As Sayaka Murata has just published her new book, Vanishing World, I thought it would be a good time to remind you to get hold of her first, famous novel, Convenience Store Woman. Yes, why on earth would anyone read a book with a title like that? I’d like to give you a few reasons here. The book is a brilliant introduction if you haven’t explored Japanese literature before and might like to give it a go, as this book seems to be the easiest way to familiarise yourself with it. It’s short (just 163 pages), written in a very concise style, and yet it gives you a wonderful insight into the culture, living conditions, expectations and daily routines in Japan. In this book, you follow Keiko, a convenience shop assistant, through her daily life: she trains new staff, shares her thoughts on bosses and colleagues, and tries to blend into the shop’s décor as if she were a product on the shelves herself. Meanwhile, her family wonders why she’s stuck in this job, why she doesn’t go on dates, why she doesn’t have any more friends, and why she simply can’t be ‘normal’. And yes, what on earth is the matter with Keiko? The fact that she apparently lacks empathy makes this book hilariously funny in a completely unexpected way. Be prepared to find yourself laughing dryly at some of the lines and liking them – even though, in a way, she doesn’t really care whether people like her (at least not deep down; on the surface, it’s simply easier to be liked). This book wasn’t what I’d imagined, and perhaps that’s precisely why I enjoyed it so much.

LOVED:

• The setting. I wouldn’t have thought I’d be interested in that, as I don’t spend any more time than necessary in a supermarket. It was interesting to learn about the rules in these shops in another country and also to gain an insight into the working conditions there.
• Keiko. I think this book works so well because the character is so well thought out: she’s true to herself without any regrets and, basically, doesn’t even try to change. I particularly liked the fact that she sees no point in taking a different job, because this one suits her perfectly – and why on earth would you want to start all over again? Perhaps this attitude goes against today’s expectations, which tend to be along the lines of ‘If this job isn’t working out anymore, I’ll go somewhere else’, but whatever you decide, there will always be ups and downs.
• The humour is absolutely priceless. Sometimes I’m not even sure if it’s meant to be funny at all. But for me, a ‘normal’ person from Keiko’s point of view, it was definitely funny.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU, IF:

• You’d like to find out more about Japan and hear about it from someone who has one of the most ‘demanding’ jobs. I find it truly fascinating how the same business principle can work so differently in different countries.
• You want to read something that makes you think. Not in an overbearing way, but in a way that stays with you for days afterwards and makes you want to discuss it with others. To be honest, it’s a brilliant book if you’re in a book club or looking for a gift. It offers plenty to talk about and is a quick read.
• You feel that by a certain age (Keiko is 36) you ought to have achieved something, but that, measured against society’s expectations, you haven’t quite got there yet. There are many ways to ‘shape’ your life, and just because one of them is more established, well-known or prestigious, that doesn’t mean it has to be the right one for you.

Hope this mini-review makes you pick up the book. I will certainly give the new one a try and I’m excited to let you know of what I thought. If you read “Convenience Store Woman” already, let me know your thoughts. Did you like it?

The time before I was reborn as a convenience store worker is somewhat unclear in my memory.

“You’ve been like that for ages now. Are you okay?”
I wished I was back in the convenience store where I was valued as a working member of staff and things weren’t as complicated as this. Once we donned our uniforms, we were all equals regardless of gender, age or nationality – all simply store workers.

For eighteen years, there has always been a manager, even if his appearance keeps changing. Although each is different, taken all together I sometimes have that feeling they are but one single creature.