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Postcards from Japan: A Novel
From the author of the international bestseller Ikigai comes a tender and thought-provoking novel of love, mystery and cultural discovery.
When mysterious postcards from Japan arrive out of the blue, Samuel-a university lecturer who is profoundly disillusioned with life-doesn't know what to think. At around the same time, Samuel's girlfriend splits up with him, and he is heartbroken.
Samuel's good friend Meritxell suggests he takes a holiday to Japan-he can recover from his heartbreak and maybe discover who sent the postcards and why. When he arrives in Japan, he is so taken with the food, the scenery, the people, the temples, that he almost forgets to look for the sender of the postcards. But when he meets the beautiful Mizuki, he finds himself on a journey of self-discovery he would never have imagined. . .
Written with Francesc Miralles's signature insight and wit, Postcards from Japan is a charming and uplifting story about second chances, cultural connection and the beauty of imperfection. Ideal for fans of healing fiction/cozy fiction such as Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop.
When mysterious postcards from Japan arrive out of the blue, Samuel-a university lecturer who is profoundly disillusioned with life-doesn't know what to think. At around the same time, Samuel's girlfriend splits up with him, and he is heartbroken.
Samuel's good friend Meritxell suggests he takes a holiday to Japan-he can recover from his heartbreak and maybe discover who sent the postcards and why. When he arrives in Japan, he is so taken with the food, the scenery, the people, the temples, that he almost forgets to look for the sender of the postcards. But when he meets the beautiful Mizuki, he finds himself on a journey of self-discovery he would never have imagined. . .
Written with Francesc Miralles's signature insight and wit, Postcards from Japan is a charming and uplifting story about second chances, cultural connection and the beauty of imperfection. Ideal for fans of healing fiction/cozy fiction such as Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2026
About the author
Francesc Miralles
241 books652 followersSon of a dressmaker and an erudite office worker, he was born in Barcelona on the 27th August 1968. After spending eight years in a religious school in la Ribera –just beside the Palau de la Música¡–, he attended high school at the extinguished academy ALMI and IES MONTSERRAT.
Despite his bad grades, he was accepted into the UAB’s faculty of Journalism, which he quited after four months. That the same year, he started to work as a waiter at LES PUCES DEL BARRI GÒTIC, a bar in the Gothic Quarter where he learned to play the piano.
In the following year, returning to the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, he started studying English Literature, which he combined with precarious language teacher jobs. After five years of being a sloth, he stalled at the third year of his studies and quited them again.
Having been attacked by travel fever since the age of seventeen, he decided to leave everything behind to travel the world. A bunch of chance encounters led him to live in Croatia and Slovenia during the armed conflicts.
Upon returning to Barcelona, he resumed his academic life as a student of German Literature at the Universidad de Barcelona. Once he completed his studies, he attended a master for publishers. His entrance in the editorial world had started a year earlier, as translator of German and English spirituality and alternative therapy books.
Before finishing his postgraduate studies, he got hired as editor for a publishing house specializing in self-help books. There, he directed several collections, and he also wrote many different types of work under a pseudonym.
After leaving the publishing house, he promised to himself never to work again for a company. He decided to try his luck with a first youth novel. Since then, he basically dedicates himself to writing, and works as literary adviser for different publishing houses and an agency.
LOVE IN LOWERCASE (AMOR EN MINUSCULA), already translated into twenty languages, is getting published in 2016 by Penguin USA. This book also has its second part, eight years later, in the WABI-SABI novel, about the beauty of imperfection, which will be published in UK this may.
Nowadays he combines literature and journalism, and on a monthly basis publishes articles in EL PAÍS SEMANAL, and in the magazines CUERPOMENTE and MENTESANA. Beyond this, he also works for the radio and offers literary Sherpa services and art therapies.
*****************************************************
Hijo de una modista y de un administrativo ilustrado, nació en Barcelona el 27 de agosto de 1968. Tras pasar ocho años en una escuela de curas de la Ribera —al lado del Palau de la Música—, cursó bachillerato entre la desaparecida academia ALMI y el IES MONTSERRAT.
