After a three-week journey through Japan, Cassandra returns with a suitcase full of book recommendations and a deeper appreciation for Japanese storytelling.

The books grapple with themes from high stakes competitions and childhood friendships to memory, impermanence, and the search for meaning. Along the way, they share hidden gems discovered at Tokyo's famous Daikanyama T-Site bookstore and dive into the cozy "healing fiction" genre that has captivated readers around the world. From Riku Onda's Honey Bees and Distant Thunder to Yoko Ogawa's Mina's Matchbox, she and Liza explore themes of memory, friendship, competition, impermanence, and meaning while introducing listeners to Japan's beloved tradition of healing fiction.

Whether you're planning a trip to Japan or simply looking for your next great read, this episode is packed with recommendations and literary adventures.

Other books mentioned in the episode include:

Wind up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

A Wild Sheep Chase also by Haruki Murakami

Convenience Store Wiman by Sayaka Murata

Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata

Sweet Been Paste by Durian Sukegawa

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

Days At The Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

The Tatami Galaxy by Tomihiko Mormi

Dead-end Memories by Banana Yoshimoto

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto and Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri