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Forest #2
Kamusari Tales Told at Night
From Shion Miura, award-winning author of The Easy Life in Kamusari, comes a spirit-lifting novel about tradition, first love, and ancient lore in a Japanese mountain village.
It’s been a year since Yuki Hirano left home―or more precisely, was booted from it―to study forestry in the remote mountain village of Kamusari. Being a woodsman is not the future he imagined, but his name means “courage,” and Yuki hopes to live up to it. He’s adapting to his job and learning constantly. In between, he records local legends―tales pulsing with life, passion, and wondrous gods. Kamusari has other charms as well. One of them is Nao.
Yuki’s crush on the only other young single person in the village isn’t a secret. Yet how impressed can she be with someone at least five years younger who makes less money and doesn’t even own a car? More daunting, she’s in love with another man. Finally finding his place among the villagers, a feeling deepened by his crush, Yuki seems headed for a dream life of adventure and camaraderie―and Nao could be the missing piece of that dream.
It’s been a year since Yuki Hirano left home―or more precisely, was booted from it―to study forestry in the remote mountain village of Kamusari. Being a woodsman is not the future he imagined, but his name means “courage,” and Yuki hopes to live up to it. He’s adapting to his job and learning constantly. In between, he records local legends―tales pulsing with life, passion, and wondrous gods. Kamusari has other charms as well. One of them is Nao.
Yuki’s crush on the only other young single person in the village isn’t a secret. Yet how impressed can she be with someone at least five years younger who makes less money and doesn’t even own a car? More daunting, she’s in love with another man. Finally finding his place among the villagers, a feeling deepened by his crush, Yuki seems headed for a dream life of adventure and camaraderie―and Nao could be the missing piece of that dream.
190 pages, Hardcover
First published November 28, 2012
321 people are currently reading
3299 people want to read
About the author
Shion Miura
84 books384 followersShion Miura (三浦しをん) (1976–) , daughter of a well-known Japanese classics scholar, acquired her love of reading at a very young age. When, as a senior in the Faculty of Letters at Waseda University, she began her job hunt looking for an editorial position, a literary agent recognized her writing talent and hired her to begin writing an online book review column even before she graduated. Miura made her fiction debut a year after finishing college, in 2000, when she published the novel Kakuto suru mono ni maru (A Passing Grade for Those Who Fight), based in part on her own experiences during the job hunt. When she won the Naoki Prize in 2006 for her linked-story collection Mahoro ekimae Tada Benriken (The Handymen in Mahoro Town), she had not yet reached her 30th birthday—an unusually young age for this prize; in fact it was her second nomination. Her novels since then include the 2006 Kaze ga tsuyoku fuiteiru (The Wind Blows Hard), about the annual Ekiden long-distance relay race in which universities compete, and the 2010 Kogure-so monogatari (The Kogure Apartments), depicting the lives of people dwelling in an old rundown wooden-frame apartment house. In 2012 she received the Booksellers Award for the novel Fune o amu (The Great Passage), a tale about compiling a dictionary. A manga aficionado, Miura has declared herself a particular fan of the "boys' love" subgenre about young homosexual encounters.
Source: http://www.booksfromjapan.jp/authors/...
Source: http://www.booksfromjapan.jp/authors/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
July 30, 2025
After finishing 'The Easy Life in Kamusari,' I immediately dove into its sequel, 'Kamusari Tales Told at Night."
I thoroughly enjoyed it, as the experience of living and working in a forest was entirely new to me.
This book offered fascinating insights into Japanese forest jobs and culture. 🪓
The narrative, while simple, is incredibly entertaining and perfectly suited for a relaxing read.
Yuki, initially a newcomer who detests his forest job, eventually grows to love living among the village people.
He even records special occasions on an old personal computer, never expecting anyone else to access it.
By the way, I watched the movie "Wood Job" last night, which is based on this novel by Shion Miura.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, as the experience of living and working in a forest was entirely new to me.
This book offered fascinating insights into Japanese forest jobs and culture. 🪓
The narrative, while simple, is incredibly entertaining and perfectly suited for a relaxing read.
Yuki, initially a newcomer who detests his forest job, eventually grows to love living among the village people.
He even records special occasions on an old personal computer, never expecting anyone else to access it.
By the way, I watched the movie "Wood Job" last night, which is based on this novel by Shion Miura.
May 19, 2022
Last week I finished "The Easy Life in Kamusari" and coincidentally (because I sure didn't realize it while I was reading) the second book came out in English the day before I finished it. As I have a trial of Kindle Unlimited I decided to go ahead and give the second one a shot. After all, the first was a nice slow paced relaxing read. That said, it wasn't exactly a book that called for a sequel, so I still had some reservations.
Well, much to my surprise I find the sequel superior to the first in almost every way. This one has a different structure, with a theme to each chapters (save one) being not only a continuation of Yuki's life, but also about him hearing a story about the Kamusari in some way. In one chapter it may be a myth, in another a story about how a couple got together, but all of theme stick with the theme of Kamusari and how the village functions. I said in my review of the first book that the village was just as much the main character as Yuki was and I'd say even more so here.
It's an enjoyable read altogether and my complaints are very minor. The only one that really bugged me was the constant repetition of the same joke every chapter where Yuki starts off thanking his imaginary readers (he doesn't intend to show it to anyone but writes better if he pretends there is an audience) and then says something along the lines of "… but you don't exist!" It was amusing the first time… it got old fast.
While I didn't initially thing the story needed a continuation, I found this to be a pleasant second visit to Kamusari. Much like the first book, it's not a great read, but it's overall fun and as said, I personally prefer this one due to my interest in the village over our lead. A solid 4/5 stars.
Well, much to my surprise I find the sequel superior to the first in almost every way. This one has a different structure, with a theme to each chapters (save one) being not only a continuation of Yuki's life, but also about him hearing a story about the Kamusari in some way. In one chapter it may be a myth, in another a story about how a couple got together, but all of theme stick with the theme of Kamusari and how the village functions. I said in my review of the first book that the village was just as much the main character as Yuki was and I'd say even more so here.
