Kanazawa

by David Joiner

2022 Foreword Indies Book of the Year Finalist (Multicultural) | Included in The Japan Times’ “Exciting books and translations from Japan to look out for in 2021”

In Kanazawa, Japan, Emmitt and his wife Mirai clash over how to pursue their future together until a 30-year-old mystery reveals a way forward.

In Kanazawa, the first literary novel in English to be set in this storied Japanese city, Emmitt’s future plans collapse when his wife, Mirai, suddenly backs out of negotiations to purchase their dream home. Disappointed, he’s surprised to discover Mirai’s subtle pursuit of a life and career in Tokyo, a city he dislikes.

Harmony is further disrupted when Emmitt’s search for a more meaningful life in Japan leads him to quit an unsatisfying job at a local university. In the fallout, he finds himself helping his mother-in-law translate Kanazawa’s most famous author, Izumi Kyoka, into English.

While continually resisting Mirai’s efforts to move to Tokyo, Emmitt becomes drawn into the mysterious death thirty years prior of a mutual friend of Mirai’s parents. It is only when he and his father-in-law climb the mountain where the man died that he learns the somber truth, and in turn discovers what the future holds for him and his wife.

Packed with subtle literary allusion and closely observed nuance, with an intimacy of emotion inexorably tied both to the cityscape and Japan’s mountainous terrain, Kanazawa reflects the mood of Japanese fiction in a fresh, modern incarnation.

Genres: Japan, Fiction, Japanese Literature, Asian Literature

264 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

David Joiner is the 2024 International Rubery Book Award Winner in Fiction for his novel The Heron Catchers, published by Stone Bridge Press in late 2023. The novel is the second in a planned series of novels set in Ishikawa prefecture, and was also a finalist in the 2023 American Writing Awards, the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and the 2023 Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award. In January 2022, Stone Bridge Press also published his second novel, Kanazawa, which was a finalist for the 2022 Foreword Indies Book of the Year Award. His debut novel Lotusland, originally published in 2015 by Guernica Editions, was re-issued in a revised edition in early 2025.

David first came to Asia in 1991 on a five-month study program in Sapporo, Japan. He followed that in 1994 with a one-year volunteer teaching job in Vietnam, when he became the first American since the end of the Vietnam War to live and work in Dong Nai province. He has spent over 12 years in Vietnam, having made his home in HCMC, Ha Noi, Mui Ne, and Bien Hoa.

In Japan, he has lived in Sapporo, Akita, Tokyo, Fukui, and Kanazawa, and in 2017 he and his wife bought and renovated a traditional Japanese house in an old craft village in Yamanaka Onsen, a 1300-year-old hot spring resort that the haiku poet Basho helped make famous.

For more about David and his writing, please visit david-joiner.com

Reviews

[Alwynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Joiner’s story of cultural and marital conflict’s set in Kanazawa, in the north-west of Japan, a city famous for its arts and crafts, increasingly popular as a tourist destination. The novel centres on Emmitt an American university lecturer who’s settled in Japan together with his Japanese wife Mirai, an accomplished ikebana practitioner. The couple live in relative harmony with Mirai’s parents. The slender plot concerns the beginnings of a rift between Emmitt and Mirai, set off by his obsession with purchasing and renovating a traditional, but dilapidated, Japanese house, one that fits with his particular fantasy of being one with authentic Japanese culture and history. But the prospect’s less than pleasing to Mirai who doesn’t share Emmitt’s romanticised view of Japan’s past, instead she dreams of a different future in Tokyo. Interwoven with their experiences are references to the life and work of the writer Kyōka Izumi, born in Kanazawa in 1873, as well as to his many fans including Mishima - whose family also had ties to the city. Joiner’s prose, particularly when it comes to his characters, tends toward the efficient rather than the memorable or persuasive yet comes alive in his lovingly-detailed depiction of Kanazawa itself, as well as the surrounding countryside and landscapes. Despite some reservations, especially around the dynamics of Mirai and Emmitt’s relationship, I found this incredibly absorbing mostly because Joiner’s obvious love of Kanazawa and of classic Japanese literature was hard to resist. Although I did sometimes wonder why he’d elected to represent these interests through fiction rather than non-fiction or memoir. Also included are useful background notes about Kyōka Izumi’s life and work, and I’m looking forward to exploring his stories for myself in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Stone Bridge Press for an arc

[Kate♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5stars

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed this! The writing style was lovely, and I don't know how else to say it but the writing and descriptions and everything felt very cold, like I'm currently in a hot environment but I could feel the temperature of the book if that makes sense?? I also thought this book was very relatable just being about to adults who don't seem to actually know each other as well as they thought they did but also they don't really know themselves as well as they thought they did. Also lots of discussions about culture and cultural differences, as well as burnout and doing things that actually make you happy rather than necessarily being the best choice for your life. I really enjoyed it and I thought this was a really unique perspective being from an author and a character who were not born in Japan but are experiencing Japan and Japanese culture! I highly recommend for people who enjoy the very quiet slice of Life pieces of Japanese literature.

[David]

In lieu of writing a review of my own novel, I thought I might provide readers with a few ways to learn more about it. If you’re inclined to listen to and/or read more about my work, please visit the links below. I hope you enjoy them!

First off is a February 2023 interview I did with Peter Goodman, my publisher at Stone Bridge Press, who asked about my novels Kanazawa (2022) and The Heron Catchers (forthcoming) and what it's like to be a writer in Japan. It's barely 20 minutes long, so have a listen if you've got the time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf9U9...