Pese a su mal expediente consiguió ingresar en la facultad de Periodismo de la UAB, carrera que abandonó al cabo de cuatro meses. Aquel mismo año entró a trabajar de camarero en LES PUCES DEL BARRI GÒTIC, una taberna de la calle Montsió donde aprendió a tocar el piano.
Nuevamente en la Autónoma, el año siguiente inició la carrera de Filología Inglesa, que combinaría con empleos precarios de profesor de idiomas. Tras cinco años de desidia, se estancó en tercer curso de carrera y volvió a abandonar los estudios.
Atacado desde los 17 años por la fiebre del viajero, decidió dejarlo todo para vagar por el mundo. Un cúmulo de casualidades le llevaron a vivir en Croacia y Eslovenia durante los conflictos bélicos, peripecia que relataría muchos años después en su libro CAFÈ BALCÀNIC.
De regreso a Barcelona, se reenganchó a la vida académica como estudiante de Filología Alemana en la Central. Completada la carrera, hizo un postgrado para editores. Su ingreso en el mundo editorial había empezado ya un año antes, como traductor de alemán e inglés de libros de espiritualidad y terapias alternativas.
Inmediatamente después fue contratado como editor por un sello de autoayuda. Allí dirigió diversa
Despite his bad grades, he was accepted into the UAB’s faculty of Journalism, which he quited after four months. That the same year, he started to work as a waiter at LES PUCES DEL BARRI GÒTIC, a bar in the Gothic Quarter where he learned to play the piano.
In the following year, returning to the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, he started studying English Literature, which he combined with precarious language teacher jobs. After five years of being a sloth, he stalled at the third year of his studies and quited them again.
Having been attacked by travel fever since the age of seventeen, he decided to leave everything behind to travel the world. A bunch of chance encounters led him to live in Croatia and Slovenia during the armed conflicts.
Upon returning to Barcelona, he resumed his academic life as a student of German Literature at the Universidad de Barcelona. Once he completed his studies, he attended a master for publishers. His entrance in the editorial world had started a year earlier, as translator of German and English spirituality and alternative therapy books.
Before finishing his postgraduate studies, he got hired as editor for a publishing house specializing in self-help books. There, he directed several collections, and he also wrote many different types of work under a pseudonym.
After leaving the publishing house, he promised to himself never to work again for a company. He decided to try his luck with a first youth novel. Since then, he basically dedicates himself to writing, and works as literary adviser for different publishing houses and an agency.
LOVE IN LOWERCASE (AMOR EN MINUSCULA), already translated into twenty languages, is getting published in 2016 by Penguin USA. This book also has its second part, eight years later, in the WABI-SABI novel, about the beauty of imperfection, which will be published in UK this may.
Nowadays he combines literature and journalism, and on a monthly basis publishes articles in EL PAÍS SEMANAL, and in the magazines CUERPOMENTE and MENTESANA. Beyond this, he also works for the radio and offers literary Sherpa services and art therapies.
*****************************************************
Hijo de una modista y de un administrativo ilustrado, nació en Barcelona el 27 de agosto de 1968. Tras pasar ocho años en una escuela de curas de la Ribera —al lado del Palau de la Música—, cursó bachillerato entre la desaparecida academia ALMI y el IES MONTSERRAT.
Pese a su mal expediente consiguió ingresar en la facultad de Periodismo de la UAB, carrera que abandonó al cabo de cuatro meses. Aquel mismo año entró a trabajar de camarero en LES PUCES DEL BARRI GÒTIC, una taberna de la calle Montsió donde aprendió a tocar el piano.
Nuevamente en la Autónoma, el año siguiente inició la carrera de Filología Inglesa, que combinaría con empleos precarios de profesor de idiomas. Tras cinco años de desidia, se estancó en tercer curso de carrera y volvió a abandonar los estudios.
Atacado desde los 17 años por la fiebre del viajero, decidió dejarlo todo para vagar por el mundo. Un cúmulo de casualidades le llevaron a vivir en Croacia y Eslovenia durante los conflictos bélicos, peripecia que relataría muchos años después en su libro CAFÈ BALCÀNIC.
