Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop

銀座「四宝堂」文房具店 #2

by Kenji Ueda

銀座の文房具店「四宝堂」は絵葉書や便せんなど、思わず誰かにプレゼントしたくなる文房具を豊富に取り揃える、知る人ぞ知る名店だ。

店主を務めるのは、どこかミステリアスな青年・宝田硯。硯のもとには、今日も様々な悩みを抱えたお客が訪れる――。

クラスメイトにいじられ浮いていると悩む少女に、定年を迎え一人寂しく退職していくサラリーマンなど。モヤモヤを抱えた人々の心が、あたたかな店主の言葉でじんわり解きほぐされていく。

いつまでも涙が止まらない、感動の物語第2弾。喫茶店『ほゝづゑ』の看板娘・幼馴染みの良子と硯の出会いのエピソードも収録!

Genres: Asian Literature, Fiction, Translated Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2023

About the author

Kenji Ueda is a Japanese novelist known for blending fantasy with the charm of everyday life. Born in Tokyo in 1969, he made his debut as a writer in 2021 with Teppan (The Iron Griddle), the revised version of a work he wrote in 2019 for the 1st Japan Delicious Fiction Award.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books, Manilla Press for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is perfect for fans of books such as Before The Coffee Gets Cold. However, this does not have any fantastical elements and perhaps goes a bit deeper into the characters emotions and psyche.

I found the first and last tales to be particularly engaging and with strong messages - everything else was slightly lacking, which is why I am giving the book in its entirely 3 stars (the individual stories I liked most would be 4 stars).

[Jemma Crosland · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rounded down to 3 on Goodreads)

[Bookworm Denz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes From The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop
Author : Kenji Ueda
Translator : Emily Balistrieri

We are back to the venerable Shihodo stationery shop with its enigmatic proprietor Ken Takarada. This second volume composed of five-chapter vignettes feature sundry customers who are not only in search of their respective needed stationery items, but also answers to their burdened hearts. This time around, readers also get a glimpse on how the friendship between Ken and Ryoko was built.

I loved how the information on different stationery sets were clearly lighter & toned down (not as heavy as the first book), that it was easier and definitely smoother to follow the flow of the story.

I was delighted, that the central point of the book was turned to the characters' background stories and experiences; letting the readers slowly "soak in" the slow, gentle and calming vibes - perfect for some good old quiet time and self-reflecting.

I also appreciated the little details that were included; just enough to recall information from the first book (like the backstory from the first sequel about the old press in the basement which now works again for printing business cards).

I did notice that there are some parts and conversations that seemed stilted and unnatural at times, but imo, they did not detract from the primary objective of the narrative. So I say, kudos to the English translation, simply well done! 👌

Overall, a heartwarming, comforting read; highlighting the importance and beauty in human interaction, relationship, and communication, as well as, how small acts of kindness lead to great impacts. Pleasantly sweet, but not saccharine. 🤌🫶

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

P.S. If anyone wants to follow my book reviews I am on Instagram & Goodreads (bookwormdenz), as well as Threads (denz.kaye). Let me know so we can connect! 📚

[Hollie Mullins · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)
Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop is a quiet, reflective novel that captures the beauty of small moments and the emotional power of simple human connection. Set in a charming stationery shop in a cosy corner of Japan, the story unfolds through gentle encounters between the shop’s owner and the people who wander in, each carrying their own burdens, memories, and hopes.
The atmosphere is lovely - meticulous, nostalgic, and infused with the kind of calm you’d expect from a place lined with beautiful paper and fountain pens. The writing (and translation) often shines in these quiet details, offering small doses of wisdom about loss, creativity, and the meaning of everyday kindness.
That said, the pacing is quite slow, and at times the narrative can feel meandering. With the kindle format I sometimes struggled at first to keep track of a new story and new characters. Readers looking for a strong plot might find it lacking, but those who enjoy slice-of-life storytelling and introspective character studies will appreciate its understated charm.
Overall, Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop is a tender read best savoured slowly, perhaps with a cup of tea and a favorite notebook nearby 🌸

[Maya Liang · Rating 4 out of 5]

本書是銀座四實堂文具店的第2冊（據說日本已經出到第4冊）。
這本一樣很精彩，每章有一個深刻感人的故事+一樣文具。文具的部分也是描寫到深度剛好（除了書籤那篇）。
也慢慢帶出店長令人好奇的身世。
因為是系列作，不免擔心公式化會讓閱讀感受愈來愈平緩（亂操心且口味愈來愈重）。

[Alistair · Rating 5 out of 5]

用牛奶盒做手抄紙。

[Alan M · Rating 5 out of 5]

'In one corner of Ginza, Tokyo - Shihodo Stationery. The drizzle seemed liable to continue, but the shop was enveloped in a peaceful, warm atmosphere.'

