Strange Weather in Tokyo

A Novel

By: Hiromi Kawakami, Allison Markin Powell - translator

Narrated by: Allison Hiroto

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.

Great Story

I really like the story itself, but the narrator is so robotic it makes the character lack emotion.

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.

Lovely story

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

enjoyed. not my usual

overall good story and we used together time and characters in an interesting way. I'm just starting to get into this kind of book and I enjoyed it.

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.

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.

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.

The diary of an awkward alcoholic Japanese young woman in love with an older former teacher

The story is interesting and especially because of the narrator. The protagonist is not what one expects of a Japanese woman but she is likable and funny. I enjoyed the story even when it was quite
strange.

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.