De regreso a Barcelona, se reenganchó a la vida académica como estudiante de Filología Alemana en la Central. Completada la carrera, hizo un postgrado para editores. Su ingreso en el mundo editorial había empezado ya un año antes, como traductor de alemán e inglés de libros de espiritualidad y terapias alternativas.
Inmediatamente después fue contratado como editor por un sello de autoayuda. Allí dirigió diversa
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 21, 2026
⭐ 4.5 This book was such an entertaining read. More than just following a journey, I felt like I was traveling through Japan right alongside the main character. I learned so many little things while reading—from the idea of Wabi-sabi and appreciating imperfection, to seeing Japanese culture through everyday moments and experiences.
I genuinely enjoyed all of the adventures throughout the story. It’s one of those books that keeps you turning the pages because you keep thinking, Okay… what happens next? I always wanted to read just one more chapter.
I also loved how the story wrapped up. Although I have to admit… I got a little annoyed when I found out who was actually sending the postcards 😅 I had my own ideas in mind, so that reveal definitely caught me off guard.
And honestly? If those postcards had never been sent, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to travel around Japan in my imagination either. That’s what I loved most about this book—it made me feel like I was wandering through places, meeting people, and experiencing a little piece of Japan without ever leaving home.
At first, I thought there would be a touch of fantasy in the story, but surprisingly, it ended up being a refreshing break from all the magical realism books I’ve been reading this month. Sometimes you need a quieter story—something grounded yet still capable of transporting you somewhere else.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who love books that feel like a journey: stories filled with culture, self-discovery, and adventures that make you want to pack a bag and book a ticket. ✈️📚🇯🇵
I genuinely enjoyed all of the adventures throughout the story. It’s one of those books that keeps you turning the pages because you keep thinking, Okay… what happens next? I always wanted to read just one more chapter.
I also loved how the story wrapped up. Although I have to admit… I got a little annoyed when I found out who was actually sending the postcards 😅 I had my own ideas in mind, so that reveal definitely caught me off guard.
And honestly? If those postcards had never been sent, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to travel around Japan in my imagination either. That’s what I loved most about this book—it made me feel like I was wandering through places, meeting people, and experiencing a little piece of Japan without ever leaving home.
At first, I thought there would be a touch of fantasy in the story, but surprisingly, it ended up being a refreshing break from all the magical realism books I’ve been reading this month. Sometimes you need a quieter story—something grounded yet still capable of transporting you somewhere else.
Overall, I’d recommend this to readers who love books that feel like a journey: stories filled with culture, self-discovery, and adventures that make you want to pack a bag and book a ticket. ✈️📚🇯🇵
May 13, 2026
At times I did not know where the story was heading, but I’m glad I carried on reading. The style of writing is simple, and the overall message is revealed at the end.
June 15, 2026
'We come from nothing and are headed for nothing. In between, we are something. This something is what we call life.'
So begins this beguiling and enjoyable love letter to Japan. Samuel is at a loss when he splits from his girlfriend Gabriela. Mysterious postcards suddenly start appearing from Japan, and Samuel is persuaded that not only would a break be good for him, but he could also try and find out just who is sending the cards.
And so off he goes, to Kyoto first, and then touring around, taking in Tokyo and many of the popular tourist destinations. In Kyoto he finds solace in a tiny bar, and meets Mizuki, the daughter of one of the locals. As his adventures continue there are references aplenty for anyone interested in Japanese culture, old and new: Murakami, the film 'Lost in Translation', Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows'.... Losing himself in the culture and wonder of Japan, Samuel finds a new way to look at his life and returns to his home in Barcelona.
A really enjoyable read, almost like a journey around Japan for the reader as much as the central character. A wonderful 4.5 stars.
So begins this beguiling and enjoyable love letter to Japan. Samuel is at a loss when he splits from his girlfriend Gabriela. Mysterious postcards suddenly start appearing from Japan, and Samuel is persuaded that not only would a break be good for him, but he could also try and find out just who is sending the cards.