The second book in the series from Kenji Ueda, and this is as strong as the first - which I loved. I am unashamedly a big stationery buff, so this series is my perfect go-to for a comforting, healing kind of read. 5 more stories of customers who come to the store and are renewed by the items in the shop, and also by the warmth and generosity of its owner, Ken Takarada. Indeed, one of the stories gives an insight into Takarada himself and the enigmatic relationship that he has with Ryoko, a constant presence in both books so far.

Whether it be flash cards that recall happy family memories; special scissors to help in a new display by two misfit work experience students; a retiring salaryman and his business cards.... Anyone and everyone has an individual story to tell, and this wonderful little shop will open their hearts to a new start.

(My favourite realisation moment came towards the end with one customer looking to replace coloured pencils that had worn right down. Takarada then mentions the ceremony of 'fude kuyo', originally a memorial service for calligraphy brushes that have reached the end of their usefulness, but that can now include pencils and fountain pens, for example. I mean, yes! How many times have you hated to dispose of a favourite pen or piece of stationery like that? Only the Japanese could come up with ceremonies like this - and there are others for treasured possessions like needles, dolls, etc. It is precisely these sort of insights into another culture that makes reading translated fiction so rewarding.)

Perfect reading to escape the chaos of the modern world, I can't recommend these books enough. Joyful.

[Hasliza Rajab · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I look at all the stationary that I have on my table, I will be looking at those as a normal scene. And now the scene is no longer the same when every single piece of it has its own specialty. That's what I learnt from Ginza Shihodo Stationary Shop.

Consist of 5 beautiful stories, the customers who came to this shop brought their own experiences and memories that they had with this shop. The shop does more than selling the items, it reminds us that even the simplest objects like scissors, pens, color pencils, flash card, journals and etc carry its own stories and human emotions with it. For example, each chapter introduces a different customer who visits the shop with an emotional burden, they grieved over a loved one, unresolved regret, unspoken gratitude, or longing for connection. Through thoughtful conversations between the owner and the customers, the shop becomes a safe space where emotions are acknowledged and gently guided into written form.

Which chapter that I loved the most?
The moment when Kotomi sent a letter to the shop owner, Takarada-san, thanking him for helping her father in giving a speech at her wedding ceremony. The story that Kotomi brings to the readers is beautiful, and I loved the way she communicate with her parents through simple notes. This small act becomes powerful moments of mindfulness and I realize that communication doesn’t have to be instant to be sincere.

The stories are simple, but they linger, even from the simplest objects like stationary.

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was grand to return to Ginza and the shop; but this stories were inconsistent for this reader. 3.5-ish

The final story, imo, was the strongest. I liked the theme and the exploration of pencil crayons. My second favourite was the one with the job shadowing students because it was sweet. The story with the retiree was alright too. I didn't like the characters in the first story and found the quasi-estranged family dynamic kinda uncomfortable. And, while it was kinda interesting to hear about Ken's background, I didn't gel with the Ken/Ryoko story.

Flash Cards: 2/5
Scissors: 4/5
Business Cards: 3.5/5
Bookmark: 2/5
Coloured Pencils: 4.5/5

I mentioned in my review of the first instalment that I don't like the telegraphed Ken/Ryoko 'romance' and I stand by that. I just can't bring myself to like Ryoko, she's pushy and abrasive. Ken, on the other hand is presented as kind and gentle but just kinda comes across as naive. I don't want to watch Ryoko bully Ken (who is clearly not interested in her) into some sort of uncomfortable romantic relationship.

The translation was okay though I found the dialogue distractingly unnatural at times. I appreciate this series for its strong sense of place, setting-as-character in the stationery shop, non-formulaic stories, and how there's no communing with the dead.

