HIROSHIMA T-SITE 's stamp of approval BOOK
We asked 17 people with various backgrounds to choose books. They all have their own unique stamp of approval. Pick up a book you've never heard of before. It's sure to open up a new world for you.
Masayoshi Ikake gives his stamp of approval to "Convenience Store Woman"
Ishida Atsuko's stamp of approval: "Braids"
Sanwa Sakagai's stamp of approval: "Natural remedies you can do at home"
Sato Tomonori's stamp of approval: "Yanshi"
Koji Shimizu gives his stamp of approval to "Akame 48 Waterfalls Suicide Attempt"
Yasuhide Takahara's stamp of approval: "The Book of Pill Bugs: A Complete Guide to Pill Bugs - How to Find Them, How to Raise Them, and Their Ecology"
Ryo Terashima's stamp of approval: "We've received an order!"
Nishina Katsusuke's stamp of approval: "Belgrade Diary"
Koji Harada's stamp of approval: "Tokyo check in"
Nao Matsumoto's stamp of approval: "Monozane: The craftsmanship of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten"
The seal of approval of Yoshinaga Yusai, "Tea Master (Vol. 1) (Vol. 2)"
Hiroki Eto's stamp of approval: "Cut off that hand that breaks" - Five Evening Stories about "Books" and "Revolution"
Mayumi Ueno's stamp of approval: "poetry dogs"
Fumie Kanzaki's stamp of approval: "100 Thought Experiments: How Far Can You Think?"
Sato Makiko's stamp of approval: "The Devil of Numbers, Popular Edition"
Yuka Takahashi's stamp of approval: "The Town Where Rice Balls Roll"
Kyoko Nozu's stamp of approval for "Minority Design"
"Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata/Bunshun Bunko
I felt that this work allows the reader to interpret the word "normal" in various ways, which we use and hear unconsciously when we live in society. Through this book, I was able to verbalize the "ordinary pressure of agriculture" that inspired me when I came into the agricultural world from the design industry, and I feel that my personal understanding of agriculture has deepened. This book is recommended for those who are doing parallel work or who have inherited a business from another industry. In addition, I really like how the protagonist's character is expressed in terms of the nature of the convenience store and the shading of the five senses.
Masayoshi Ikake_Director of SPAN Design First Class Architect Office, CEO of Okomen Kobo Co., Ltd.Voluntary organization, meddling group member
Born in the depopulated area of Yamato-cho, Mihara City, he played baseball in high school, studied architecture at university to solve the problem of depopulation, and in society has been unable to narrow it down to one thing: earthquake-resistant building design, 6th-generation agriculture, or helping the local community. He is a middle-aged man who is indecisive, wandering around, and inefficient.
"Braids" by Letizia Colombani, translated by Saito Katsuko/Hayakawa Publishing
When you pick up this book because of the cute image of braids, it grabs your hand and takes you to a very deep place. As you get a glimpse of three women of different ages and countries living their lives to the fullest, the braids are woven together and come to an end. This is especially true in Japan, where self-esteem is said to be low, and even for an individual, self-esteem and self-belief are always in flux. But when you are at a crossroads and have to make a choice, you want to be able to believe in yourself and make a decision even under pressure from those around you. I think this book will be your talisman at that time.
Atsuko Ishida_Artist
Born in 1976, currently living in Hiroshima City Graduated from Hiroshima University's School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, then dropped out of the graduate school Started producing and exhibiting paintings and baskets since 2001, and continues to work as an illustrator, producing and exhibiting paintings, baskets and bags Runs an atelier called asumemo in Nekoyacho, Naka Ward, which opens once a month Loves cats and music
Born in 1976, currently living in Hiroshima City Graduated from Hiroshima University's School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, then dropped out of the graduate school Started producing and exhibiting paintings and baskets since 2001, and continues to work as an illustrator, producing and exhibiting paintings, baskets and bags Runs an atelier called asumemo in Nekoyacho, Naka Ward, which opens once a month Loves cats and music
Sakugai Sanwa's stamp of approval BOOK
"Natural Remedies You Can Do at Home" by Yuriko Tojo/Anata to Kenkosha
I have been reviewing my diet since I started to be conscious of building a body that does not rely on medical treatment or medicine. This book has really helped me when I had to deal with minor injuries and illnesses since my child was born. It contains detailed descriptions of natural remedies and methods for various symptoms, and has been very helpful for both adults and children when their physical condition changes, so it is like a talisman for my family.
Sakae Sanwa_Owner of a donut shop in the mountains
My husband and I are running "Wado, a donut shop in the mountains" in Yoshiki, Kitahiroshima Town, where we moved. We aim to be as self-sufficient and sustainable as possible in the mountains of Toyohira, Kitahiroshima Town, which is rich in nature. We live in the mountains with our two children, our pet dog, and our chickens, and run a donut shop in our home and shop.
