Kyoto Book Club

Hi, everyone. For the June book club, we will be discussing a book "Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata.

"Convenience Store Woman" is a 2016 Akutagawa Prize-winning novel by Sayaka Murata that explores the life of a woman who doesn’t conform to societal norms.

Keiko Furukura, 36, has been working at a convenience store for 18 years. While she has always felt different from others, following the strict rules of the store gives her a sense of identity and purpose. However, being single and in a non-permanent job draws criticism from those around her. She eventually begins a fake relationship with a man named Shiraha, who also struggles to fit into society. But after quitting the store to pursue a more “normal” life, Keiko realizes that what she truly wants is to keep working at the convenience store. She ends the relationship and chooses to return to the work that gives her meaning.
The novel critiques social expectations in Japan and questions what it really means to be “normal.” It invites readers to reflect on individuality and the pressure to conform.

【Join Us!】
Our online book club will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Japan time). You can join even if you don’t have a Jitsi account by clicking the URL provided on the right.
You don't need to click [Join in app]. Please just click the blue link [Join in browser].

【What We'll Do】
Reading the book beforehand will enhance your experience, but it’s not mandatory!

Join us with a cup of coffee or tea to share your favorite moments, thoughts, and questions.
The book is only 176 pages long. The Kindle version is available for ¥1289 (around $8.61).

【Important to Know】
●For smooth communication and security, please turn on your camera during the sessions. If your camera is off or your face is not visible, you may be removed from the call. Thank you for your understanding.
●There is no entrance fee or membership fee.
●Please be mindful that participants come from diverse backgrounds and respect each other’s perspectives.

We’d love for you to join us! We’re looking forward to discussing the book with everyone and having a wonderful time together.

Hi, everyone. For the July book club, we will be discussing a book Letters from Thailand by Botan.

About Letters from Thailand by Botan
Originally published in Thai in 1969 and winner of the SEATO Prize for Thai Literature, this novel tells the story of Tan Suang U, a young man who emigrates from China to Bangkok. Told through letters to his mother, the book explores themes of family, cultural conflict, assimilation, and alienation, and remains one of Thailand’s most enduring modern literary works.

About the Author
Botan (real name Supa Sirising) is a Thai author of Chinese descent who was named a National Artist in 1999. Translator Susan Fulop Kepner has worked for over 30 years translating Thai literature into English.

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【Join Us!】
Our online book club will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Japan time). You can join even if you don’t have a Jitsi account by clicking the URL provided on the right.
You don't need to click [Join in app]. Please just click the blue link [Join in browser].

***

【What We'll Do】
Reading the book beforehand will enhance your experience, but it’s not mandatory!
Join us with a cup of coffee or tea to share your favorite moments, thoughts, and questions.
The book is 582 pages long. The Kindle version is available for 1,042 yen (approximately $6.70 USD).

***

【Important to Know】
● For smooth communication and security, please turn on your camera during the sessions. If your camera is off or your face is not visible, you may be removed from the call. Thank you for your understanding.
● There is no entrance fee or membership fee.
● Please be mindful that participants come from diverse backgrounds and respect each other’s perspectives.

***

We’d love for you to join us! We’re looking forward to discussing the book with everyone and having a wonderful time together.