It's an enjoyable read altogether and my complaints are very minor. The only one that really bugged me was the constant repetition of the same joke every chapter where Yuki starts off thanking his imaginary readers (he doesn't intend to show it to anyone but writes better if he pretends there is an audience) and then says something along the lines of "… but you don't exist!" It was amusing the first time… it got old fast.
While I didn't initially thing the story needed a continuation, I found this to be a pleasant second visit to Kamusari. Much like the first book, it's not a great read, but it's overall fun and as said, I personally prefer this one due to my interest in the village over our lead. A solid 4/5 stars.
July 21, 2022
What a wonderful series. It is a great escape and just what I was looking for. In the second installment we learn more about the characters, village, and their culture. First and foremost, I love the characters. I read the Kindle version while listening to the Audible narration (which was brilliant!). I loved the voices for the different characters. Granny Shige steals the show in this one!
Yuki (the narrator) has embraced the mountain and all it entails. He decides to write down local legends and stories of the gods for some unknown future reader. I have always been interested in traditional literature and legends, therefore I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. Not only does Yuki learn about the customs and celebrations, he learns about the losses and heartaches that have impacted the hearts and lives of the villagers. In this book (#2), we see Yuki become part of and embraced by the village as he opens his heart to their lifestyle and the life of a forest worker. I truly felt like I was in the mountains and the remote village. What a wonderful escape from city life!
Though Yuki has grown into a member of the forestry team, he still has a ways to go with Nao. We get to see the ups and downs as they work their way towards beginning a relationship. The book wraps ups with a Christmas celebration. It was interesting to see the perception of Christmas and how it is celebrated in a remote area of non-Christians. It was touching and moving. I know this series may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy stories grounded in small communities with unique characters I strongly suggest giving this series a try.
Yuki (the narrator) has embraced the mountain and all it entails. He decides to write down local legends and stories of the gods for some unknown future reader. I have always been interested in traditional literature and legends, therefore I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. Not only does Yuki learn about the customs and celebrations, he learns about the losses and heartaches that have impacted the hearts and lives of the villagers. In this book (#2), we see Yuki become part of and embraced by the village as he opens his heart to their lifestyle and the life of a forest worker. I truly felt like I was in the mountains and the remote village. What a wonderful escape from city life!
Though Yuki has grown into a member of the forestry team, he still has a ways to go with Nao. We get to see the ups and downs as they work their way towards beginning a relationship. The book wraps ups with a Christmas celebration. It was interesting to see the perception of Christmas and how it is celebrated in a remote area of non-Christians. It was touching and moving. I know this series may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy stories grounded in small communities with unique characters I strongly suggest giving this series a try.
July 21, 2022
I knew there was a reason I never move on to second books in series; I should have just stuck to my rule. I did not find this second book in the Kamusari series nearly as charming or entertaining as the first, mainly for a couple of reasons. But first, I'll tell you what still worked about this book.
This installment of the story focused on the unrequited love between the protagonist and narrator, Yuki, and the object of his affection, Nao, a local school teacher, who is older than him and very cheeky and independent. Be still my heart! And Yuki's! If only that boy could get his emotions under control and stop acting like a jealous child around her--but will he?! Ugh I won't ruin it for you!
Many of KAMUSARI TALES's storylines wound around the local mythology this time, the ghosts and spirits that inhabit the mountain, rather than just the mountain itself. I really enjoyed some of these stories and had never heard anything like them. Talk about unrequited love, whew!💔🐍
However, even though I really enjoyed the myths, I did not feel the connection to the setting that I felt when I read the first book until almost halfway through KAMUSARI TALES. Also, the material focused too much, I thought, on Yuki's spastic pursuits of Nao, both in his head and in the real world. Yuki's jealousy drives too much of the romance storyline. With no other impetus for conflict, or at least nothing else provided by the writer, it doesn't seem believable after a certain point the Nao would even give our young Yuki the time of day! She's not the mothering type!
If Shion had taken full advantage of her setting, as she did in the first book, and plumbed all those myths for plot complications, KAMUSARI TALES would have been more exciting. But it was all right! Nice to get the conclusion to Yuki and Nao's whole thing, which is pretty much *the* whole reason I read it.
Rating 3.5 rounded down because I was really grossed out a few times!
Finished July 2022
Recommended to fans of contemporary fiction and romance, readers looking for diverse voices and stories
This installment of the story focused on the unrequited love between the protagonist and narrator, Yuki, and the object of his affection, Nao, a local school teacher, who is older than him and very cheeky and independent. Be still my heart! And Yuki's! If only that boy could get his emotions under control and stop acting like a jealous child around her--but will he?! Ugh I won't ruin it for you!
Many of KAMUSARI TALES's storylines wound around the local mythology this time, the ghosts and spirits that inhabit the mountain, rather than just the mountain itself. I really enjoyed some of these stories and had never heard anything like them. Talk about unrequited love, whew!💔🐍
However, even though I really enjoyed the myths, I did not feel the connection to the setting that I felt when I read the first book until almost halfway through KAMUSARI TALES. Also, the material focused too much, I thought, on Yuki's spastic pursuits of Nao, both in his head and in the real world. Yuki's jealousy drives too much of the romance storyline. With no other impetus for conflict, or at least nothing else provided by the writer, it doesn't seem believable after a certain point the Nao would even give our young Yuki the time of day! She's not the mothering type!
If Shion had taken full advantage of her setting, as she did in the first book, and plumbed all those myths for plot complications, KAMUSARI TALES would have been more exciting. But it was all right! Nice to get the conclusion to Yuki and Nao's whole thing, which is pretty much *the* whole reason I read it.
Rating 3.5 rounded down because I was really grossed out a few times!