Tomonori Sato's stamp of approval BOOK
“Kyoko” Masamitsu Miyagiya/Shincho Bunko
A politician from the Spring and Autumn Period in China, 500 BC. This is what it means to be a great prime minister. The achievements of father and son, Yan Ying and Yan Ying, shine brightly in Chinese history. However, what shines even more is the way they lived their lives. Their high-minded way of life, in which they were father and son but also truly master and disciple, is inspiring to the reader. In these extremely chaotic times, I hope you will pick up this book. For you who believe in tomorrow.
Tomonori Sato_CEO of Sosho Sato Co., Ltd.
Born in 1976, 4th generation head of Sosho Sato. Books (co-authored by Junichiro Shimada): "Waiting at the Bookstore" I work at a bookstore called Wee Tojo store in Tojo-cho, Shobara City. I always think that bookstores are fun. I'm excited about the possibilities that bookstores have.
Koji Shimizu's stamp of approval BOOK
"Akame 48 Waterfalls Suicide Attempt" by Chokichi Kurumatani/Bunshun Bunko
This is not a book I would recommend to everyone. It's a book that is not for everyone. But I am intensely fascinated by the world depicted here. Rather, I feel that only those who can share this world can truly understand the important parts. The sewage of society and the flowers that bloom there. The smell of viscera and the Karyobinga tattoo visible in the dim light. I think it's rare to find a novel that penetrates so deeply and stays with you so long. Did you know? Akame 48 Waterfalls is actually a waterfall in Mie. I would like to go there someday.
Koji Shimizu_Writer, Novelist, Editor
In 2019, she won the Hiroshima Book Award for her book "Ai to Yuuki wo, Share Kurete nai" (Can You Share Love and Courage?). She also appears on television and radio. In April, she set off on the Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. She is currently serializing her journey on note as "Blurred Pilgrimage."
Yasuhide Takahara's Stamp of Approval BOOK
"The Book of Pill Bugs: A Complete Guide to Pill Bugs - How to Find Them, How to Raise Them, and Their Ecology" by Futaro Okuyama and Minoji/DU BOOKS
Pill bugs are a giant of the biological world that everyone knows and needs no introduction. They are the idols of children who cannot help but touch them when they see them. Pill bugs are creatures with an amazing ecology that can even complete maze experiments in one try. This book explains everything about pill bugs. This is a book that can be recommended to everyone, whether you like pill bugs, have liked pill bugs in the past, or are going to like pill bugs in the future.
Yasuhide Takahara_1st Hiroshima Bookstore Street Executive Committee Member
A wandering office worker who wanders around places with local stores, local milk, local instant noodles, retro vending machines, ponds, rice terraces, and books.
"We've received your order!" by Ryo Asai/Shueisha Bunko
Ryo Asai, who made his debut with "Kirishima Bukatsu Yamerutteyo" and won the Naoki Prize for "Nanimono", has collaborated with various companies to create this book, which is a collection of past novels and essays. Each story is clearly stated with the orderer, publication medium, and story conditions, and the author concludes with a commentary after the story is over. Anyone would be drawn in by the author's writing, which depicts a worldview that transcends the bounds of the conditions and character count that should be confined to a certain frame.
Ryo Terashima _ Hiroshima Dragonflies player
He currently plays for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the B1 division of the professional basketball league B. His speedy drives are his weapon, and he has been selected as a member of the Japanese national team. His hobbies include reading, and he is active in many areas, including writing a column for the basketball magazine "Double Dream!"
Nishina Katsusuke's stamp of approval BOOK
"Belgrade Diary" by Kayoko Yamazaki/Shoshi Yamada
This book is a diary written by a poet and translator living in Belgrade, who wrote about his life over the past 12 years from 2001. From the moment you read the opening words, you are drawn into the author's world. The Yugoslav wars, everyday life taken away by NATO air raids. What exactly are "good" and "evil"? The words that lift the darkness seem to carry the life of Belgrade with them. And above all, you are overwhelmed by the short, sharp, beautiful words. I don't know how many places he sketched.
Katsusuke Nishina_Photographer
Born in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture in 1996. While studying at Hiroshima University, he published "Hometown Notebook" (KADOKAWA), a book that traveled to all 1,741 cities, towns, and villages in Japan, and in 2022, he published "No Matter Where I Live" (self-published).
"Tokyo Check In" by Shinichi Ishizuka/Shogakukan
A collection of short stories by Shinichi Ishizuka, who captivates readers with mountain climbing in "Gake" and jazz in "Blue Giant." The protagonist, who wandered the world as a backpacker, begins working at a hotel in his hometown. Through warm conversations, he introduces a "Japan" that strikes a chord with each of his customers, each with their own travel goals. With signs of a revival in inbound tourism, this work will give you a chance to reconsider the "hospitality" that can only be experienced in Japan, such as bonito flakes dancing on an okonomiyaki hot plate and a hot towel shave at a barber shop.