My request to review this was approved by Bonnier Books, Manilla Press on NetGalley.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop is a quiet but comforting read composed of a series of vignettes featuring a selection of customers of the titular shop. I did not know when I picked up this book that is actually the second in a series, but not having read the previous book did not in any way hamper my enjoyment of this gentle read. As with many books in this genre Notes celebrates the small moments of human connection in a charmingly described setting designed to appeal. This is definitely a book for readers who value vibes over plot, and the gently meandering pace while soothing may be too slow for some. I am not sure if it was because the nuance of dialogue in translation can be difficult to capture but I did find that some of the conversations felt a little stilted, though I suppose that could also be a deliberate choice. I did appreciate the story that focussed on disability and accommodation and found the character of the retiree in another tale to be very charming.
Overall a gentle cozy read that fans of this genre will enjoy.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own

[Milly Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in this series and once again it is a book about ‘small moments’ and how human connection can be so special. The book is about simple encounters between the polite and unassuming stationery shop owner, Ken Takarada, and those who visit the shop. Each person has a special reason for visiting and Ken listens and guides and offers wisdom. There is a slow pace to this novel which is perfect for it. It is gentle, there is no lively action-packed plot, there is no high drama, just moments. The shop is one I would love to visit as it is full of beautiful stationery and pens. The stories themselves - my favourite is the last one - each has its own charm, especially also the one about the retiree. Thse stories are about memories and hopes. What I also liked about this novel was that there was more about Ken and his good friend Ryoko from the coffee shop. We met her in the first book but this time we learn more about how she and Ken first met and why they remain such good friends. I really enjoy this genre of Japanese writing as what is so clear is that it is full of tradition and full of respect.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop is a collection of short stories centred around those visiting the stationery shop. I missed in the description that this is a second volume and I have not read the first volume, so my opinions are based off of reading this as a stand-alone.

That being said, I do think it works well on its own if you haven't read the first novel. Though one story goes more in-depth about Ken and Ryoko, which would have better context if I had read the first novel. My favourite story was the last one "Coloured Pencils", but I did enjoy "Business Cards", too.

As always with translated fiction, there are some conversations that don't come across as natural as if it were written in its original language, but I don't think this detracted from the stories too much.

Overall I think this was a solid 4 star, cosy read - especially if you're a fan of feel-good Japanese short stories. Thank you Bonnier Books UK, Manilla Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy!

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Bonnier Books UK | Manilla Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s the second one in the series, and just like the first, each chapter reads like its own self-contained story. But honestly? I enjoyed this book even more than book one.

I loved learning the backstory of Ken and Ryoko, and once again I’m reminded why I adore Japanese literature - it’s poetic, quietly emotional, and rooted in tradition. The way Japanese customs and rituals are woven through the narrative is beautifully done, and the reverence for stationery - as something deeply personal, symbolic, and even life-changing — is just perfection.

Ken’s knowledge, patience, and kindness anchor the book; the idea that a small act of thoughtfulness can shift someone’s entire life never gets old, and this novel proves it again and again.

Heartwarming, reflective, and full of charm. I already want book three.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ken Takarada runs a very unusual stationery shop in the Ginza district of Tokyo. His job is not only to find his customers the perfect pen or paper product - perhaps even one that they did not know that they needed - but to patch the hole in their soul that they may not even be aware of carrying around within themselves...

In the style of other similar Japanese stories, this book gives us insights into the lives of individuals and the burdens that they carry, as well as how they find ways of lightening those burdens.

Often sweet, sometimes touching, and frequently relatable, this gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shihodo is a little store tucked away in Tokyo’s Ginza district, offering a wide selection of fine stationery. The shop owner Ken Takarada not only helps his customers with their stationery needs, but longs to build meaningful connections with each person who visits his shop. Notes from the Ginza Shihodo stationery shop is a collection of stories of each customer, from a couple who are coming to terms with their daughter growing up and finding her own way in life, to an older man as he moves on to the next chapter of his life following retirement. This book is filled with heartwarming tales focusing on human connection.

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 10%

Now, normally I try to push through a bit further before DNFing a book, but I simply could not do it. Why? Because the translation was so poor.
In terms of story, this was a very typical Japanese healing fiction, which is something I enjoy. However, the English translation was very stilted, very literal, and it simply did not flow smoothly at all. As someone who does speak Japanese, and works in translation, I could tell exactly what the original author had written... Which isn't something I want to be constantly thinking about when reading a novel in English.

I'd give the author another try in the future, but there are plenty of better translated books than this one.

