentirse la personalidad y pensamiento de un gato. Peca mucho de querer exagerar un poco este comportamiento para gatizarlo un poco más y eso en verdad le resta mucho. Aun así, cumple lo que promete como una lectura cozy, sencilla y calentita al corazón. No pretende filosofar tanto como otras, sino que sea un divertimento para evadir a un mundo más rosita, por lo que no esperes acabar reflexionando mucho. Aun así, está bastante bien, pero no ha sido de las mejores que he leído, aunque no se si sería por lo comentado más arriba. Entiendo que traducir y mantener el tono de los idiomas asiáticos es complejo, y que su tipo de narrativa también, pero me ha decepcionado un poco.
Esta historia te gustará si:
✨Quieres descubrir la lectura cozy asiática y no sabes por donde empezar
✨Buscas lecturas sencillas para evadir
✨Acabas de terminar un libro tocho y quieres algo más liviano para descansar
✨Estás en el mes de marzo asiático y buscas algo bonito-barato
✨No sabes si te gusta la lectura asiática y quieres probar
✨No buscas romance ni tramas complejas
No te gustará si:
❌Buscas literatura asiática reflexiva
❌Buscas romance, trama compleja y algo largo para leer
❌Buscas trilogía/saga
❌Necesitas que esté todo bien explicado, redactado y cohesionado a la perfección
❌No te gusta la lectura cozy
⚠️Ya de primeras había un subtítulo debajo del título original que quedaba como un pegote y que rezaba: ¿Y si el amor de tu gato pudiera acompañarte en todas tus vidas? Y nada que ver con la esencia de la historia, pero claro, eso lo se después de leerlo. En fin, lo que quiero decir es que esta edición en concreto que tengo yo bajo la firma de KING está súper mal editada: tiene erratas, márgenes demasiado grandes y el inicio de párrafo un margen muy pequeño y sin sentido que vuelve confusa la lectura muchas veces. La traducción no es de las mejores y creo que podría mejorarse, pero al no saber japonés para leer el origina, esto es solo lo que percibo con la narrativa.⚠️
💥Un despropósito con el que estoy lidiando a la hora de valorar esta lectura, porque no se qué puntuación darle, estoy enfrentada entre valorarlo como historia o valorar la historia JUNTO con la edición que YO he leído, que no se si será peor que la otra que no tiene la firma de KING. Por lo que finalmente, como la autora no tiene la culpa, voy a valorarlo según historia, considerando que podría ser perfectamente 3 ⭐ y media.💥
🔹Por parte ya de la historia es tan tierna como parece y acaba sientiéndose como un abracito al corazón. Está narrada a través de Fuuta, un gato, y debo decir que la autora ha conseguido reflejar bien cómo podría sentirse la personalidad y pensamiento de un gato. Peca mucho de querer exagerar un poco este comportamiento para gatizarlo un poco más y eso en verdad le resta mucho. Aun así, cumple lo que promete como una lectura cozy, sencilla y calentita al corazón. No pretende filosofar tanto como otras, sino que sea un divertimento para evadir a un mundo más rosita, por lo que no esperes acabar reflexionando mucho. Aun así, está bastante bien, pero no ha sido de las mejores que he leído, aunque no se si sería por lo comentado más arriba. Entiendo que traducir y mantener el tono de los idiomas asiáticos es complejo, y que su tipo de narrativa también, pero me ha decepcionado un poco.
Esta historia te gustará si:
✨Quieres descubrir la lectura cozy asiática y no sabes por donde empezar
✨Buscas lecturas sencillas para evadir
✨Acabas de terminar un libro tocho y quieres algo más liviano para descansar
✨Estás en el mes de marzo asiático y buscas algo bonito-barato
✨No sabes si te gusta la lectura asiática y quieres probar
✨No buscas romance ni tramas complejas
No te gustará si:
❌Buscas literatura asiática reflexiva
❌Buscas romance, trama compleja y algo largo para leer
❌Buscas trilogía/saga
❌Necesitas que esté todo bien explicado, redactado y cohesionado a la perfección
❌No te gusta la lectura cozy
March 2, 2026
Messenger Cat Café
Author : Nagi Shimeno
Translator : M. Jean
The story begins w/ protagonist Fuuta, a tabby cat w/ a white-striped body, caramel-colored back, & an orange tail, who spent nineteen years of its life as Michiru's pet & died a natural death in its golden years. After arriving in the world of the afterlife, it had undergone a training seminar where it learned about the five tasks' worth of work that are required to cross into the land of the living in order to skip the wait for the standard seven months. Motivated to see its loved ones again, it went to apply for a job at Café Pont.