And so off he goes, to Kyoto first, and then touring around, taking in Tokyo and many of the popular tourist destinations. In Kyoto he finds solace in a tiny bar, and meets Mizuki, the daughter of one of the locals. As his adventures continue there are references aplenty for anyone interested in Japanese culture, old and new: Murakami, the film 'Lost in Translation', Tanizaki's 'In Praise of Shadows'.... Losing himself in the culture and wonder of Japan, Samuel finds a new way to look at his life and returns to his home in Barcelona.
A really enjoyable read, almost like a journey around Japan for the reader as much as the central character. A wonderful 4.5 stars.
July 22, 2026
"It is better to travel full of hope than to arrive." - Japanese proverb
"Over time I've learned that solitude isn't the way to go about discovering yourself. You do that through other people. Once you've given up everything, it's relatively easy to climb a mountain and sit there dong nothing, letting the days slip by. It's more difficult -indeed it's the supreme art -to have a relationship with someone who's different from you. This is where your skills reveal your true measure as a human being."
The epigraph and prelude were my favourite parts of this short little read. Beautiful cover and fore-edge art as well. Written by a Spanish author, though it did read so very Japanese to me, reminding me of other prose I've read from Japanese (male) authors.
An easy story to follow as our narrator, Samuel travels to Kyoto after a break and because of some mysterious post-cards. I'm heading to Japan in the fall so thought this would be a good atmospheric book to read though I wouldn't really call this travel literature. We learn about wabi-sabi and some other Japanese concepts, and Samuel does a bit of growing and realizing. Can't say this one touched me too much.
"Over time I've learned that solitude isn't the way to go about discovering yourself. You do that through other people. Once you've given up everything, it's relatively easy to climb a mountain and sit there dong nothing, letting the days slip by. It's more difficult -indeed it's the supreme art -to have a relationship with someone who's different from you. This is where your skills reveal your true measure as a human being."
The epigraph and prelude were my favourite parts of this short little read. Beautiful cover and fore-edge art as well. Written by a Spanish author, though it did read so very Japanese to me, reminding me of other prose I've read from Japanese (male) authors.
An easy story to follow as our narrator, Samuel travels to Kyoto after a break and because of some mysterious post-cards. I'm heading to Japan in the fall so thought this would be a good atmospheric book to read though I wouldn't really call this travel literature. We learn about wabi-sabi and some other Japanese concepts, and Samuel does a bit of growing and realizing. Can't say this one touched me too much.
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
Dalam novel Postcards from Japan ini dikisahkan Samuel, seorang dosen yang sedang mengalami krisis eksistensial dan patah hati, yang tiba-tiba menerima serangkaian kartu pos misterius dari Jepang. Terinspirasi oleh pesan-pesan dari masa lalu tersebut, Samuel memutuskan untuk melakukan perjalanan ke Kyoto, sebuah kota yang keindahan klasiknya perlahan menyembuhkan jiwanya yang lelah. Di antara kuil-kuil kuno, taman yang tenang, dan hidangan yang tak terlupakan, ia bertemu dengan Mizuki yang begitu memikat hatinya. Mizuki membantunya melihat keindahan dalam ketidaksempurnaan. Perjalanannya bukan sekadar mencari pengirim kartu pos, melainkan sebuah pencarian jati diri yang membawanya pada pemahaman baru tentang arti kebahagiaan. Novel ini ditulis dengan kedalaman filosofi hidup dan harapan akan awal yang baru.
https://blog.periplus.com/2026/03/03/...
https://blog.periplus.com/2026/03/03/...
May 7, 2026
It had great Japanese concepts. Particularly the wabi-sabi one seemed fascinating to me. Makes you really want to sit and ponder on things around you.
I would recommend it for days when you just feel stuck. A bit boring for other days.
One thing that made it confusing for me was the discovery that Richard died drunk after finding out that his wife was sleeping with his best friend. And she’s healing from all this trauma by giving a foreigner “a night full of pleasure”??????? Making advances at him in the name of being a “modern geisha”???
Make it make sense to me.