Finished July 2022
Recommended to fans of contemporary fiction and romance, readers looking for diverse voices and stories
October 5, 2024
Kamusari Tales Told at Night (Forest, #2) - Shion Miura
مرّ عام على مغادرة يوكي هيرانوا مدينة يوكاهاما، ولازال يواصل العيش في قرية كوماساري الجبلية النائية، ويدّون يومياته في كومبيوتر غير متصل بالانترنت ويستمع لـ الأساطير المحلية - حكايات تنبض بالحياة والعاطفة والآلهة الغريبة، ويتعرف أكثر على أهل القرية المتماسكة ويتعلم العمل في الغابات ودروسًا الحب والحياة.
هذه ثالث قراءة لشيون مويرا وهي كاتبة يابانية شهيرة وأرى رواياتها مليئة باللطف والدفء، ومناسبة للترجمة للعربية، لذا إن كانت هناك دار نشر عربية مهتمة بالأدب الياباني وتبحث عن ترشيحات للترجمة فعليكم برواياتها.
~
صباح يوم الأحد، الرابع من ذو القعدة - 1445 هـ.
مرّ عام على مغادرة يوكي هيرانوا مدينة يوكاهاما، ولازال يواصل العيش في قرية كوماساري الجبلية النائية، ويدّون يومياته في كومبيوتر غير متصل بالانترنت ويستمع لـ الأساطير المحلية - حكايات تنبض بالحياة والعاطفة والآلهة الغريبة، ويتعرف أكثر على أهل القرية المتماسكة ويتعلم العمل في الغابات ودروسًا الحب والحياة.
هذه ثالث قراءة لشيون مويرا وهي كاتبة يابانية شهيرة وأرى رواياتها مليئة باللطف والدفء، ومناسبة للترجمة للعربية، لذا إن كانت هناك دار نشر عربية مهتمة بالأدب الياباني وتبحث عن ترشيحات للترجمة فعليكم برواياتها.
~
صباح يوم الأحد، الرابع من ذو القعدة - 1445 هـ.
December 13, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Kamusari Tales Told at Night is a really peaceful, heartwarming, and cute sequel to The Easy Life in Kamusari. I was once again very happy to dive into Yuki's narration describing the laid-back attitude of the Kamusari people, the gorgeous mountains and forests as well as the legends, beliefs, and superstitions of Kamusari, and the heartwarming and honest relationships among the characters.
As you can guess from the title of the novel, this sequel has fewer forestry lessons (probably because by now Yuki is a full-fledged member of the Seichii forestry team and more capable and confident in what he does) and more tales, mostly told at night. Hearing the tale of Kamusari gods from Granny Shige one night, Yuki decides to record it and the other supernatural tales, along with the personal stories/memories, belong to the people Yuki now has come to love. In contrast to his negative attitude at the beginning of The Easy Life in Kamusari, in this book, we see that the people and the mountains of Kamusari have changed Yuki's worldview dramatically. As he feels he has finally found his place on earth and loves everything about his life, Yuki makes us love everything about his simple life too (I'm ready to move to Kamusari if someone shows me the way tomorrow). I'm only hoping that there will be a third, fourth and even fifth book in the near future that would help me to escape reality and indulge myself in the simple joys that Kamusari has to offer.
Kamusari Tales Told at Night is a really peaceful, heartwarming, and cute sequel to The Easy Life in Kamusari. I was once again very happy to dive into Yuki's narration describing the laid-back attitude of the Kamusari people, the gorgeous mountains and forests as well as the legends, beliefs, and superstitions of Kamusari, and the heartwarming and honest relationships among the characters.
As you can guess from the title of the novel, this sequel has fewer forestry lessons (probably because by now Yuki is a full-fledged member of the Seichii forestry team and more capable and confident in what he does) and more tales, mostly told at night. Hearing the tale of Kamusari gods from Granny Shige one night, Yuki decides to record it and the other supernatural tales, along with the personal stories/memories, belong to the people Yuki now has come to love. In contrast to his negative attitude at the beginning of The Easy Life in Kamusari, in this book, we see that the people and the mountains of Kamusari have changed Yuki's worldview dramatically. As he feels he has finally found his place on earth and loves everything about his life, Yuki makes us love everything about his simple life too (I'm ready to move to Kamusari if someone shows me the way tomorrow). I'm only hoping that there will be a third, fourth and even fifth book in the near future that would help me to escape reality and indulge myself in the simple joys that Kamusari has to offer.
July 14, 2022
головний герой потихеньку звикає до порядків лісничого села, де давні традиції досі визначають ритм життя, а боги перебувають так близько, що з ними можна й зіткнутися, якщо бути недостатньо обережним (або, навпаки, дуже цього хотіти). мешканці камусарі вже вважають його більш-менш своїм, тому охочіше діляться історіями, але найкраще акліматизації допомагає по-самі-вуха-закоханість, яку герой підхопив у попередньому томі, а зараз незграбно, проте наполегливо намагається зробити взаємною. бо ж якщо є бодай мізерний шанс, що боги й давні традиції можуть тут якось допомогти, чом би не звернутися до богів.
часом, щоправда, хлопчину заносить, але в таких ситуаціях чи сама дівчина, чи його друзі прямим текстом кажуть: отак поводитися — зовсім не альо. виходить дуже здорова соціалізація.
часом, щоправда, хлопчину заносить, але в таких ситуаціях чи сама дівчина, чи його друзі прямим текстом кажуть: отак поводитися — зовсім не альо. виходить дуже здорова соціалізація.
April 7, 2022
A while back, I wrote a post on cottagecore books – while this isn’t the traditional cottagecore book, it is a heartwarming book set in a small village in a forest and because of that, I think it qualifies as one. Thanks Juliet, for sending me a copy of this book, it’s beautifully translated and I really enjoyed it!
Kamusari Tales Told at Night is the second book in the Forest series. Our narrator and protagonist is Yuki, a young man originally from Yokohama but currently living in the small village of Kamusari. In his spare time, he writes this tale and tells us about what it’s like to live in Kamusari, from the importance of the local god Inari to his romance with Nao.