The shop is a white house topped w/ a triangular roof, & latticed windows graced the face of it on either side of the front door. Nijiko, the cafe's owner, acts as an intermediary between the world of the afterlife & the land of the living. She serves as a middleman by taking requests from the living & then have the cats from the afterlife grant those requests. The café's main service was to arrange meetings between people --- the customers write the name of the person they wish to see on a special card & place it inside the cafe's letterbox, & then it was the messenger cat's job to bring the customer & recepient together.
This book is divided into five tasks, showcasing Fuuta's journey as he takes on the job requests of the living, working as a messenger cat of Café Pont to deliver their messages & finally reach his true purpose, which is to meet his loved ones.
The second task broke my heart. I could not imagine how hard it was to lose an unborn child. Not to mention the grieving & coping after such a painful tragedy is just heartwrenching. The last task was also a punch in the gut. I can not fathom how difficult & challenging it is to deal with a loved one suffering dementia. That feeling of having someone close, yet so far, is just painful. 😞
Fuuta can clearly be a vengeful feline, especially at the end of the third task. I laughed so hard when it sprayed "something" on Yuuji's expensive-looking trousers. I let my imagination ran wild that's for sure. 😂
A touching, soothing & poignant read, this book was written in a simple narrative with a fluid flow translation. Although there were typos here & there, the book did not fail to deliver its true purpose -- to comfort & heal broken hearts. The epilogue was a brief but sweet ending.
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S.
Follow me for more book reviews on:
❥ Instagram @bookwormdenz
❥ Threads @denz.kaye
❥ Meta @bookworm.denz
❥ Goodreads @bookwormdenz
Author : Nagi Shimeno
Translator : M. Jean
The story begins w/ protagonist Fuuta, a tabby cat w/ a white-striped body, caramel-colored back, & an orange tail, who spent nineteen years of its life as Michiru's pet & died a natural death in its golden years. After arriving in the world of the afterlife, it had undergone a training seminar where it learned about the five tasks' worth of work that are required to cross into the land of the living in order to skip the wait for the standard seven months. Motivated to see its loved ones again, it went to apply for a job at Café Pont.
The shop is a white house topped w/ a triangular roof, & latticed windows graced the face of it on either side of the front door. Nijiko, the cafe's owner, acts as an intermediary between the world of the afterlife & the land of the living. She serves as a middleman by taking requests from the living & then have the cats from the afterlife grant those requests. The café's main service was to arrange meetings between people --- the customers write the name of the person they wish to see on a special card & place it inside the cafe's letterbox, & then it was the messenger cat's job to bring the customer & recepient together.
This book is divided into five tasks, showcasing Fuuta's journey as he takes on the job requests of the living, working as a messenger cat of Café Pont to deliver their messages & finally reach his true purpose, which is to meet his loved ones.
The second task broke my heart. I could not imagine how hard it was to lose an unborn child. Not to mention the grieving & coping after such a painful tragedy is just heartwrenching. The last task was also a punch in the gut. I can not fathom how difficult & challenging it is to deal with a loved one suffering dementia. That feeling of having someone close, yet so far, is just painful. 😞
Fuuta can clearly be a vengeful feline, especially at the end of the third task. I laughed so hard when it sprayed "something" on Yuuji's expensive-looking trousers. I let my imagination ran wild that's for sure. 😂
A touching, soothing & poignant read, this book was written in a simple narrative with a fluid flow translation. Although there were typos here & there, the book did not fail to deliver its true purpose -- to comfort & heal broken hearts. The epilogue was a brief but sweet ending.
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S.
Follow me for more book reviews on:
❥ Instagram @bookwormdenz
❥ Threads @denz.kaye
❥ Meta @bookworm.denz
❥ Goodreads @bookwormdenz
December 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Harvill for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Japanese fiction, and there is definitely a recurring theme with fantasy and cats which I enjoy.
It's an unusual, but sensitive and uplifting and positive look at grief and moving on after loss.
The formatting was a bit off on my e-arc so I cannot comment on how the formatting worked with the story in terms of how the published copy will look.
I loved this idea that the gap between the living world and the afterlife is not as big as we think, and that there is this crossover between the living and the dead. As someone who has lost a lot of people in a short amount time, I found that very comforting. Especially reading it in England, because we generally avoid talking about death, and so it's great to read it written about so openly.
This is narrated by the main cat Fuuta, which took some getting used to as, unsurprisingly, I can't relate to a cat, and I do always try to find some common ground in the characters.
It is a relatively short book which means it was nice and quick. The pacing helps with it as well, because some of it is slower and some bits quicker, which helps balance it out.
