Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop

銀座「四宝堂」文房具店 #2

by Kenji Ueda, Emily Balistrieri (Translator)

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: Fiction, Asian Literature, Contemporary, Japan, Japanese Literature, Slice Of Life, Audiobook

208 pages, Kindle Edition

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

[Aakanksha]

The best part about this series? It always takes me to the
Shihodo Stationery Shop nestled in the quiet backstreets of Tokyo’s Ginza district and it feels like a sanctuary; a sanctuary for those carrying those worn hearts. Managed by the charming and enigmatic Ken Takarada, this shop offers much more than just artisanal supplies; it provides a soulful space where deeply held emotions are finally put into words.

This heartwarming continuation of the beloved series, took me back to a world where every detail, from the specific choice of ink to the unique find of left-handed scissors feels vibrant and alive. Every stationery item holds something deep in themselves, they reflect the people and what they are going through, whether happiness, grief or the zeal to see beauty in little things, they feel heartfelt. Whenever I enter a stationery shop I get lost in the world of things that carry stories of different people and their journey, the art they'll make from them, the safe space they have created by collecting them. They take refuge in those arts they make from that stationery and I think it's one of the most beautiful thing in the world. Through a collection of interconnected, character-driven tales, Takarada guides his customers toward healing and connection, championing the enduring power of handwritten communication in an increasingly digital age.

While the prose remains beautifully simplistic and accessible, it tackles the small problems of the human condition with profound tenderness. Beyond the shop's counters, we delve deeper into the backstories of Ken and his friend Ryoko, discovering that even those who provide light for others have their own stories of growth. It feels like a Palate Cleanser for the Soul and a cozy exploration of emotional maturity, diverse perspectives, and the quiet joy found in life's smaller things and this book is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most complex healing begins with a simple pen and paper.

[yel ᰔ]

➺ 3.5/5🌟

This is a continuation of Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop and just like the first one, this book is also episodic and the common ground of all the stories is still the stationery shop.

The wistful nostalgia coming from all these people's life experiences is ever present and despite having separate little stories that aren't really connected with each other, you can still immediately get attached to the character they represent. Every single story is quite touching, short but quite impactful and also lets you contemplate the years that gone by.

We got to know a little more about Ken Takarada, but unfortunately not from his perspective but from the perspective of his childhood friend. There's a little glimpse of him from his childhood through the eyes of his friend but that's the closest we've got of him. I would have loved to know what goes on his mind.

[Rachel]

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).

[Maria]

Ah I adore this book so much, it’s so similar to the first one, where the characters find themselves in the same place, meeting our Ken-Chan the manager of the stationery shop and share their stories, but it also gives different vibes than the first and I loved it so much! Each story felt unique and got its own happy ending once again and really such a heartwarming book! I hope there will be more of them!

[Girija (thesacredwhispers)]

4.5 ⭐

[Tony Senanayake]

This book follows in a long line of East Asian novels that followed the perceivably mundane but deeply rich life of ordinary individuals. They passed by public-facing establishments. In this book, that establishment is a small stationary shop that sits amongst the bustling and transformed life in central Tokyo. The owner of the bookshop is a peaceable young man with a female helper who interacts with a wide range of local and international clientele.

The book, like many of its contemporaries, holds a calming and retrospective vibe, making it a lovely return to normalcy and nostalgia for the reader. The perfect read while trying to de-stress and de-speed from modern life. Each of the five novellas provides deep takes on family, friendship, love, respect, and the role of custom and craftsmanship even in a highly materialistic modern world. I really enjoyed this book. Perhaps it was the holiday setting. Perhaps it was a deep reminder of the importance of slowing down and human interaction at a time when so much of this has become automated and transactional.

[Ary アリ]

This is the second book by Ken Ueda revolving the Shihodo Stationery Shop, equally if not more enjoyable that the first some. Like the first book, the author explores quietly slices of life themes and filial piety.

As someone who regularly visit the stationery section/shops, I welcome the author's detailed information on various stationeries that would otherwise seem mundane. I thought it is very Japanese to talk at great length about mundane things like the shape and mechanical aspect of a pair of scissors! For the first book my favourite stationery was organiser, but for this one, it’s definitely bookmark - thanks to the much awaited chapter on Ken and Ryoko.

It’s impressive how the writer is able to intrigue one’s curiosity on stationeries, sandwiched in everyday lives. If only there’s such a calming place that I could go to in my neighbourhood.

