From the Library: Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop

A review by Diana Blyton (@secondhandrose)

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If you have ever been to Japan, you will know there is a wide selection of stationery available. From inexpensive chain stores to specialty stationery stores six floors high, there is something for every budget and the stationery is generally very beautifully designed and/or super cute.

I work in a school library, and we purchase for both students and staff, so I was delighted to be able to borrow – Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop by Kenji Ueda, translated by Emily Balistrieri.

This book contains 5 short stories all connected to the specialty stationery store Shihodo, situated in the Ginza district. The short stories are titled: Fountain Pen, Organiser, Notebooks, Postcards and Memo Pads and in each story, you will learn something about these stationery items along with touching stories about work, families, romance and the Japanese way of life. 

Each story features letter writing as a way of expressing emotions and gratitude, relaying messages and establishing and maintaining connections. The stationery shop has a comfortable first floor where customers are invited to enjoy a cup of tea and compose their letters with the owner Takarada gently guiding them in their correspondence.

This book is a very comforting read. It comes along after numerous Japanese titles with the simple premise of a location, meal or act of writing a letter making a difference to an individual’s life. As the book’s tag line says, ‘Write a letter, heal your heart.’ 

This book is a treat for stationery lovers and letter writers, and I think most LetterMo participants would find something to savour. You will learn about stationery items and appreciate the beautiful tradition we are maintaining by writing old fashioned letters. The book would also make a great gift for a stationery lover.

It might also make you want to visit Japan!

Have you read this book or a book like it? Have a book recommendation? Let us know in the comments or submit your book review to this blog!