This is going to be quite a generic statement but bear with me. Like the majority of Asian fiction I read, it is quite repetitive. That's not inherently a negative point. But they tend to fixate on one plot point (in this case, the cat helping a loved on and a deceased individual move on), and stick with it, telling the story over and over again with different characters. Which again is not necessarily bad, and I think the short length helps with this because I think if it went on too longer it would feel a bit too much repetition.
The writing is quite simple - but that could well be the translation - and doesn't really challenge you, but it does lend itself to a cosy, relaxing, familiar, reassuring read.
It's not the best translated book I've ever read, but I did still enjoy it. It's cosy and heartwarming and tender, relaxing and fast paced, sensitive, and almost healing for those who are grieving.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harvill for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I love Japanese fiction, and there is definitely a recurring theme with fantasy and cats which I enjoy.
It's an unusual, but sensitive and uplifting and positive look at grief and moving on after loss.
The formatting was a bit off on my e-arc so I cannot comment on how the formatting worked with the story in terms of how the published copy will look.
I loved this idea that the gap between the living world and the afterlife is not as big as we think, and that there is this crossover between the living and the dead. As someone who has lost a lot of people in a short amount time, I found that very comforting. Especially reading it in England, because we generally avoid talking about death, and so it's great to read it written about so openly.
This is narrated by the main cat Fuuta, which took some getting used to as, unsurprisingly, I can't relate to a cat, and I do always try to find some common ground in the characters.
It is a relatively short book which means it was nice and quick. The pacing helps with it as well, because some of it is slower and some bits quicker, which helps balance it out.
This is going to be quite a generic statement but bear with me. Like the majority of Asian fiction I read, it is quite repetitive. That's not inherently a negative point. But they tend to fixate on one plot point (in this case, the cat helping a loved on and a deceased individual move on), and stick with it, telling the story over and over again with different characters. Which again is not necessarily bad, and I think the short length helps with this because I think if it went on too longer it would feel a bit too much repetition.
The writing is quite simple - but that could well be the translation - and doesn't really challenge you, but it does lend itself to a cosy, relaxing, familiar, reassuring read.
It's not the best translated book I've ever read, but I did still enjoy it. It's cosy and heartwarming and tender, relaxing and fast paced, sensitive, and almost healing for those who are grieving.
February 18, 2026
I love healing fiction, and the ones with cats always add a touch of whimsy and magical realism. And thus I had very high expectations from Messenger Cat Cafe. The blurb and the cover just catch your eyes and make the book irresistible, do they not?
The book features a cafe that acts as a bridge between the world of the living and the deceased. People can fill in surveys here mentioning who they want to meet. Nijiko, the cafe owner sorts these requests and then entrusts the meeting to cats called Messenger Cats. These cats can store messages in their tails and then find a way to deliver the message to the requester. Fuuta is one such cat and we see her trying to fulfil 5 such tasks so he can go visit his human in the land of the living as a reward.
I feel I have read so many amazing books in this genre, that this one felt a little short for me. I just couldn’t connect with the stories. They felt half-baked and very vague, thus failing to evoke many emotions in me. I loved the concept truly, but the execution left me wanting. There is a brief mention of Nijiko’s backstory but that too was rushed and it raised more questions for me than answered them.
I was also put off a bit when I found references similar to Lost Souls We Under a Full Moon, like asking if messenger cats were like the mediums of Osore. Or saying that people can’t meet celebrities or historical figures when we know they form some of the stories in Lost Souls. I might be overimagining but I couldn’t overlook it.
Overall, it was a good one-time read. If you love healing fiction, you should give it a try. Your experience could be much different and better than mine.
The book features a cafe that acts as a bridge between the world of the living and the deceased. People can fill in surveys here mentioning who they want to meet. Nijiko, the cafe owner sorts these requests and then entrusts the meeting to cats called Messenger Cats. These cats can store messages in their tails and then find a way to deliver the message to the requester. Fuuta is one such cat and we see her trying to fulfil 5 such tasks so he can go visit his human in the land of the living as a reward.
I feel I have read so many amazing books in this genre, that this one felt a little short for me. I just couldn’t connect with the stories. They felt half-baked and very vague, thus failing to evoke many emotions in me. I loved the concept truly, but the execution left me wanting. There is a brief mention of Nijiko’s backstory but that too was rushed and it raised more questions for me than answered them.
I was also put off a bit when I found references similar to Lost Souls We Under a Full Moon, like asking if messenger cats were like the mediums of Osore. Or saying that people can’t meet celebrities or historical figures when we know they form some of the stories in Lost Souls. I might be overimagining but I couldn’t overlook it.
Overall, it was a good one-time read. If you love healing fiction, you should give it a try. Your experience could be much different and better than mine.