I would recommend it for days when you just feel stuck. A bit boring for other days.
One thing that made it confusing for me was the discovery that Richard died drunk after finding out that his wife was sleeping with his best friend. And she’s healing from all this trauma by giving a foreigner “a night full of pleasure”??????? Making advances at him in the name of being a “modern geisha”???
Make it make sense to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
This book was the exact escape that I didn't even know I needed. It has a quiet, healing pace that allows the reader to gently experience the hurt, while slowly moving towards healing.
I absolutely adored the concept of wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection—and it left me wanting to learn even more about it. Joining the main character on his adventure to delve into this philosophy was both eye-opening and refreshing. There is just so much soul packed into such a small book. A beautiful, comforting read that will stay with me for a long time. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely adored the concept of wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection—and it left me wanting to learn even more about it. Joining the main character on his adventure to delve into this philosophy was both eye-opening and refreshing. There is just so much soul packed into such a small book. A beautiful, comforting read that will stay with me for a long time. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 16, 2026
This was an easy read. Francesc Miralles, who also writes about Wabi Sabi and the beauty of imperfection, uses this book to trace his own journey toward understanding the concept. It offers small moments of insight and gentle reflections, but overall, it was just okay for me.
There are tidbits of wisdom scattered throughout, yet I found myself wishing the book had been written with more depth and profundity. The ideas are meaningful, but they felt a bit surface-level compared to what I hoped to find.
There are tidbits of wisdom scattered throughout, yet I found myself wishing the book had been written with more depth and profundity. The ideas are meaningful, but they felt a bit surface-level compared to what I hoped to find.
June 23, 2026
Wow ! This has to be the best thing I’ve read in awhile. It was so easy to read and once I started reading I didn’t want to put it down. I adored Samuel and Titus’s relationship. Also the concept of wabi-sabi love is so interesting I intend to read more about it. Overall a beautiful book that hammers home that nothing is forever and all one can really do is make the most of the tiny moments that elicit joy within us. 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a copy of this book at the PLA Convention and had to start reading it right away. I fell in love with this little book about a man who is lost and receives postcards from Japan so he goes there to discover more about the person sending them. And he finds himself there but also a better person back home too.
May 31, 2026
I bought this book because I found the book itself to be beautiful, I love sending and receiving postcards, and I had recently been to Japan and absolutely loved this country. It was a lovely story and brought up many memories and also introduced me new authors, ideas and Japanese history and culture. I am having an Asahi beer to celebrate finishing this lovely story! 😊
June 17, 2026
3.5 “What for some people is an embarrassment, for others is an experience that is more valuable than any degree or successful undertaking.”
interesting read and wrapped up nicely. how life is easily changed by things u thought are small but they then carry big impact in ur life. makes u want to pack ur bags and go on a journey of self-discovery.
interesting read and wrapped up nicely. how life is easily changed by things u thought are small but they then carry big impact in ur life. makes u want to pack ur bags and go on a journey of self-discovery.
June 28, 2026
Did I miss something? Maybe it was the translation, but nothing happened. We didn’t scratch past the surface on anything, kept waiting for something to make me feel something but nothing did. A couple of good quotes but that’s all that stuck with me unfort
Review of advance copy
Mildly interesting. Easy to read. Liveable characters and relatable.
May 18, 2026
I only liked the nuggets of wisdom
June 5, 2026
Good book with a nice meaning to it.
June 19, 2026
Yet another wonderful book by a Japanese author. Just simple incidents which can be interpreted on any level chosen by the reader. It is also physically a particularly beautiful book.
July 4, 2026
“That it’s foolish to look far away for what you already have close by — and that things never turn out the way you want. That nothing is perfect and nothing lasts forever. That everything changes.
July 26, 2026
easy read for someone who hasn’t picked up a book for pleasure in almost four years. clear message and somewhat satisfying end but some parts come out of nowhere idk
August 2, 2026
A cosy, simplistic read. I'm genuinely happy that I got the chance to read, explore and delve into certain Japanese philosophies and cultures while reading this.
August 4, 2026
Very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews