Book Review- Before coffee get cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Last weekend, while scrolling through the bookshelf of Crossworld, I came across a great series of books by the Japanese writer Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

Here is the book review of the first book in the series titled “Before the Coffee Gets Cold.” This short book explores deep emotions and highlights the simple aspects of Japanese lifestyle and culture.

The storyline revolves around a small, cozy café named Funiculi Funicula, focusing on the lives of four characters and one seat.

A businesswoman named Fumiko is working to repair her relationship with her boyfriend after he left the country for a job in the United States...

A nurse named Kohtake is searching for a letter that her husband, who has Alzheimer's disease, wrote...

 Hirai, a bar owner, is attempting to initiate a conversation with her sister, whom she has been avoiding...

Kei, one of the co-owners of a café, is trying to travel to the future to speak with her unborn daughter...

And ...One seat that allows a single journey to the past or future, but it comes with specific rules!!


My reflections after reading the book- Even if we can look back at the past or foresee the future without wanting to change anything, we can still learn from history and keep our hopes for what’s next. The author tells the story of four different characters to share an important message: the past cannot change and remains fixed, but the future offers many possibilities waiting to be explored. Each character’s journey shows us the lessons they learned from their experiences and the dreams they want to achieve, highlighting human strength and the endless opportunities the future can bring.


Quotes from the book-

“At the end of the day, whether one returns to the past or travels to the future, the present doesn't change.”


“It takes courage to say what has to be said.”


“And if the chair can change someone’s heart, it clearly has its purpose.”


“You seized the happiness you have now.”


“If you could go back, who would you want to meet?”