There is also a YouTube video of a presentation and Q&A I did at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan in Tokyo at the end of 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqMJ39-iL6c/

I also did a podcast interview with Amy Chavez for Books on Asia, which can be heard here:

https://booksonasia.net/podcast/boa-podcast-19-novelist-david-joiner-talks-kanazawa/

Another interview I did with John Dougill can be found on the Writers in Kyoto website:

https://www.writersinkyoto.com/2022/01/david-joiner-kanazawa/

And finally, the following links are to a handful of reviews:

https://lithub.com/5-books-you-may-have-missed-in-january-3/

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2022/01/22/books/kanazawa-david-joiner/

https://booksonasia.net/2022/01/05/review-kanazawa-by-david-joiner/

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/862374/ (World Literature Today)

https://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/kanazawa/

https://asiamedia.lmu.edu/2021/12/14/book-review-kanazawa-2022-by-david-joiner-a-literary-love-letter-to-the-japanese-countryside/

https://tonysreadinglist.wordpress.com/2023/10/30/kanazawa-by-david-joiner-review/

Thank you!

David

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautiful novel, set in a eponymous city on the Sea of Japan on Japan's western side, David Joiner's central character, Emmitt, has built a life with Mirai and her family ("She had always made Japan more accessible to him, and a happier place to make his life"). Dissatisfied with his position as a teacher of English in a local university, Emmitt feels his students are phoning it in and so longs for a more immersive Japanese experience, to live in a traditional home or machiya, and translate the works of Izumi Kyoka, a native of Kanazawa who died in 1939. There is so much included in these pages. Mirai, pursuing a career as an Ichibana artist ("People didn't allow themselves to see art in their everyday lives, and this diminished her chances to communicate with a potential audience") dreams of moving to Tokyo in the belief it will be beneficial. Oddly, I didn't feel a connection with Marai as strongly as that with her parents who, although always referred to as "his father and mother-in-law, "are never named. And of course Emmitt. This is the thinnest of outlines. Every page provides illumination of what it means to live in a country where art is revered, authors iconified, and I must admit to my lifelong admiration for the Japanese aesthetic - a minimalist style unchanged for centuries providing peace and beauty. Highly highly recommended.

[Books on Asia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Tina deBellegarde

In Kanazawa, David Joiner delivers a slow-burning family drama reminiscent of a film by Yasujirō Ozu or Hirokazu Koreeda. This is a modern tale that, like its protagonist, keeps one foot in the past. It tells the story of Emmitt, an ex-pat, who is seeking a connection with Japan’s history and tradition. He loves the city of Kanazawa with its history and traditions intact, and he dreams of settling into a machiya, a traditional home that represents Japan’s past as well as Emmitt’s idea of his future.

While Emmitt looks to the past, his wife Mirai is more inclined toward Tokyo, where her sister is accomplishing her dreams and where Mirai hopes to recapture her own missed opportunities. For Emmitt, Tokyo represents the opposite of what he seeks. The disparity in their needs and how they seek to resolve it is at the heart of the story.

When we first meet Emmitt and Mirai, they are living an uneventful existence with the protagonist’s in-laws in a not-so-new but modern home. While Emmitt and Mirai are navigating their plans for their future, his in-laws are having a similar marital tug of war over their past. Slowly the older couples’ history bubbles to the surface and needs to be addressed. Climbing Mount Hakusan becomes an imperative for the father-in-law and we come to learn it is connected to his secret. The mountain journey is where the narrative unravels and is the catalyst for the characters to start untangling their problems.

This is a domestic drama about family units, about homes (especially modern versus traditional), and about the cities that house these homes, particularly Kanazawa, Tokyo and Shiramine. Each family member is tackling at least one issue, but each is handling it in their own quiet way. This does not mean there isn’t conflict, but the conflict is muted since all four characters care deeply for one another and are navigating their issues while carefully avoiding hurting others.

At the heart of the story is Emmitt’s search for purpose. He leaves his teaching job without lining up another position so he can find his way. When asked how he feels about the risk he has taken, he responds, “I want to branch out into something new, where I can test myself in a way I never have before. I don’t mean just a new livelihood, which is part of it, but a new way of living. … Everyone needs a sense of purpose. I had none until I quit. Risking that was no risk at all.” (pp161-162)

He finds his way via Izumi Kyōka’s literature and Kyōka’s city of Kanazawa, both of which have the power to stir within him a longing for the past. Kyōka (1873-1939) had an aversion to contemporary society of his time and Emmitt also looks to the past for meaning and purpose.

Joiner adds a layer of reading pleasure by intertwining key aspects of Kyōka’s works into his own narrative. Even I, who was only able to access a couple of Kyōka’s stories, could enjoy the homage.

Emmitt commits to the challenging project of translating Kyōka and discovers an unexpected sense of fulfillment. “The idea that writing could be sacred made Emmitt approach translating with a deeper sense of purpose. More importantly, working with Kyōka’s writing helped Emmitt feel he was evoking the past, even keeping it alive. And in doing this he realized he was finding a place for himself.” (p184) I see this reflected in Joiner’s writing as well, where he treats language as sacred and uses it with delicacy and respect.