[Nish]

This book was such a nice read. It whisks you away to the stationery store in Ginza, which you can only wish were real so you could really visit that place and feel the energy, charm, and good vibes. Additionally, the stories carry ordinary people and tales but make them feel so special. The simplicity makes it an easy read but it still gets to your heart.
The first, third, and fifth stories really made me cry for personal reasons and resonated with me in a much deeper way. The second story was a cute story between two classmates. And the fourth story gives us more insight and understanding of the relationship between Ryoko and Ken and their history. I procrastinated starting this book, but once I started, I didn't stop till the end, with my watery eyes.

[Alyce Caswell]

Many series in the healing fiction genre begin to feel repetitive with each volume, but this sequel stands perfectly on its own. Ueda gives us new, fresh perspectives - all while quietly developing the shop owner, Ken, and adding more layers to the will-they/won't-they relationship he has with Ryoko. Of course I enjoy revisiting Ken, his array of customers and the shop itself. I expected that. But this book has a wonderfully poignant story right at the end - "Coloured Pencils". What a gorgeous, heartbreaking, healing piece of writing.

[Nida]

just as cosy and heartwarming as the previous book! the second book in the ginza shihodo stationery series certainly does not disappoint. i loved the familiar warmth of the setting and seeing the development of the characters, and i almost preferred a lot of the plot lines to the first book!

that said, i think this was a slightly slower read and i really missed the letters aspect of the first novel that made it so enticing for me and for that reason i’d have to give it 4 stars.

would still read anything by this author and i hope he writes more in the series and does another series focusing on the hotel that Ken and Ryoko visited together perhaps!!

[kluri]

Now I really want to work in a bookstore or stationery shop. Such a good reminder that people can keep at things that they enjoy and that this interest can turn into a lifelong passion. What a great reminder that there could be many wonderful careers in this world.

[Arystine]

4.75⭐️ actual rating

[mana]

⭐️2/5

Couldnt get the hang of it and i skipped major parts. I feel like it is the perfect example of lost in translation. you can skip this one

[ghostly_bookish]

My February pick for a Translated Fiction.
I read the first in this series earlier in February so i was keen to follow it up with the sequel ASAP.
I enjoy the interconnected short stories and the general tone of this book, it's cozy but reflective- it's honest too. I also like the stationary aspects of it, as a stationary hoarder myself.

CAWPILE 5.86
3.5 STARS

[Bookworm Denz]

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! 📚

[The Contented]

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

[Hollie Mullins]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (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 🌸

[Jemma Hope]

Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop is the sequel to a book I enjoyed in May of 2025, Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop and I looked forward to more heart-warming Japanese fiction which centres stationery. I love the detail that this book goes into, about the pens, paper and other stationery tools as it feels like it is written with so much love.
I did enjoy book one more overall, however I am very glad to have picked up this sequel as it was very similar and more of the same cosy feeling. I don't feel as though these books have any lasting impact on me though, unlike some others within this genre of healing fiction. The writing is beautiful and some quotes definitely stuck out to me but it isn't as memorable as I would've hoped. I also feel like there needs to be development on the core storyline of the owner of the stationery shop, but this feels more surface-level as it only focuses on the individual vignettes.
I would definitely recommend this sweet duology, particularly to stationery lovers who will enjoy the appreciation Kenji Ueda has shared.
3.5 stars (rounded down to 3 on Goodreads)

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and Kenji Ueda for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy.

[Maya Liang]

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）。

[Grace]

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.

[Alistair]

用牛奶盒做手抄紙。

[Barry Allan]

This book is so very much me! There are five short stories, each features a particular item of stationery, each is more or less connected to the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop and each features its proprietor, Ken Takarada. He's elegant and very kind. The stories are all sweet, quite gentle, mixing nostalgia and a "reverberation of the heart", to quote one character.

The shop has been around a long time - started by Ken's grand-father and already "venerable" more than 20 years ago. I wish there had been an image of it on the cover. It has three levels - the main retail level, the basement for letterpress and laminating and the first floor for workshops and group work. It is meticulously presented, the sort of place where "even someone who has never been particular about writing materials" would want to take their time browsing, and it appears to have a very wide range of stock. Ken is in his late 30's and runs the place by himself, although Ryoko (a friend from childhood whose family has the café five minutes away) pops in and out. He recognises their closeness, thinks of her as family, but she hopes for more. This is revealed in Bookmark, where they are supposed to have a weekend away but have to come home early because of a threat of snow.