Yuki is such a delightful narrator! I loved the style of this book – it’s pretty self-aware in the sense that Yuki ‘knows’ he’s writing a story, and I enjoyed how he breaks the fourth wall whenever he wants. Everyone in this book is very likeable, from Yoki (his colleague and landlord), his wife Miho, and granny Shige, to Seiichi, the boss and master of the village. This is a small place where everyone knows everyone else, and in a way, it reminds me of the Fairacre series, which features life in a similarly small village.
As you can probably tell isn’t an overarching plot. Instead, Kamusari Tales Told at Night is basically a collection of short stories in chronological order, as Yuki tells us about his life in the village. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t get invested in the book, on the contrary, the gentle rhythm of the book had me hooked and I found it difficult to put it down. I really wanted to find out what happened next, in the same way that I want to find out what’s going on with my friends when I haven’t met them in a while.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It’s a quiet and charming tale and it really made me miss my time in Japan. This is the second book in the series, so I’m definitely going to be looking for the first book, so I can see how Yuki came to Kamusari and get to know the village all over again.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
Kamusari Tales Told at Night is the second book in the Forest series. Our narrator and protagonist is Yuki, a young man originally from Yokohama but currently living in the small village of Kamusari. In his spare time, he writes this tale and tells us about what it’s like to live in Kamusari, from the importance of the local god Inari to his romance with Nao.
Yuki is such a delightful narrator! I loved the style of this book – it’s pretty self-aware in the sense that Yuki ‘knows’ he’s writing a story, and I enjoyed how he breaks the fourth wall whenever he wants. Everyone in this book is very likeable, from Yoki (his colleague and landlord), his wife Miho, and granny Shige, to Seiichi, the boss and master of the village. This is a small place where everyone knows everyone else, and in a way, it reminds me of the Fairacre series, which features life in a similarly small village.
As you can probably tell isn’t an overarching plot. Instead, Kamusari Tales Told at Night is basically a collection of short stories in chronological order, as Yuki tells us about his life in the village. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t get invested in the book, on the contrary, the gentle rhythm of the book had me hooked and I found it difficult to put it down. I really wanted to find out what happened next, in the same way that I want to find out what’s going on with my friends when I haven’t met them in a while.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It’s a quiet and charming tale and it really made me miss my time in Japan. This is the second book in the series, so I’m definitely going to be looking for the first book, so I can see how Yuki came to Kamusari and get to know the village all over again.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
October 15, 2022
Revisiting Kamusari again in this 2nd instalment; a year past since Yuki Hirano came to live and work as a woodsman with Nakamura Lumber in Kamusari Village— a more thorough exploration this time as it revolves mainly on the backstory of its characters (Seiichi and Yoki especially), of folktale and legends of the wondrous mountains of Kamusari and the continuation love crush in between Yuki and Nao.
The narrative structured in an epistolary format—written notes and memoranda (set accordingly into chapters), a diary lookalike—which I love as the storytelling felt more affectionate and attentively told with Yuki’s cheeky perspective throughout his days living with Yoki’s family. I like how it balances both nature and lifestyle while weaving its charming atmospheric views to seasons and culture, intriguing love conflicts, of villager’s troubles and the forestry challenges; a decent and lightly narrated tale yet utterly ‘comforting’ to me.
I truly love Granny Shige in here; she was so cunningly funny (thank you for sharing few surreal stories of Kamusari myths, gran!) and helpful (lol on how she hijacking Yuki’s computer), glad that Santa gets his wish for Christmas also I love the rich dude vibe of Seiichi— there was so much pain from his past yet he managed it well. More dynamic to Yuki’s character now as his love story grows; I was all smiling reading about him and Nao :’)
Please don’t skip the first instalment if you’re interested to get this book. Yuki was nice enough to give a summary from previous plot at the earliest chapter yet I still think it’ll be more compelling to grasp the whole story arc since day 1. Listed this as one of my fav japlit series now— quite authentic for its combination of nature and slice-of-life themes, a heart-inspiring premise for sure. 4.2 stars to this!
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a complimentary copy for review!
The narrative structured in an epistolary format—written notes and memoranda (set accordingly into chapters), a diary lookalike—which I love as the storytelling felt more affectionate and attentively told with Yuki’s cheeky perspective throughout his days living with Yoki’s family. I like how it balances both nature and lifestyle while weaving its charming atmospheric views to seasons and culture, intriguing love conflicts, of villager’s troubles and the forestry challenges; a decent and lightly narrated tale yet utterly ‘comforting’ to me.
I truly love Granny Shige in here; she was so cunningly funny (thank you for sharing few surreal stories of Kamusari myths, gran!) and helpful (lol on how she hijacking Yuki’s computer), glad that Santa gets his wish for Christmas also I love the rich dude vibe of Seiichi— there was so much pain from his past yet he managed it well. More dynamic to Yuki’s character now as his love story grows; I was all smiling reading about him and Nao :’)
Please don’t skip the first instalment if you’re interested to get this book. Yuki was nice enough to give a summary from previous plot at the earliest chapter yet I still think it’ll be more compelling to grasp the whole story arc since day 1. Listed this as one of my fav japlit series now— quite authentic for its combination of nature and slice-of-life themes, a heart-inspiring premise for sure. 4.2 stars to this!
Thank you Times Reads for sending me a complimentary copy for review!
September 10, 2022
Loved re-visiting the village of Kamusari and catching up with the residents.
December 14, 2021
I have literally just finished #kamusaritalestoldatnight, this is book 2 of 2 from the forest books. Thank you @netgalley for the #arc. Out 10th May 2022.
I have buddyread this book with @jeshisbooknook, we are both Kamusari honoury members I think!
As with many of the japanese translated fiction I have enjoyed this falls under the category of #anthropologyadventure and #meditativeread. It picks up where it left off from book 1, following the life of the 'author' Yuki. This one focuses more on his progress in his role and his love life. More adventures take place and local festivals and much more.
It feels like we are part of this community and are actively flies on the wall so to speak. I could literally read about this village, it's people and so on all day, from the mundane to the fantastical, I wouldn't lose interest.