Emmitt is trying to absorb the culture, history and literary legacy of Kanazawa. He has the benefit of the eyes of an outsider. The Japanese culture is fascinating, beautiful and long, and for a non-native, the possibilities of investigation are endless. For a life-long learner such as Emmitt, this is ideal. In the end, Emmitt concludes that he finally discovered where he stands in relation to the past. This is what he had been seeking.

Kanazawa is a gentle tale. It is not chaotic and swelling with noise or action. Each scene is quietly painted and, even in distress, holds some comfort. There is no big conflict upon which the story turns, rather, there are a series of important decisions with consequences and after each one, the characters reshuffle and readjust to the new normal. The Japanese narrative structure of kishōtenketsu is easily recognized here by the subtle shifts and the slow evolution rather than a destructive conflict.

This book is a reminder that there is meaning in our day to day existence. Literature of this sort encourages us to see the beauty of our mundane lives and to embrace our daily routines. Alex Kerr refers to Kanazawaas a “graceful novel of a graceful city” and indeed, it is just that.

Joiner has expressed his hopes that Kyōka’s readership spreads, that his work will not disappear. I for one, have had my interest piqued. I intend to visit Kanazawa and Shiramine. I want to read more Kyōka. And isn’t that what any author wants? To have readers think, and learn and investigate as a result of their art?

Read the full review on the Books on Asia site.

[Garry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: David Joiner is a friend. Even so, I believe I can give an honest review of the novel. I would not praise a book I hadn't enjoyed - I simply wouldn't review it. I have read a number of drafts of Kanazawa, and consider it not only a highly accomplished novel, but a very unusual one. The author knows contemporary Japan very well indeed, and (as always in his writing) portrays it so vividly that you feel as if you have been there, and in addition is so steeped in classic Japanese fiction - not just Kyoka, the Kanazawa author whom the protagonist translates, but the better-known ones too such as Kawabata, Tanizaki, and Mishima - that there is a perceptible Japanese influence, and yet he is not imitating, but rather refracting the experience of a westerner living in the country through a Japanese lens. So the book shares some of restraint, the economy, and the precision of the classic literature, and yet is very much a contemporary novel, and one which shows Japan and its people and culture from a quite different angle, that of the foreigner. Along with this, there's a cast of complex, very human characters, and an engaging story that's very cleverly constructed. The two plots turn out to be interwoven, so that everything in Mirai's parents' story ends up being relevant for her and her husband too. It's a deeply affecting novel that provides great insight into aspects of Japan that are seldom discussed, and leaves you pondering the nature and role of love in life. Take the trip to Kanazawa - you will be pleased you did.

[Yoshay Lindblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to @netgalley and @ddjoiner for this ARC
On a cold, snowy day, Emmitt learns about his wife Mirai’s hesitation to continue with their plans of signing a lease for their dream home. His plans to live separately from his inlaws and start a family in a house of his own fall apart when Mirai doesn’t appear to sign the said lease. His disappointment and frustration increase when he realises that Mirai wishes to live and work in Tokyo. For Emmitt, Tokyo is the last city he wants to live in. On the verge of burnout, he quits his job at the university. Despite his wife’s attempts to move to Tokyo, Emmitt continues to live with his inlaws in Kanazawa, determined to find his true calling.
This beautiful literary novel sets a quiet and pensive atmosphere through its many contemplations on art in Kanazawa, with the main focus in Izumi Kyoka’s works. Joiner paints a deeply touching story of a family through allusions to Kyoka's life and works, drawing parallels between with modern brush strokes.
I couldn’t help empathising with Emmitt’s disappointments, frustrations and inability to sometimes grasp people around him, which carried undertones of a culture clash. To live in a vastly different culture and endeavour to make it yours as best one can, sometimes failing miserably, hovering in the periphery; other times being woven into its fabric like you have always been a part of it like Emmitt does, struck a deep chord in me. With its meditative pace, this book is not one to be read in a day or two, but a slow and contemplative reading is the best justice you can do for this beautiful work. Engaging with the story by searching for landmarks mentioned in the novel and reading about Kyoka and his works brought me the closest to this literary fiction in a way that I haven’t experienced before. I strongly recommend this novel to everyone who likes stories with a calm meditative pace with subtle twists.

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this coming up for review on Netgalley, I immediately downloaded it, without having read the blurb. (sumimasen!) I fell in love with the book cover immediately, and then there is of course the title that caught my attention- Kanazawa - the ancient samurai city in Japan.

Although I have never been to Japan (yet), I have - albeit a very rudimentary- knowledge of Japan, its customs, traditions and manners.
I have an ikkyu in jiu jitsu and aikido, and have - as part of my fascination for Japan (& anime fan), collected shiboridashi & kyusu ever since college - when I started starting drinking proper tea (matcha, sencha and gyokuro).

This delightful novel consists of two layers: the first one is about Emmitt and his Japanese wife Mirai who are at a crossroads in their lives. We are observers and witnesses of their daily struggles, yet, the author also wants us to observe how Japan ‘works’ for a 外国人 ( - foreigner).
Here, we see two worlds collide, the western world vs the Japanese take on the world. Through Emmitt’s pov (US) we see how to go about and how easily it is to offend somebody.
Mirai didn’t turn up to sign for the lease, - she would rather risk her marriage and her relationship with her husband, than disagreeing in public, for fear of ‘mentsu wo ushinau’ - and is later shocked to hear her husband quitting his university job, without having found another position. (Being unemployed in Japan will gain you no sympathy, the government may even revoke permission to stay in Japan if you are out of work).