[Mitsy_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good-quality healing book. I loved the first book, and this sequel didn’t disappoint, bringing in everything I enjoyed about the original. I especially liked the stories that give us the backstory of the store owner and the history of the store itself. And as usual, as a stationery lover, I loved all the trivia about the stationery goods and the craftsmanship involved in making them. Heartwarming and comforting all around. I loved reading this at bedtime before sleep!

4.5 🌟

[Imogen Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes From The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop is such a cute and wholesome short read. Two of my favourite stories is Business Cards and Coloured Pencils they both stand out the most personally amongst all of the short stories.

Hopefully the third book in the series gets published into English soon I enjoy reading this series the most on bus journeys it always makes may day a little brighter.

[Beth Irvine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, cosy read!

Each chapter is a new short story and this just makes the book even more enjoyable! The back story of Ken and Ryoko was so cute too and I loved how it kept coming back to them.

A lovely insight into small parts of Japanese culture. 4/5 stars!

[Amrita Bindukalpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing from letters from ginza shihodo stationery shop this is another sweet book of the comings and goings of this little shop. There were some amazing details regarding mundane stationery items which made this book super interesting.

[ZazaCoco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most like the first volume of this series, I absolutely adored Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop. Its characters are ever so lovely and its stories most compelling. I will gladly go back to the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop!

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[A_Chirping_Aquarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book :)

[Madi F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a LOT more than the last one - not sure if the stories were more interesting or if I just found that I enjoyed it more. Either way, I was happy!

[Jedi · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's ok, but maybe lost in translation? it's slow and simple, bit boring. but I'm sure Japanese buffs would understand all the nuances.

[Em Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful gentle book filled with life.

[The Contented · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely heartwarming stories centred around stationery. Not my usual genre at all, but I enjoyed this!

[Lily Golding · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I really love these Japanese Healing Fiction titles. The first Shihodo book was one of my favourites. This one was also good, but not as good as the first.

The stories were all really good but I found myself missing the formula of the first one. How people went to Shihodo and picked out their stationery. It was a nice formula. I’m not against them doing something a bit different though and the stories all still centred Shihodo, so I can’t complain too much!

I liked the story about the work experience kids and the one about the set designer who was half Japanese. They were interesting stories that gave perspectives that I haven’t seen in one of these books before.

Overall, this book tried to break the formula a bit. I missed the original format but these were still really good stories.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk

[YT · Rating 5 out of 5]

銀座四寶堂文具店第二彈又來了！不知道是不是年紀漸長關係，對人情故事沒什麼抵抗力，看到眼淚一直在眼眶轉🥹。

這次一樣是由各種文具領軍，帶出各種人生百態，最有印象的應該是「剪刀」。篇章中的兩位高中生到四寶堂進行職場體驗。個性迥異的晴菜和瑛太在店主阿硯的帶領之下，將打造一個全新的促銷陳列區，經由兩位一動一靜的實習生互相討論後，將主題訂為「大家都能輕鬆使用！」的商品專區。其中很多產品是我沒想過的，例如：適合左撇子使用的Plus Fitbit 剪刀；利用物理原理創造出的Max輕巧省力釘書機和Plus Air Karu空氣省力長尾夾，不需使勁就可達到使用目的，都是很貼心的設計。最令我好奇的莫過於優能福祉剪刀，由於名稱實在太奇怪，特地���網查了一下。原來「優能福祉（Abilities）」是日本長照產業品牌，在台也設有分公司。大至輔具、小至湯匙，開發出許多面向高齡者的產品，其中一項就是剪刀。考量到銀髮長者隨著年齡增加、肌肉和握力皆下降，因此將剪刀改造成只要簡單施力即可使用的「輕輕鬆鬆剪刀（らくらくばさみ）」。WOW！日本人真的太猛了！能將文具做到進化再進化，並發展出符合各種年齡層的產品。在「色鉛筆」故事中，還介紹一家削鉛筆專業廠商「中島重久堂」，看了官網介紹，簡直到了精品等級，削出來的鉛筆屑猶如一朵花，太美了！

故事中還有很多有關文具的豆知識，例如：單字卡附帶的紅綠透明卡的用途、剪刀作動的物理原理、為什麼鉛筆是六角形、色鉛筆則多是圓形筆身等，可見作者真的下足功夫、深究這些文具的核心。還有，有關店主阿硯的故事也做了一點交待。實在有點擔心出版社速度太快，把目前連載到第四集的內容都翻譯完了，之後沒得看會很焦慮啊！