Each story is great, but Business Cards is my favourite. Togawa has worked all his life in a nearby food wholesale company, starting out in the General Affairs department. His first day is odd - there's no one at work so he's sent home. He's told that despite the working day starting at 9, he should be there at 7, in fact earlier than that. He finds an older guy with a lot of vigour there when he turns up at 6:30, who glares at him when he says "U-umm" rather than good morning. When his good morning is weak, this is blamed on a poor breakfast. This older fellow turns out to be the chairman of the company, who turns out each morning to sweep the street in front of the building. He and Togawa bond, Togawa and his colleagues bond, it's all very sweet. Not much is said about Shihodo, but when it comes time for Togawa to retire, there's a big party for him there in the upstairs space, with a special mention of some business cards made for him (on the letterpress).

In the first story, parents miss their adult daughter (Kotomo) who has moved away for work. The dad is also having trouble with being retired while his wife is still progressing. Kotomo uses a sequence of flash cards and photos to tell their family history and then her own history as an independent adult, to catch her parents up. These are all displayed upstairs in Shihodo - they function to reconnect the three of the, although Kotomo is never actually present in the story. There's a family history to the use of flash cards - the dad used them as an adult student to study from.

The second story is mainly inside the shop - two middle school students are there for work experience. Haruna is shy with a tendency to be taken advantage of, prefers poets to K pop. Her dream is to grow up as fast as possible, buy as many books and writing materials as she can and lead the kind of life where she can have a quiet cup of tea with adult friends who won't make fun of her poets. She loves the Shihodo Stationery Shop. Mihashi is the most popular boy, a football ace, who cared so little about where he did work experience, he made no choices so the school assigned him. He thinks a 7-11 is as good a place as anywhere to buy notebooks, has never been to Shihodo. You might discount him as a fool, but he's not. Working together to create a display brings out the best in both of them - they make a great team, and learn a lot from each other.

[Namratha]

We return to the elegant Ginza neighbourhood and step into the sunlit interiors of the venerable Shihodo Stationery Shop. There, we reacquaint ourselves with Ken Takarada, the kind and intuitive young store manager, who, along with his carefully curated products, continues to dispense his special brand of healing.

-A hardworking, middle-aged couple reconnect with their independent daughter, who is on the cusp of starting a new life. With the unexpected aid of a Flash Card deck, they take a journey back in time, through the many milestones of their seemingly indifferent child, and realize the immense love she has always fostered for her parents.

-Two middle-schoolers: bookish, easily bullied Haruna and confident, popular football star Mihashi must do a job-shadowing assignment at Shihodo. Under Ken’s gentle mentorship, and using left-handed scissors as an analogy, the two students delve into the struggles of those who are different from the norm and realize how fitting into a judgemental world can take a toll on even the most assured personalities.

-On his retirement day, Togawa-san contemplates his seemingly humdrum career within the peaceful confines of the shop. He is touched to see how the stern yet avuncular concerns of his seniors honed a terrified young intern into a person worth emulating.

-Tommy Davis, a mixed-race, successful set designer was once the victim of cruel racism as a child. But a set of meticulously engraved colour pencils and the protective instincts of his grandfather and the original proprietor of Shihodo helped him immensely. And he returns to complete the set.

- Finally, handmade bookmarks give us a peek into the intriguing, lifelong friendship between quiet Ken and vivacious Ryoko, and how a simple act of reaching out to a lonely boy, paved the way for a bond that could grow into something really special.

This second volume continues to touch the cynical corners of my heart. I have found myself welling up at the most unexpected places. And my stationery-loving soul longs to step into this haven and go crazy (but in a respectful way).

Loved it from start to finish

[Alan M]

'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.

[Prerna Shambhavee]

There is a small shop in Tokyo called Shihodo. I've never been there. But after reading this book, I feel like I have.

It sits quietly in Ginza, away from the noise. Behind the counter is Ken Takarada, a man who listens more than he speaks. People come to him for stationery—ink, paper, envelopes, a pair of left-handed scissors someone has searched years for. But really, they come because something in their chest feels heavy and they don't know how to lift it.

A girl being bullied. A man about to retire, afraid of the empty days ahead. Someone grieving. Someone unsure.

Ken doesn't fix them. He just helps them find the right words. On the right paper. In the right ink. And somehow, that small act changes things.

This book is a collection of these quiet stories. Each one is small and simple. A letter written. A feeling finally named. A connection made because someone chose to put pen to paper instead of keeping it all inside.