This delightful novel tells it all, from umeboshi (salted plums, yes, salted fruit, and it is truly delicious!), to numerous examples of how to offend (talking on buses/trains, raising your voice, being too loud, or inconsiderate in public, not knowing your place, et&), working 100+ hrs/week, the devastating social pressure, traditional vs modern Japan, culture, literature, and places to see.

The novel reads like a diorama, not only does it give us a glimpse into everyday Japanese family life, but it also tells us about all the beautiful and old things (Noh theater, art, gardens, literature, and much more) Japan has to offer to the world.

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this review copy, this opinion is my own.

4.5 stars.

[Erik Raschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting things about Kanazawa was the slow, gradual tension that is seemingly personified at the very end. I kept wondering (and studying) how Joiner skillfully moved the story along in such a way that it matched the development of Emmit and Mirai’s relationship. There is a zen mastery in the writing here, a complete control over the characters and story, but not enough to dry it out. Emmit is fallible and his inner-dialogue an exploration of his insecurities. The few surprises that change the characters directions are gentle, minor, but fascinating in how they ripple through the novel. There is a bit of Henry James here, where progression and movement are released as if through a sluice, gently raising the water-level so as to allow the narration just the room it needs to maneuver into your subconscious.

[Mel Schenck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky if I get time to read two fiction books a year, and I am very happy that I selected David Joiner’s book “Kanazawa” to read. I had forgotten once again how good literature like this can help a reader to understand his/her own life better. This book had an evocative effect on me as I saw my own spousal relationship in a new light as the complicated interaction between the young interracial couple in this book unfolded. In particular, this novel focuses on finding one’s way in a different direction than originally planned, and this is a quest that many people face and therefore can benefit from in the approach taken by the main character, Emmitt, in this book. This novel is much deeper and complex than most fiction books, and rises in my opinion to literature.

Set in the Ishikawa Prefecture on the west coast of Japan along the Japan Sea, David Joiner uses the geography and natural features of this area to populate the book with extensive information about the local culture as well as the national literature and arts of Japan. These details provide richness for the experience of reading this novel. Through the interactions of Emmitt (an American immigrant to Japan) and his Japanese wife Mirai and their relationships with Mirai’s mother and father (in whose house they live), the arts of ikebana flower arrangement, Noh theater, and especially the prewar Japanese literature of Kyōka Izumi, provide motivations for the actions of the novel’s characters and influence their development, and therefore the development of the plot of the book.

David Joiner uses extensive dialogue between the four main characters to fully develop the personalities and characteristics of this family. Since we come to know each character deeply, the plot of the novel unfolds in an uncomplicated manner that is still nevertheless very complex in interrelationships. These interrelationships evolve and lead to resolution of the disparate interests and intentions of the characters, leaving the reader with a satisfying and pleasant reaction to the book.

[Hardcover Hearts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book about the cracks that appear in a man's marriage at a point when decisions are about to be made about their future. It's a linear, thoughtful story of an American man who has married a Japanese woman and they live with her family as they are saving money for their first home. He has made the decision that he wants to quit his university job and determine what his next steps will be, and at the same time, wants to buy a historic home and spend the time fixing it up. Thinking that his wife shares this dream, he is shocked when she doesn't show up for the signing of the sales contract.

I loved the look at Japanese town life and the dynamics of the family. There was a tenderness and a lot of heart in this book. I really rooted for them to make it, but I won't spoil anything. It was a lovely surprise.

I want to thank the publishers for access to the digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Clare Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.

Joiner does a fabulous job describing Japanese culture and folklore. I found myself becoming quickly engrossed by this book.

The relationship between the narrator and his wife left me so frustrated at times with the obvious communication issues which existed between them. The author limned this frustration well. It was an excellent account of how important communication is between a couple if both are to be fulfilled and happy with each other.

I particularly loved the end of the book with Emmitt and his father in law climbing the mountain together. I found it quite spiritual and poignant. A fitting end to a great book.

[Ainun Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I know it's only February but I have a feeling that this book is going to be one of my most favorite reads of 2022. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written by David Joner, 'Kanazawa' tells a complex, intriguing, modern day tale taking place in a picturesque city in Japan. Five years into their marriage, Emmitt and Mirai find themselves at an impasse as they realize their plans for future are polar opposites. Their inability to find a middle ground drives them far from each other often resulting in tense conversations. In spite of being an American, Emmitt feels deeply connected to Kanazawa, the peace and natural beauty of countryside and literary works of Kyōka Izumi, a prominent writer hailing from the same place. He wants to live a more Japanese version of life and opts to buy traditional Japanese house 'Machiya' as well as explore and indulge in the simplicity and nostalgia of past. Getting frustrated with unfair work pressure and unenthusiastic students, he quits his stable job of teaching at the university to rediscover his purpose in life and dedicates his free time to translate Kyōka Izumi's novels in English. Emmitt's vision clashes with his wife Mirai's, an ikebana artist enchanted by glamorous life in Tokyo where living conditions and job facilities are much better. In addition to that, she will have the opportunity to stay close to her sister and chase her dreams which were shattered by her parents' refusal to let her move to Tokyo when she was younger. Mirai views Emmitt's resignation at thirty six as an unnecessary, selfish move that puts their life at risk. Unwilling to compromise on her part, she takes extreme measures to convince Emmitt going so far as to blame his American upbringing for his casual approach to life, going behind his back and so on. The difficult period brings Emmitt closer to his parents-in-law. Intimate conversations take place. Soon it is apparent to him that the elderly couple is hiding secrets of their own. When Mirai's father disappears from a family tour without notifying others, it starts a train of events revealing secrets from the past confronting Emmitt with a shocking revelation. Will he finally find the peace and happiness he yearns for? Buy the book and keep reading to find out!