My only disappointment is that its only 190 pages long and it doesn't look like there will be a 3rd book as it doesn't currently exist in Japanese.
If you want a read that is like the perfect bath where you can relax and submerge yourself into a story, this series is for you.
#books2022 #honnomushi100 #japanesefiction #japaneseauthors #japaneseliterature #japanesetranslatedfiction #books #reading #translatedgems #japaneseauthor
I have buddyread this book with @jeshisbooknook, we are both Kamusari honoury members I think!
As with many of the japanese translated fiction I have enjoyed this falls under the category of #anthropologyadventure and #meditativeread. It picks up where it left off from book 1, following the life of the 'author' Yuki. This one focuses more on his progress in his role and his love life. More adventures take place and local festivals and much more.
It feels like we are part of this community and are actively flies on the wall so to speak. I could literally read about this village, it's people and so on all day, from the mundane to the fantastical, I wouldn't lose interest.
My only disappointment is that its only 190 pages long and it doesn't look like there will be a 3rd book as it doesn't currently exist in Japanese.
If you want a read that is like the perfect bath where you can relax and submerge yourself into a story, this series is for you.
#books2022 #honnomushi100 #japanesefiction #japaneseauthors #japaneseliterature #japanesetranslatedfiction #books #reading #translatedgems #japaneseauthor
August 27, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a beautifully written story and i love the sort of fantasy, fairy tale-esque the tales in here. I love the pacing and the characters. Such a wondrous read
This was such a beautifully written story and i love the sort of fantasy, fairy tale-esque the tales in here. I love the pacing and the characters. Such a wondrous read
May 30, 2022
I want more Kamusari tales please!!!
May 5, 2025
Kamusari Tales Told at Night reads more like a collection of short stories, told in the style of journal entries, rather than a direct sequel to The Easy Life in Kamusari. Each check-in with Yuki, tells a story about the goings on in Kamusari village, whether it be a holiday or festival, a folktale or an update on his love life (which is the hanging thread from book one that ties all of these “chapters” together). Whatever the intention, however it reads, it is just as delightful as the first, if not more so. It was like catching up with old friends... even though I just finished book one two days ago. 😂
December 31, 2022
This book is actually the second installment from the Forest Series with Easy Life In Kamusari being the first book in the two series volume. I had however jumped into this book without reading the first book which nonetheless did not stop me from picking up on the story and enjoying it.
In Easy Life In Kamusari, the story talks about how a young man named Yuki Hirano ended up doing forestry work in a mountainous village called Kamusari. Yuki Hirano,fresh out of high school has been enrolled to join a Forest Training Program by his mother. Being a city kid that he is, he had a hard time in adjusting and getting accustomed to the village life in the beginning, always complaining and making mistakes in his work, with the only compensation for him was an elementary school teacher named Nao who is five or six years older than him!.
So, Kamusari Tales Told At Night picks up on Yuki's stories and experiences right from after 6 months getting into the job and of settling on with his life living in the village, how Yuki picked up and learned the trade and the skills in forestry work while getting to know more intimately about the lives of the people who are close to him in the village like his much senior co-workers and friends from the lumbering company that he was enlisted on, Nakamura Lumber Co. such as his boss, Seiichi,Yoki who kindly let Yuki to stay in his house with his family, Old Man Saburo, Iwao and the others.
Besides that, in the second series, we will also get to see how Yuki progresses in pursuing Nao, the elementary school teacher that he have been having a crush on since from the first series. How he is also maturing and progresses as a man. At least that was what i was hoping to see through this second series,of how Yuki's character developed more not only in his career but also as an individual, as a young adult man who in his early 20's.
However my expectations has been short lived when this series focuses mostly on the happenings in the village particularly on the villagers superstitious beliefs and folktales and the legends. As the book's title suggested,all the tales of the village has been narrated from the perspectives of Yuki himself in a personal travel note and diary which he usually wrote to his imagined readers at night.They were interesting to know though as we get to learn how the village and the mountain existed from the folktales/the legends of Oyamazumi-san (the mountain god) and Nagahiko (the snake god)as narrated by one of my favourite characters in the story, Granny Shige (Yoki's grandmother who also lives with him and Yuki).
And in the subsequent chapters, we will get to learn about the Oyamazumi Festival,how the lumberman and the villagers all came together to hold cultural ceremonies to seek the protection and the blessings from the mountain god who safeguards and watches over the whole village. The part that struck me the most is how much care and respect the lumberman gave towards the trees despite their jobs of felling them down like how Iwao and Old Man Saburo always offer tea or water from their canteens to the trees and stand before the trees quietly with their palms pressed together as a sign of showing respect to a superior.Some of the related lines as a respect to trees/nature and portraying faith or leaving one's fate in god's hands were:
-"Sometimes a tree is so sublime,felling it would be a desecration".
-"On the mountains, we have no one to rely but ourselves. There's always the risk of an accident or a sudden dangerous change in the weather. Under those conditions, i guess revering the god of the mountain or the god of an enormous tree comes naturally"
-"You treat trees with respect they deserve,but when the time comes to cut one down,you do. If something fells off,all you gotta do is step back".
-"This tree has been protecting this slope for generations. Its provided a dwelling place for the god of the mountain and sheltered other trees and animals from storms and snow,saving lives. I'm against cutting it".
If you were expecting to find some more complex plot or character development, this story isn't it as it mostly revolves the lives of the people of Kamusari particularly the lumberman and their families and of the forestry industry,of their superstitious beliefs and folktales and legends. Overall this is a very simple and easy going story of friendship and love. How the people always came together in times of need and in happiness (which also the part that i loved about this story). Nothing complex happened except for when a tragedy struck on a number of the villagers in the past then the story started to climax and became more interesting to me as i am interested to know more on how they picked up from the tragedy and move on with their lives.
All in all, this is still an enjoyable story which i recommend to anyone who loves a simple but heartfelt story of love, family,friendship and of nature (these categories standout to me the most). If you were keen to learn more about the Japanese way of life in the countryside and learn about their culture, legends and folktales, this book is for you.