What I love most is that nothing dramatic happens. No big speeches. No tears falling on pages. Just ordinary people, ordinary problems, and the gentle reminder that writing things down can help us breathe again.

We also learn how Ken met Ryoko, the woman from the café next door. It was nice to see that even the man who helps others carry his own quiet story.

This book made me want to write a letter. Not to send to anyone. Just to write. To see what comes out when I stop typing and start using my own hand.

If you've ever walked into a stationery shop and felt something calm settle in your chest, you will understand this book. If you've ever bought a notebook you were almost too scared to write in because it felt too beautiful, you will understand this book.

It's not loud. It doesn't try to impress you. It just sits with you, quietly, like a good friend who knows when to speak and when to simply pass you a pen.

[fiza nasri]

2nd book in the series and I really enjoyed it as much as the 1st book. The stories stuck with me and I love how each traversed me into its charming and enthralling exploration on one’s loneliness, grief, affection and longing; so comfortingly wise, neat and totally heartwarming. Divided into 5 tales each woven to one stationery item (same plot structure like the previous book) in the backdrop of Shihodo Stationery, I followed 5 narrators in their vignette of quietness and interactions with Ken Takarada; the thoughtful shop owner who goes in between recommending a stationery to listening deeply and sincerely to his customers’ concern and emotional needs.

I fairly love all of the stories esp the Scissors chapter which highlighted on a school bullying theme and a new found friendship in between Haruna and Mihashi after both went to Shihodo for a job-shadow assignment. The tale has a thrilling discussion on stationery items that are easy to use by everyone that I could relate to Haruna’s concern in using the ‘normal’ scissors which not easily usable by a left-handed person.

Both Flash Card Deck and Business Cards having a gripping familial and career related plots with uplifting endings that touched me and I love how Colored Pencils observed on racism while exploring a heartfelt connection in between a grandson and his grandfather. Getting a peek to Ryoko’s POV in Bookmark with her walking down on memory lane premise of her relationship with Ken and how their friendship started; sentimental and quite lovely but I wish I could dig more on Ken’s soul about Ryoko!

A cozy plot, bit slowburn and reflective overall. Totally love the idea of how an object could hold such memorable meaning and becomes like a tool to connect people in between their past and present.

**Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted copy!

[Hasliza Rajab]

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 ♡]

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.

[Varma Shagun]

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"Once I got out into the world, I realised how amazing you are, Dad, Mum. Working is so hard. I am sure you've both been through lots of hard times I know nothing about..."

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I really wanted to read some Japanese Literature. That's when I picked up a few highly recommended and globally loved books, including this one.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The book cover is so pretty! The sakura, the cat and the calligraphy pens, everything perfectly complements the vibe of the book. The title is in sync with the first book in the series.

𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓ This is book two in the The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop Series, but it can be read as standalone. However, I recommend reading the first book too.
✓ The story is set around a stationary shop, owned by Ken Takarada. It's not very popular but, is considered a gem by those who know about it. The shop is loved for its beautiful collection and the owner's charm.
✓ The story follows certain characters, burdened by life, who visit the stationary shop and find solace by expressing their feelings to the owner.
✓ These characters and their stories feel candid and realistic. I could relate to certain aspects of the story.
✓ The book overall focuses on healing and gentle untangling of thoughts.
✓ This book is absolutely perfect for a rainy afternoon or an evening followed by a tiring day. I'm in love with the ambience, the characters, and the overall warmth of the story.

[Apoorva Sharma]

Notes from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop felt like returning to a quiet little place that instantly makes you feel calm. Set in a small stationery shop in Japan, the story follows the shop owner, Ken Takarada, and the different people who come in looking for pens, paper, and sometimes something more than just stationery.

What I liked most about this book was how it focused more on the people and their stories rather than only on the stationery. The descriptions of the writing tools are still there, but they feel lighter and easier to follow this time, which made the reading experience smoother. The shop really feels like a peaceful space where people slow down, reflect, and deal with whatever they’re carrying in their hearts.

I also enjoyed the little connections to the first book, like mentions of the old press in the basement now working again. These small details made the story feel warm and familiar without being confusing or heavy.

The overall vibe of the book is slow, gentle, and comforting and therefore perfect if you’re in the mood for something calm and cosy. There were a few moments where the conversations felt a bit stiff, but honestly, it didn’t bother me much or take away from the story.

This isn’t a book with big drama or fast-paced action, but that’s kind of the point.