The first time I saw the book cover, I was mesmerized. Simple yet so beautiful. I craved to stand on the very place as the woman, inhale fresh air and twirl in happiness. It was obvious then that I would have to read this book sooner or later. David explores the dynamics of relationship in a family with kindness and impartiality, never putting blame on anyone's shoulder as everyone seems justified from their points of view. Emmitt and Mirai want different things in life. Their struggles and tendency to avoid each other instead of talking out the differences are extremely relatable. Each have flaws and dissimilarities but their love for each other binds them together, prompting them to sort out their problems quietly without hurting other's feelings. David's vivid portrayal evokes different emotions throughout the story: happiness, anger, sadness, surprise and excitement. The characters are imperfect, messy and complicated because they represent us. I love intense family drama and it was more than what I bargained for. As a nature lover, my heart was full of happiness and warmth at the calm, soothing and elaborate description of natural sceneries. To sum it up, this book has my whole heart. Now if you excuse me, I am gonna go and check out other books by David Joiner and Kyōka Izumi.

[Jeffrey Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with his last book, Lotusland, David writes about a "foreign" world with such intimacy, attention and care, it becomes almost a character in itself. The sense of place is haunting throughout the novel and utterly entrancing. It's also a rare feat for anyone writing a book set in another country. I think he does it by never letting the "foreignness" of a main character become an issue in itself. Emmitt has so quietly and unassumingly absorbed Kanazawa, he has become a connoisseur not only of the local artist but the entire community. The fascination is contagious.

[Daiya Hashimoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel written in English by David Joiner, an American writer living in Japan, and it is set in Kanazawa. It is said that he was inspired by Kyoka Izumi. I felt it was more like Japanese literature than anything written by any Japanese author. Even though it is a modern story, it has such a dense atmosphere of the Showa era that I almost forgot that I was reading a novel in English. This is a valuable work of English literature that will help the reader discover the charm of Japan. I also feel that Japanese people should read this book.

Emmitt, a 36-year-old university lecturer in English, lives with his Japanese wife, Mirai, at his parents-in-law's house in Kanazawa. He is fed up with his job and is about to quit. He is considering buying a 120-year-old townhouse in Kanazawa and has decided to spend a year renovating it himself while taking his time, thinking about what to do next. Meanwhile, Mirai, a flower arrangement artist, dreams of working in Tokyo, which her husband hates. She feels vaguely uneasy about her husband quitting his job. She does not show up for the signing of the townhouse contract and so the deal falls through, and Emmit is forced to give up his dream house.

Emmitt is a lover of old Japanese culture such as classic novels, paintings, ikebana, Noh, haiku, sumo, and anything traditional and Japanese. So he is an ideal companion for Mirai's parents. Mirai's mother is a member of the local literary club and asks Emmitt to translate an untranslated novel by Kyoka Izumi. Out of work, Emmitt takes on the job.

The story is a slow and gentle portrayal of family drama, centered on the conflicts between Emmitt and his wife, and the secrets his in-laws are hiding from him. It is like one of Yasujiro Ozu's films. I was impressed by the way he was able to perfectly express the intimate relationships and subtle emotional changes within a Japanese family in English. The conversational sections reminded me of Japanese.

The strong influence of the great writers of the Showa era, such as Kyoka Izumi, Yasunari Kawabata, and Yukio Mishima can be seen. The beautiful descriptions of Kanazawa's cityscape and natural scenery are very appealing. There are points of interest that are unique to a foreigner so you can enjoy the difference in perspective. In addition, there is an abundance of classical Japanese culture and entertainment, and Joiner's understanding of Japanese culture is perfect. I highly doubt that the majority of modern Japanese writers know this much about Japan.

There is a minor flaw, in that some parts are overly descriptive of classical Japanese culture. This is probably unavoidable since the book is aimed at foreign readers, but these details could have been consigned to footnotes. There was a scene where they were eating gyoza at a ramen shop, and Joiner gave a detailed description of the act of mixing soy sauce and spicy sesame oil. No Japanese writer would ever have thought of including this.

Reading an English novel written by a Westerner, who is more devoted to Japanese culture than the Japanese, is an unusual experience and is truly fascinating. Even the small parts of the story that I felt did not quite fit in, such as the one mentioned above, seemed rather exotic and fascinating when read in English. So "Kanazawa" is a five-star novel for me. And it really made me want to go to Kanazawa.

[Wayne Malcolm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!! I live in this area and David took me through the streets of Kanazawa in a realistic fashion!!! Also, the surrounding rural region is really fascinating. David made it come to life. Learn about the area and culture, and read a good story about the complexities of human relationships.

[Ian Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a worthwhile read.

A young married man, living in Kanazawa with his wife and in-laws, deals with his decision to quit his seemingly desirable position at a local university, and jump into whatever is next. What is next, and is this a decision that he alone can make? Did he give up that power when he got married? Is he selfish or a free-thinker to be praised?