Thank you AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story in an exchange for an honest review.
In Easy Life In Kamusari, the story talks about how a young man named Yuki Hirano ended up doing forestry work in a mountainous village called Kamusari. Yuki Hirano,fresh out of high school has been enrolled to join a Forest Training Program by his mother. Being a city kid that he is, he had a hard time in adjusting and getting accustomed to the village life in the beginning, always complaining and making mistakes in his work, with the only compensation for him was an elementary school teacher named Nao who is five or six years older than him!.
So, Kamusari Tales Told At Night picks up on Yuki's stories and experiences right from after 6 months getting into the job and of settling on with his life living in the village, how Yuki picked up and learned the trade and the skills in forestry work while getting to know more intimately about the lives of the people who are close to him in the village like his much senior co-workers and friends from the lumbering company that he was enlisted on, Nakamura Lumber Co. such as his boss, Seiichi,Yoki who kindly let Yuki to stay in his house with his family, Old Man Saburo, Iwao and the others.
Besides that, in the second series, we will also get to see how Yuki progresses in pursuing Nao, the elementary school teacher that he have been having a crush on since from the first series. How he is also maturing and progresses as a man. At least that was what i was hoping to see through this second series,of how Yuki's character developed more not only in his career but also as an individual, as a young adult man who in his early 20's.
However my expectations has been short lived when this series focuses mostly on the happenings in the village particularly on the villagers superstitious beliefs and folktales and the legends. As the book's title suggested,all the tales of the village has been narrated from the perspectives of Yuki himself in a personal travel note and diary which he usually wrote to his imagined readers at night.They were interesting to know though as we get to learn how the village and the mountain existed from the folktales/the legends of Oyamazumi-san (the mountain god) and Nagahiko (the snake god)as narrated by one of my favourite characters in the story, Granny Shige (Yoki's grandmother who also lives with him and Yuki).
And in the subsequent chapters, we will get to learn about the Oyamazumi Festival,how the lumberman and the villagers all came together to hold cultural ceremonies to seek the protection and the blessings from the mountain god who safeguards and watches over the whole village. The part that struck me the most is how much care and respect the lumberman gave towards the trees despite their jobs of felling them down like how Iwao and Old Man Saburo always offer tea or water from their canteens to the trees and stand before the trees quietly with their palms pressed together as a sign of showing respect to a superior.Some of the related lines as a respect to trees/nature and portraying faith or leaving one's fate in god's hands were:
-"Sometimes a tree is so sublime,felling it would be a desecration".
-"On the mountains, we have no one to rely but ourselves. There's always the risk of an accident or a sudden dangerous change in the weather. Under those conditions, i guess revering the god of the mountain or the god of an enormous tree comes naturally"
-"You treat trees with respect they deserve,but when the time comes to cut one down,you do. If something fells off,all you gotta do is step back".
-"This tree has been protecting this slope for generations. Its provided a dwelling place for the god of the mountain and sheltered other trees and animals from storms and snow,saving lives. I'm against cutting it".
If you were expecting to find some more complex plot or character development, this story isn't it as it mostly revolves the lives of the people of Kamusari particularly the lumberman and their families and of the forestry industry,of their superstitious beliefs and folktales and legends. Overall this is a very simple and easy going story of friendship and love. How the people always came together in times of need and in happiness (which also the part that i loved about this story). Nothing complex happened except for when a tragedy struck on a number of the villagers in the past then the story started to climax and became more interesting to me as i am interested to know more on how they picked up from the tragedy and move on with their lives.
All in all, this is still an enjoyable story which i recommend to anyone who loves a simple but heartfelt story of love, family,friendship and of nature (these categories standout to me the most). If you were keen to learn more about the Japanese way of life in the countryside and learn about their culture, legends and folktales, this book is for you.
Thank you AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story in an exchange for an honest review.
dnf
March 2, 2023DNF at 50%
Officially lost interest. I tried skimming it but even that felt boring. Also I got annoyed by the multiple mentions of sex.
Officially lost interest. I tried skimming it but even that felt boring. Also I got annoyed by the multiple mentions of sex.
May 29, 2024
Read for AAPI month
Year two, Yoki has settled into his forestry job on MT Kamusari. He still is interested in Noa, the bosses sister in law, but is she interested in him?
Year two, Yoki has settled into his forestry job on MT Kamusari. He still is interested in Noa, the bosses sister in law, but is she interested in him?
January 13, 2023
Yuki Hirano has survived his year as a trainee at Nakamura Lumber in Kamusari and in this sequel, he has made the decision to continue working here as a woodsman. I loved getting back into Kamusari village! With most of the characters, surroundings and forestry techniques covered in the first book, Kamusari Tales Told At Night shifts its focus towards village legends, stories and tragedies that transipred in the past and the blossoming friendship between Yuki and other villagers - and his crush.
The characters’ antics remains a strength worthy to be praised in this series. They are kind, prideful, hilarious, endearing and steadfast despite the tragedy that has befallen them. Poor Yoki and Seichi, but I’m glad they have each other. I appreciate the additional aspect in the second book, which was the myths and legends of the village. It was a really nice touch, in my opinion. There was the legend of snake god who fell in love with the daughter of the tribal chieftain and there was also the myth of a fox deity who the villagers prayed to whenever there was conflict.
Although I laughed an awful lot because of this book, I also cried and learned so much. And like Yuki, I also grew to love Kamusari. More than I thought I would. Overall, this was a solid sequel to The Easy Life in Kamusari. I think I actually enjoyed it more than the first book. I don’t even mind if there’s a third book in this series because I’m not quite ready to part with Kamusari yet - the place and of course, the people.
Actual rating: 4.5/5
The characters’ antics remains a strength worthy to be praised in this series. They are kind, prideful, hilarious, endearing and steadfast despite the tragedy that has befallen them. Poor Yoki and Seichi, but I’m glad they have each other. I appreciate the additional aspect in the second book, which was the myths and legends of the village. It was a really nice touch, in my opinion. There was the legend of snake god who fell in love with the daughter of the tribal chieftain and there was also the myth of a fox deity who the villagers prayed to whenever there was conflict.