March 15, 2026
Actual Rating 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 🌟
I love Japanese fiction, so I really wanted to like this book too, but I think the most I can muster is "I think I liked it, it was fine". 'Messenger Cat Café' is a magical realism story where a cat can act as a medium to deliver messages between the living and (usually, but not always) the dead, but only one message per person, and only under a specific set of conditions. If I took the cat being the medium out of the description, that story could be any number of recently translated Japanese works of fiction.
That's where the problem lies and why I liked it but didn't love it- it doesn't offer anything that I haven't already read, and it's a formula that's been done much better by other authors. You could argue the narrator being a cat offers it something different but even that has been done before, and again it's been done better.
There's nothing wrong with repeating a formula that's been proven to work but you have to do something innovative to make it stand out, and I don't think that has been done here. Additionally, the writing is a little simple and juvenile at times, reading more like something for a teen audience, and that tone is at odds with the more adult subjects such as adultery and miscarriage which are plot points.
Ultimately, if you like Japanese cosy fiction you'll probably get along ok with this book- it's why I've rounded my rating up rather than down. If you're newer to the genre you'll probably really like it, but for people who are well versed in the space, don't expect it to blow your socks off.
Thank you to Random House UK, Vintage | Harvill and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
I love Japanese fiction, so I really wanted to like this book too, but I think the most I can muster is "I think I liked it, it was fine". 'Messenger Cat Café' is a magical realism story where a cat can act as a medium to deliver messages between the living and (usually, but not always) the dead, but only one message per person, and only under a specific set of conditions. If I took the cat being the medium out of the description, that story could be any number of recently translated Japanese works of fiction.
That's where the problem lies and why I liked it but didn't love it- it doesn't offer anything that I haven't already read, and it's a formula that's been done much better by other authors. You could argue the narrator being a cat offers it something different but even that has been done before, and again it's been done better.
There's nothing wrong with repeating a formula that's been proven to work but you have to do something innovative to make it stand out, and I don't think that has been done here. Additionally, the writing is a little simple and juvenile at times, reading more like something for a teen audience, and that tone is at odds with the more adult subjects such as adultery and miscarriage which are plot points.
Ultimately, if you like Japanese cosy fiction you'll probably get along ok with this book- it's why I've rounded my rating up rather than down. If you're newer to the genre you'll probably really like it, but for people who are well versed in the space, don't expect it to blow your socks off.
Thank you to Random House UK, Vintage | Harvill and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
December 4, 2025
I’m so glad I picked up this short, heart warming piece of Japanese literature.
It’s cute, a little bittersweet, and surprisingly touching all at once.
The story follows Fuuta, a recently deceased cat who finds himself in the afterlife.
Missing his beloved human, Fuuta takes a job at a magical café that exists between the world of the living and the dead.
His work allows him to shorten the time until he can reunite with his human—and along the way, he helps others reconnect with the people they long for most.
Through Fuuta’s missions, we meet a variety of characters: a woman who wishes to see her late father, another who longs to meet her child, and many more.
Each case is tender and emotional, yet handled with a gentle touch.
What I loved most was the way Fuuta delivers these messages. He never disrupts the balance of the world; instead, he finds the simplest, most indirect ways to convey them—through a stranger, a song, or even an object. Every mission kept me curious about how he would choose to pass the message along next.
Overall, The Messenger Cat Café is cozy and healing.
With its charming cat protagonist, emotional yet comforting stories, and easy to read style, it’s the kind of book you can devour in a single sitting. At just around 200 pages, it felt like a warm hug in book form.
I received a review copy through NetGalley, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thanks to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: grief, death
It’s cute, a little bittersweet, and surprisingly touching all at once.
The story follows Fuuta, a recently deceased cat who finds himself in the afterlife.
Missing his beloved human, Fuuta takes a job at a magical café that exists between the world of the living and the dead.
His work allows him to shorten the time until he can reunite with his human—and along the way, he helps others reconnect with the people they long for most.
Through Fuuta’s missions, we meet a variety of characters: a woman who wishes to see her late father, another who longs to meet her child, and many more.
Each case is tender and emotional, yet handled with a gentle touch.
What I loved most was the way Fuuta delivers these messages. He never disrupts the balance of the world; instead, he finds the simplest, most indirect ways to convey them—through a stranger, a song, or even an object. Every mission kept me curious about how he would choose to pass the message along next.
Overall, The Messenger Cat Café is cozy and healing.
With its charming cat protagonist, emotional yet comforting stories, and easy to read style, it’s the kind of book you can devour in a single sitting. At just around 200 pages, it felt like a warm hug in book form.
I received a review copy through NetGalley, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thanks to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: grief, death
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews