Strange Weather in Tokyo

A Novel

By: Hiromi Kawakami, Allison Markin Powell - translator

Narrated by: Allison Hiroto

Length: 5 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Shortlisted for the 2013 Man Asian Literary Prize, Strange Weather in Tokyo is a story of loneliness and love that defies age.

Tsukiko, 38, works in an office and lives alone. One night, she happens to meet one of her former high school teachers, "Sensei", in a local bar. Tsukiko had only ever called him "Sensei" ("Teacher"). He is 30 years her senior, retired, and presumably a widower. Their relationship develops from a perfunctory acknowledgment of each other as they eat and drink alone at the bar, to a hesitant intimacy, which tilts awkwardly and poignantly into love.

As Tsukiko and Sensei grow to know and love one another, time's passing is marked by Kawakami's gentle hints at the changing seasons: from warm sake to chilled beer, from the buds on the trees to the blooming of the cherry blossoms. Strange Weather in Tokyo is a moving, funny, and immersive tale of modern Japan and old-fashioned romance.

Photo credit: ©Hisaji Hara and Natsumi Hayashi

©2012 Hiromi Kawakami (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Lovely story

Lovely written story and a great narrator. It was a bit slow, but endearing.

A Little Too Cool for Me

I thought that this was OK. I found the voice to be a little too distant for my taste. It didn't help that I didn't particularly care for either of the mains.

Very charming

Story about an unusual romance between an elderly professor and her former student, told through the seasons in Tokyo. The descriptions are very colourful and overall this book gave me a sense of peace.

read this gentle love story

well written excellent flow fascinating unusual story. quick fun read. wholeheartedly recommend for anyone

Beautifully written work about life

This book was a great listen it so masterfully takes us through the daily interactions of two people who need each other so very much. Love has no bounds.

Loved it

The whole book has the sensibility of haiku. It’s distilled, delicate, sensual, deep, tender, subtle. The narrator was perfect for the part & I’m already planning to relisten to it soon.

Short and Sweet

This is a sweet, simple story that contains some complicated elements. I cared about the characters a lot and I wanted to find out what would happen next. The performance was adequate - some odd acting and pronunciation choices , though. Overall, this was a good experience. A brief, poignant trip worth taking. Added Bonus: After experiencing this book, I have a new love and appreciation of Haiku. Up until now, Haiku was something that I was required to 'come up with' in school. I did not enjoy it or appreciate it at all. I do now and I credit the author, Hiromi Kawakami for changing my heart and changing my mind.

Cute vignette

A cute slice of life in a japanese woman and mans life as they go towards their end of life.

A good character study and thoughtful in dealing with relationships as one ages.

it's a lovely book.

I cried a bit at the end. I am also hungry for Japanese food now.

Cozy Love Story and Leisure Time in Japan

A cute and warm story of love between two people aged 30 years apart. Cozy food and drinks in the odenya, mushroom hunting in the forest in Tochigi, Kappabashi the kitchenware district, high school reunion, island inn, ... the book takes us into the average Japanese person's leisure life outside of work. Every moment in the book is after work or on the weekends, giving the book a relaxed setting that is easy to read on.

I've listened to the book twice in a row. It's a nice leisurely listen, especially if you are interested in Japanese daily life, Japanese food, culture, nature, or quiet and gradual romance.