The story of a man married, seemingly not just to his young Japanese wife, but to her hometown as well. But, what happens when it is the locals dream to escape the very place that her husband has connected to his future?

The description of the setting of Kanazawa are probably the highlight of the work. You will want to jump on the shinkansen from Tokyo, or the Thunderbird from Osaka and head straight there.

I didn't read this one straight through. At times, I put it down frustrated with the characters. These are people I don't completely align with, who at times come across as oddly lacking a sense of responsibility even, however, as I picked it back up and continued I began to get the sense that Joiner wasn't completely unaware of these ideas himself.

In the end, I think my slight difficulties were a result of Joiner crafting a work that defied simple characterization of youngish people trying to find themselves.

As a side note, I was called in to work a job just outside of Kanazawa in the midst of reading this book, and, as our protagonist persists in teaching us, it is a place to be fallen in love with.

Again, a worthwhile, and not overly simple read.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has now lived in the city of Kanazawa for seven years, I was delighted to receive an ARC from the author of the novel *Kanazawa.* In a way, reading it felt like home as I knew most of the landmarks to which the author referred, although of course you don't need to know anything about Kanazawa or even Japan before you start reading.

In fact, I was introduced by *Kanazawa* to the real-life Japanese author Izumi Kyōka, who was one of Kanazawa's own. As the novel progresses, we learn more about Kyōka and his impact on *Kanazawa*'s main character. I've read many Japanese novels in translation, and *Kanazawa* reminded me of some of those. I remember reading *Sore Kara* by Natsume Sōseki when I was in college; there's a scene when the main character is sitting on a porch ruminating, and *Kanazawa* felt like that---quiet, ruminating, and slow paced, like a river that looks placid on top but is quickly moving with much tension under the surface (like the Sai River in Kanazawa, perhaps).

Well done to David Joiner on an obviously very well-researched and well-presented book set in one of my favorite places! And now here in Kanazawa in early fall we're in the dragonfly season, so it felt right to finish off the book on that note.

[LilliSt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I very quickly gained the impression that David Joiner has spent a long time in Japan and also in Kanazawa. This novel about finding out what to do with your life was just so Japanese in the best way.

I have often thought that many Japanese authors have a distinct way of narrating and dealing with their topics. Usually the narration is layered, with straightforward prose that is yet full of hints of more meaning between the lines. This also is the case with Kanazawa. David Joiner does a great job of showing us the different perspectives on the question of what to do with your life. Should you work a job that is exhausting and draining you of any joy because it is the more responsible choice? Should you seek to do something that brings you joy instead? What type of house do you want to live in? What kind of place to you want to spend the rest of your life in?

It is clear that there is no simple answer to any of those questions and that everybody has to find an answer for themselves. And we follow Emmitt as he is struggling with all of these issues. I enjoyed Emmit's journey, which was mostly very relatable and plausible and I thought it was great to see how one would deal with such questions living as an expat in a very different culture that is not particularly famous for being inclusive of otherness.

The only thing that was somewhat frustrating was the frequent (non-)communication between Emmitt and his wife Mirai. The way she acted felt really quite crass, especially in the beginning of the story, when she just doesn't show up to a very, very important appointment and the two never really talk it out properly but rather revolve around the whole thing over months in fragments of conversations. However, to be fair, that kind of oblique, indirect communication felt quite Japanese to me, so cannot really fault the author much for it - but a little bit I do fault him as it did feel somewhat like her actions were serving as a plot device to create conflict.

I did love the highlight on famous authors and other artists from Kanazawa that are not very well known outside of Japan. And generally, I thought it was great to read a story set in Kanazawa! I must think that Joiner loves the place and surrounding country as he managed to write about it in a way that really makes me want to at least visit.

I have received a review copy via NetGalley and voluntarily provide my honest opinion. Thank you very much!

[Brenda Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced review copy provided by Netgalley for an independent, honest review
Kanazawa was an unexpected beauty of a novel. It isn't a book big on plot, but examines Japanese culture and the inner life of a married couple on the cusp of major change vividly and empathetically.

David Joiner's Kanazawa details the lives of Emmitt, a foreigner to Japan, Mirai, his wife, and his in-laws in the quiet, apparently underrated city of Kanazawa. Just before Emmitt and Mirai sign on the dotted line for a machiya (traditional Japanese house) to fully renovate, Mirai makes an unexpected choice that shakes their quiet life, and casts doubt and insecurity to their union.

There are no villains or heroes in this book about long-term love. Rather, Emmitt and Mirai often feel in the book like two ships previously sailing in parallel diverging for the first time. It's poignant, and quietly pulls at the heartstrings. Also, as a POC reader, I do always get nervous reading novels about East Asian cultures written from a white person's perspective. I found that Joiner's reverence for the culture of Japan reverberating like a pulse through the whole book. I think this is a great rainy day book, that'll make you think and want to hug your partner and tell them you love them because of their flaws, not despite.

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description/Blurb

In Kanazawa, the first literary novel in English to be set in this storied Japanese city, Emmitt’s future plans collapse when his wife, Mirai, suddenly backs out of negotiations to purchase their dream home. Disappointed, he’s surprised to discover Mirai’s subtle pursuit of a life and career in Tokyo, a city he dislikes.