Although I laughed an awful lot because of this book, I also cried and learned so much. And like Yuki, I also grew to love Kamusari. More than I thought I would. Overall, this was a solid sequel to The Easy Life in Kamusari. I think I actually enjoyed it more than the first book. I don’t even mind if there’s a third book in this series because I’m not quite ready to part with Kamusari yet - the place and of course, the people.
Actual rating: 4.5/5
September 29, 2022
The first book is this lovely series was a story of young Yuki getting told by his mother to get serious about life by getting a job. He begins with the forestry at Kamusari, and meets a caste of unusual people, and falls hard for Nao, an elementary teacher.
In book two, we get more episodes into Yuki's life as he gains more experience working in the forest, and gains a better appreciation for the relationships of the Kamusari townspeople, while he tries really hard to convince Nao to give him a chance and go out with him.
None of the stories have big stakes, but I loved spending time with Yuki and everyone else. The caste is colourful, and the situations are sweet and gently funny. The character dynamics are soothing, and despite learning of a terrible tragedy that occurred to the townspeople twenty years earlier (which brought tears to my eyes), the author showed the strengths of the villagers, and had me greatly appreciating the quiet life in Kamusari.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Amazon Crossing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
In book two, we get more episodes into Yuki's life as he gains more experience working in the forest, and gains a better appreciation for the relationships of the Kamusari townspeople, while he tries really hard to convince Nao to give him a chance and go out with him.
None of the stories have big stakes, but I loved spending time with Yuki and everyone else. The caste is colourful, and the situations are sweet and gently funny. The character dynamics are soothing, and despite learning of a terrible tragedy that occurred to the townspeople twenty years earlier (which brought tears to my eyes), the author showed the strengths of the villagers, and had me greatly appreciating the quiet life in Kamusari.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Amazon Crossing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
January 26, 2022
Shion Miura's "Kamusari Tales Told at Night" is a heartwarming and engaging sequel to "The Easy Life In Kamusari".
In "The Easy Life in Kamusari", the main character Yuki was fresh out of highschool. He had no plans for his future after graduating, so his parents decided to send him away to study forestry in Kamusari, a remote village in the mountains of Mie Prefecture on Honshu.
Unlike the first book, the second one focuses less on the forestry and more on Yuki and the way he's adjusting to his new life in Kamusari. Through Yuki's witty narration we learn the fascinating backstory of the village and its culture, traditions and folklore. The novel explores his relationships with the villagers and his love interest Nao in a lot more detail than the first.
This is a YA book written in diary form from the perspective of a 20 year old boy. It's a slice of life kind of book with a charming and humorous writing style.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an easy and entertaining read about rural life in Japan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In "The Easy Life in Kamusari", the main character Yuki was fresh out of highschool. He had no plans for his future after graduating, so his parents decided to send him away to study forestry in Kamusari, a remote village in the mountains of Mie Prefecture on Honshu.
Unlike the first book, the second one focuses less on the forestry and more on Yuki and the way he's adjusting to his new life in Kamusari. Through Yuki's witty narration we learn the fascinating backstory of the village and its culture, traditions and folklore. The novel explores his relationships with the villagers and his love interest Nao in a lot more detail than the first.
This is a YA book written in diary form from the perspective of a 20 year old boy. It's a slice of life kind of book with a charming and humorous writing style.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an easy and entertaining read about rural life in Japan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2025
Kamusari Tales Told at Night by Shion Miura
I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series when I picked it up, but honestly, it didn’t matter at all. The story stands well on its own. It’s written in the voice of Yuki, who seems to be writing to imaginary readers about his daily life in the remote mountain village of Kamusari, where he’s been sent to learn forestry.
I really enjoyed reading this. Yuki’s stories about village folklore and how the locals live in harmony with tradition and belief were both fun and fascinating. The characters are all super likeable, and I loved the warm community vibe that Kamusari exudes.
You also get to follow Yuki’s little love adventure with his crush, Nao. His inner monologues are hilarious—honestly, he had me giggling more than once. This book is such a wholesome, feel-good read. Perfect if you’re looking to relax, have a laugh, and get a glimpse of off-the-grid rural life in Japan.
https://www.instagram.com/raikeehime
I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series when I picked it up, but honestly, it didn’t matter at all. The story stands well on its own. It’s written in the voice of Yuki, who seems to be writing to imaginary readers about his daily life in the remote mountain village of Kamusari, where he’s been sent to learn forestry.
I really enjoyed reading this. Yuki’s stories about village folklore and how the locals live in harmony with tradition and belief were both fun and fascinating. The characters are all super likeable, and I loved the warm community vibe that Kamusari exudes.
You also get to follow Yuki’s little love adventure with his crush, Nao. His inner monologues are hilarious—honestly, he had me giggling more than once. This book is such a wholesome, feel-good read. Perfect if you’re looking to relax, have a laugh, and get a glimpse of off-the-grid rural life in Japan.
https://www.instagram.com/raikeehime
March 27, 2024
The 1st book I read in an ebook and with this one via the audiobook
And it was the correct CHOICE
I really felt immersed in the story hearing the narrator talk as the character and give it more personality
The character already shows his personality by the way he wrote the story so with the added narration *chef’s kiss*
Anyways, I love being in Kamusarj and getting back to the characters I liked in the 1st book.
It’s wholesome and cozy
Alsoooo I see the character development that our main guy went through from the 1st book.
And it was the correct CHOICE
I really felt immersed in the story hearing the narrator talk as the character and give it more personality
The character already shows his personality by the way he wrote the story so with the added narration *chef’s kiss*
Anyways, I love being in Kamusarj and getting back to the characters I liked in the 1st book.
It’s wholesome and cozy
Alsoooo I see the character development that our main guy went through from the 1st book.
September 8, 2024
What a beautiful and warm tale about the lives of people engaged in forestry in the mountains! I'd never imagined falling in love with this series so much. Kudos to Shion Miura's depiction of the lives of the simple folks in the mountains. It felt like Kamusari's skies, trees, river and its quirky characters had come alive in front of my eyes and I'd become a part of all of it. How I wish this series had more books! :(
October 9, 2024
It was lovely to go back to the low stakes world of this village and hang out with the people there a little bit longer. This one was a bit more focused on the crush/romance which is not my fave thing to read about but a good time was still had. By me, I had a good time. I wish there were more books in this series.
October 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. And I really hope there's another soon :-)
December 27, 2021
Kamusari Tales at Night is the second and final installment in the Forest series by Shion Miura. We revisit Yuki Hirano, who after a year of studying forestry in Kamusari has gained a lot of confidence, and has acclimated well to his rural surroundings. Just like the first novel “The Easy Life in Kamusari” we are treated to more slice of life backstories on the cast of characters from the first book. Yuki also continues to patiently wait for Nao to come around a realize he isn’t a “little kid. ”
While the forestry was one of the main focuses in the first book, in this book more of the focus was on the characters and their relationships. I enjoyed hearing more about the myths and traditions in Kamusari as well as more backstory on characters from the previous book. One of my favorite moments of the book was reading about the characters putting together a “Christmas” celebration for Santa. I loved the visuals of the Christmas tree decorated with Origami paper in shapes that one would usually decorate bamboo with for Tanabata. While I enjoyed the first book, I think I enjoyed the second book more than as it focused more on Yuki’s relationships with the other villagers, as opposed to his own self-transformation as he learns forestry practices.
I still can recommend both books to anyone who loves more slice of life literature and wants to learn more about rural Japanese life and its traditions.
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Crossing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2022
When I started reading this ARC I didn’t know it was the second in a series, but I don’t think it was absolutely necessary to read the first one (I do intend in reading thou, I just need to see if I can find it), but its such a lovely book, is kind of a diary, but at the same time not a diary because the entries are not made everyday, now that I really think about it, it is more like letters, Yuki Hirano our mc, and the person who tells us the story, he was a city boy, and now is working in Kamusari village and he is a woodsman, still leaning his ways that is for sure, but there’s something that makes us go for more, he describes the people that are around him, his life, his absolute crush in the teacher Nao, how he is starting to belong in Kamusari so much, yeah, it was a nice book to take a respite from other books.
I highly recommend this book, and if you’re like me, and love Japanese authors, you’ll definitely feel that in the words of this book.
I got a free ARC from NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I highly recommend this book, and if you’re like me, and love Japanese authors, you’ll definitely feel that in the words of this book.
I got a free ARC from NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2019
主角平野勇氣待在神去村的第二年。第一集因為勇氣剛到神去村，所以書中描述林業工作的部分比較多，但從第二集開始，也許是因為勇氣終於對林業工作比較上手了，比較有餘裕了，所以這集勇氣的三八程度驟升，內容也比較歡樂。
神去村系列的設定是勇氣在工作之餘把自己在神去村發生的事情寫成故事，但因為是打在沒有接網路線的電腦裡，所以這個故事其實沒有讀者，導致有時候勇氣用文字跟虛擬讀者打招呼跟互動的自嗨描述真的很好笑（後來繁奶奶成為讀者還催稿的地方也很好笑）。
是說這集有一些讓我覺得這根本神翻譯的句子（我看到妖精打架四個字的時候，一瞬間還以為我看錯了，還馬上看了封面的譯者到底是誰XD），雖然沒讀過原文，可是有些流行語？還是該說用字真的選得很好，讓這本書營造出好像真的是出自於一個才剛滿二十歲的年輕人筆下的感覺。
這集我覺得最有趣的是由繁奶奶講到神去村的由來的神話，這種由來神話真的很有趣，雖然神話的後續真的直白到讓人覺得非常不萌（不是文字的直白是劇情的直白），但綜合了一下與喜和美樹的戀愛故事，仔細想想這其實也頗符合這些神去人的直接。
啊，還有這集還貫穿了勇氣跟直紀的戀愛線，其實內容還滿可愛的。
神去村系列的設定是勇氣在工作之餘把自己在神去村發生的事情寫成故事，但因為是打在沒有接網路線的電腦裡，所以這個故事其實沒有讀者，導致有時候勇氣用文字跟虛擬讀者打招呼跟互動的自嗨描述真的很好笑（後來繁奶奶成為讀者還催稿的地方也很好笑）。
是說這集有一些讓我覺得這根本神翻譯的句子（我看到妖精打架四個字的時候，一瞬間還以為我看錯了，還馬上看了封面的譯者到底是誰XD），雖然沒讀過原文，可是有些流行語？還是該說用字真的選得很好，讓這本書營造出好像真的是出自於一個才剛滿二十歲的年輕人筆下的感覺。
這集我覺得最有趣的是由繁奶奶講到神去村的由來的神話，這種由來神話真的很有趣，雖然神話的後續真的直白到讓人覺得非常不萌（不是文字的直白是劇情的直白），但綜合了一下與喜和美樹的戀愛故事，仔細想想這其實也頗符合這些神去人的直接。
啊，還有這集還貫穿了勇氣跟直紀的戀愛線，其實內容還滿可愛的。
June 20, 2025
Is not what I expected, kind of disappointing. I like Shion Miura, so I hope to read more of her.
Quote: “It’s strange, the way wherever you are, you feel like there’s too much of some things and not enough of others. I wonder if it’s that way for everybody.”
*Decidí leer con gusto cualquier cosa que escribiera Shion Miura después de leer "The Great Passage", y tenía que leer la segunda parte de esta historia.
Quote: “It’s strange, the way wherever you are, you feel like there’s too much of some things and not enough of others. I wonder if it’s that way for everybody.”
*Decidí leer con gusto cualquier cosa que escribiera Shion Miura después de leer "The Great Passage", y tenía que leer la segunda parte de esta historia.
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