First of all, the cover is gorgeous, definitely made me check this book out!
The premise itself was interesting and I'm always curious about any books set in Japan. I understood the relationship between Mirai and Emmit, but I didn't like reading about it. People in Japan hardly say no directly, but make their opinion known in other more subtle or not so subtle ways (like not showing up to the appointment with the realtor). I really wanted them to talk and communicate better and found them very frustrating at times.
I also feel like I missed out on a lot of meaning in the book, because I haven't read any Kyoka or other Japanese authors that have been mentioned, as this is such an important part of the book. I sometimes felt a bit bored while reading through the discussions between Emmit and his mother-in-law.

However I can feel the love and admiration about the city Kanazawa and surroundings come to life while reading.

Thank you Stone Bridge Press and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first tried to read this book in 2021, I wasn’t in the right headspace for such a quiet and subtle story. Yet, something drew me to pick it back up after our trip to Japan, and I found myself really enjoying this examination of Japanese life through the eyes of Joiner, an author that clearly adores the country and who has wholeheartedly embraced its history, culture and values. Kanazawa was his second novel, famed for being the first novel in English about its titular city. Here, Emmitt and his wife Mirai are in the throes of purchasing their dream home. There emerges a push and pull between his desire to buy a machiya property in Kanazawa, and her desire to pursue a city life in Tokyo. This is a gorgeously quiet novel that is filled with the minutiae of everyday life in rural Japan, the comings, goings and misgivings of a marriage, the pull of storied history and allure of something new.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kanazawa", by David Joiner was my second pick for #januaryinjapan. While not a book translated from Japanese, "Kanazawa", is set in Japan, and exudes the tranquility that many lovers of Japanese literature look for in their book selections.

The story follows Emmitt, an American ex-pat living with his Japanese wife, Mirai, and her family in Kanazawa, Japan. Emmitt and Mirai's marriage starts to crumble when they realize that their dreams for the future are no longer following the same path. Emmitt, a lover of slow, old Japanese living, wants to invest time and money in buying a machiya, an old, traditional Japanese house in Kanazawa. He cannot see himself and his family anywhere else. Mirai, though once having shared the same dream, becomes more attracted to the idea of building a life in Tokyo, and craves the busy, city life. More than just the story of a marriage at a crossroads though, the book focuses more on Emmitt's perspective, as he questions his life purpose.

The setting of the novel, the city of Kanazawa and its surroundings, is beautiful. In fact, this is the first literary novel available in English that is set in this particular location in Japan. While reading it, I caught myself multiple times grabbing my phone to look for pictures of the locations described. Kanazawa has definitely made it on my to visit list for when I eventually visit Japan.

Another thing that the novel did for me was pique my interest in the works of Izumi Kyoka. Kyoka is a Japanese author native to Kanazawa. In the novel, Emmitt works on translating his works and making them available to English readers in the hope that that will keep his works alive. Personally, I had never heard of Izumi Kyoka before, but now I am curious to try out his writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Stone Bridge Press for the e-arc. All opinions are my own. "Kanazawa", by David Joiner has been out since January 2022.

[Viv Markech · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely character study type novel. Dives into the family members and their dynamics much more than any action packed plot. It may border on the mundane at times but it’s also just very human. Sometimes the characters lack of action/reaction to certain things other characters do/say was frustrating. I often find conflict boring when it exists purely because the characters just won’t talk to one another. That being said, perhaps it’s more realistic this way.

Lovely quick read overall.

3.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟💫

[Bobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. It was full of well-crafted prose, provided great insight into Japanese society, and was eminently readable.

[Anjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very different story than the ones I usually encounter. In this narrative, our lead protagonist is an American settled in Japan with a Japanese wife and living with his in-laws. This is the basic premise, and everything that happens takes off from there.
I felt certain things were repetitive, like the protagonist commenting on his mother-in-law's figure at least three times more than required for the story. I mention this in the very beginning because it felt disruptive and played a significant role in what I felt for the book as a whole (I know it might seem like a minor point, but still...)
Everyone introduced to us is at a crossroads, with all five members of the extended family grappling with what they should consider as their purpose. Emmitt wants to quit his job and live in a more traditional Japanese setting. When the latter part falls through, he has to convince people around him that he knows what he is doing. His wife is definitely not on the level as him when it comes to thoughts of their future. Although it seemed a little stilted, given their long relationship, their interactions (or the lack thereof) made sense in the bigger picture. The parents struggle with their own mortality and balance, while the sister struggles with being the only person supposedly living the dream.
The storyline itself was not for me. I would not have been able to work my way through the whole book if not for the unique perspective of living as a local while obviously sticking out in some ways. In the end, I appreciated the pictures and people introduced to me.
I would recommend it to anyone who does not mind a slow read about a place and culture that might be foreign and viewed from a different lens.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Alan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. A story of an American lecturer at a Japanese university and his love of ancient Japan and its traditions, often at odds with his Japanese wife's more modern outlook and desire to move to Tokyo. The novel works best with its descriptions of the Kanazawa area, less so with certain characters and the development of the story. I couldn't help but feel that this was a very autobiographical novel, which is fine. For me, it's an interesting companion piece to Iain Maloney's non-fiction account of his life in rural Japan, 'The Only Gaijin in the Village'. Both illustrate life beyond the big city and our preconceived ideas of the Japanese metropolis, which is to be welcomed. An interesting and worthwhile novel, well-written and different enough to stand out. 4 stars.

[Paul]

Great writing and a great story. I'm going to have to circle back to his other books. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

[Viktorija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first literary novel in English set in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan’s main island, Honshu. Cradled between two rivers and facing the Japanese Alps to the east, Japan’s gold-leaf capital has a rich history and wonderful traditional architecture.

The novel tells the story of Emmitt, an American who has settled in Japan permanently and lives with his Japanese wife, Mirai, in the house of her parents in Kanazawa. Their marriage is currently somewhat rocky, since the two discover for the first time that they have conflicting plans for their future together. Emmitt wants them to buy a traditional townhouse in Kanazawa and experience the city’s history and culture, whereas Mirai wants them to move to Tokyo and lead a faster and busier life. This feeds into one of the themes the novel explores in depth and with a lot of grace: the state of being torn between the personal and the collective past on one hand and the implacable passing of time and the challenges of the future on the other hand.

Emmitt and Mirai find themselves at a crossroads, and their experience is incredibly relatable: they are still young enough to afford to radically change their life, but old enough to be aware that the window is closing and they have to make a decision. The pressure to get more out of life and be HAPPY, to be able to see your friends and confidently tell them you are exactly where you want to be in life puts a strain on both of them to the point that they are struggling to communicate their needs to themselves, let alone to each other. It is so tempting to constantly compare themselves to everybody around them, arrange the way they present themselves as carefully as Mirai arranges her ikebana.

Another theme that carries a lot of weight in this novel is art, especially the different characters’ attitudes to art and its significance in their lives. Art surfaces in countless guises and touches everybody’s lives: Mirai is an ikebana artist, her sister Asuka just got her first job as a designer in Tokyo, their mother is a dedicated member of a literary club that promotes the local literary heritage, and their father is a talented artist (whose drawings are stored away, gathering dust). Emmitt feels a little bit like the odd one out, until he discovers a passion for translating the works of Izumi Kyoka into English through conversations with his mother-in-law. Kyoka is Kanazawa’s most famous writer, and even though he lived and wrote decades ago, he feels almost like a character in this novel. Emmitt’s mother-in-law is a huge admirer of his works and actively advocates for them to be translated into English.

Why does Mirai’s mother enjoy talking about Kyoka but doesn’t enjoy discussing her husband’s art? Why does Mirai’s father sulk over his drawings and go on long solitary walks dressed like he is training for the Olympics? Mirai’s parents are probably the two most fascinating characters in the novel – it takes until the end of the book to understand their complex past, as well as the hidden depths of their special relationship with art. Seeing them through Emmitt’s eyes is as captivating as seeing Japan through his eyes; each scene, each conversation adds a piece to the puzzle.

The greatest strength of the book is the way it unfurls, slowly but surely, like tendrils of warmth from a cup of sake that spread from your hands to your soul. Tension slowly builds and looms like clouds over Hakusan. The novel is poignant, elegant and meditative, with a cathartic climax, a dramatic payoff after a steady buildup. This is achieved fantastically, without a single dull moment. The straightforward language, the rich atmosphere, the natural flow of the characters’ thoughts, words, and movements all drive the story forward organically. Joiner has achieved an incredible feat in making a story whose lifeforce is art seem so effortless and devoid of artifice.

Reading Kanazawa is above all a beautiful experience. The characters are beyond real, and the novel is the literary equivalent of superimposing a map of the human condition over a map of the city of Kanazawa. It is a story to come back to time and time again, since each reading can reveal a new layer, a new motif, a new passage that rings out beautiful and true.

[Jacqie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book just prior to traveling to Kanazawa. I don't know if it illuminated the feel of the city for me, since the book's characters all live in Kanazawa and as a tourist there was no way for me to get a similar experience. I'd say that that I applied most to my travels was the feeling of being in a colder, mountainous location. That said, I liked Kanazawa the city a lot and recommend checking it out.

The main character in the book is Emmitt, an expat English teacher who has married into a Japanese family and who lives with his wife and his in-laws. Emmitt is unhappy in his work and is very excited that he'll be able to quit soon in order to rehabilitate a machiya (traditional Japanese home) on a long term lease. He hopes to move out of his current living situation, live in the machiya with his wife and maybe start a family. However, his wife Mirai doesn't seem quite as certain about this idea. She's drawn to the more modern Tokyo and is interested in moving there.

There's a lot in this book about romanticizing the past. Emmitt almost fetishizes traditional, historic Japan and is drawn to old homes, classic literature, quaint mountain towns. Mirai, who feels that she missed her chance to get an education in modern art and graphic design and who now does ikebana (traditional flower arranging) for a living, wants a faster pace.

These two never really talk to each other and it feels like although Emmitt feels they have a connection that they are missing quite a bit about each other. One of the least realistic parts of the book for me is when Emmitt makes a major decision without telling his wife and springs it on her as a surprise. Her acceptance of this curve ball... let's just say that he wouldn't have gotten away with this with me. Maybe Japanese women would see it differently. But I'm not entirely sure I trust the author's portrayal of Japanese women either.

In the end, the real story under the surface is about the in-laws and some of their unresolved issues. All of the dialogue in the book felt at the same time blunt and indirect. Characters had no problem criticizing each other without pulling punches. At the same time, everyone is very private about what they are really dwelling on and don't directly ask for what they want. Maybe these two things go together.

This book meanders like a river. There isn't that sense of climax of plot that you'll get in most Western fiction. The author feels like he's leading up to a climax but whenever drama seems about to happen, everything subsides again. At the end, I felt vaguely dissatisfied.