Koji Harada_Business Inn Harada
He was involved in agriculture in Nepal as a member of the local government and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), and since returning to Hiroshima, he has been working hard every day at the Business Inn Harada. He loves culture. The novel and manga section at Inn Harada has a lineup full of his favorites, from the classics to the more obscure!
Nao Matsumoto's Recommended Book
"Manufacturing at Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten" Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten
This book focuses on "monozane," the core of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten's craftsmanship, and is packed with what we at Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten value. Rather than continuing to use tools that have been treasured since ancient times without making any changes, we want to think about how they can fit into modern life, have people use them with affection for a long time, and connect them to the future. I usually work in the store, and when I want to go back to my roots, I quietly pick up this book.
Nao Matsumoto_Manager of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten
I've spent most of my life in Hiroshima. However, after moving to another prefecture, I realized that Hiroshima is a great place to live and the food is delicious! I love it even more now. My favorite plant these days is an adenium that I replanted this spring and is growing slowly.
Yoshinaga Yusai's stamp of approval BOOK
"Tea Master (Vol. 1 and 2)" by Jun Ito/Gentosha Bunko
Sen no Rikyu. A genius who perfected the "wabi-sabi" of the great culture of "chanoyu" and created many tea utensils. He was also a close aide to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the ruler of Japan. What is the origin of the name "Sen no yaku wo yakume" (rest in a thousand profits)? What is the connection between Christianity, politics, and chanoyu? What was Rikyu's goal and what was he plotting? What was his relationship with Hideyoshi, and what kind of conflict arose? Why did Rikyu commit seppuku? This is a historical epic book with many dialogues and easy-to-read sentences that draw you into the era.
Yoshinaga Yusai_Tegashira Tea Shop Representative
Born in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, he is the third generation owner of a 92-year-old teahouse. Associate professor of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony. He broadcasts the basics of tea ceremony and talks with famous people on YouTube. He holds seminars on Japanese tea and tea ceremony.
Hiroki Eto's stamp of approval BOOK
"Cut Off Those Praying Hands: Five Night Stories on Books and Revolution" by Naka Sasaki/Kawade Shobo Shinsha
Every time I read this book, I can't help but think again and again. Who are we booksellers? Since ancient times, we have been revolutionizing by writing, reading, rewriting, and then reading and rewriting again. What is our role as book sellers in this? I am proud of the importance of what booksellers must do, but at the same time, I am overwhelmed by the weight of the responsibility that has been imposed on me. However, every time I read this book, I can get the energy to start walking again and again. This is a book that I highly recommend to anyone who loves books.
Hiroki HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS Literature
Mayumi Ueno's Recommended Book
"Poetry Dogs" by Saito Rin/Kodansha
Even if you get lost, you can always find your way to this mysterious bar, where the bartender is a dog. He serves "poetry" along with your drinks, as an appetizer. Of course, it's up to the bartender. Dissolve your loneliness in a cocktail and talk while getting drunk on poetry. Whether you're talking to yourself or talking fast when you're excited, someone will listen and embrace you with every word. This book of poems is like a ray of light, and makes you think that this kindness is the most important thing for those who are trying to survive tomorrow.
Mayumi Ueno_Hiroshima HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS Literature Section
Fumie Kanzaki's Recommended Book
"100 Thought Experiments: How Far Can You Think?" by Julian Baggini, translated by Kazumi Mukai, Kinokuniya Shoten
This book will make the unconscious act of "thinking" deeper and more enjoyable. There are no correct answers to questions in philosophy or ethics about life or existence. This is because the way of thinking differs depending on the situation of the person answering. When I thought about what the 100 questions in this book were asking, Socrates' "Living Well" came to mind. Put yourself in several positions and think about how you should be in order to "live well." "Thinking" is a labyrinth. Try to think your way around as if you were wandering through a maze.
Fumie Kanzaki_Hiroshima HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS Humanities Section
Sato Makiko's stamp of approval book
"The Devil in Numbers: Popular Edition" by Hans Magnus Enzensberger/Shobunsha
A best-seller from Germany aimed at "children" from 10 to 100 years old. It is often said that "math is beautiful," but even for me, who is completely useless at science studies in general, this book gave me a pure surprise and impression, as if a part of that beauty was vividly spread out before my eyes. The beautiful and mysterious world of mathematics. A must-read for children who are interested in arithmetic and mathematics. And for children and adults who are not. After reading it, you will surely like math even more than before you read it.
Sato Makiko_Hiroshima HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS Children's Book Division
Yuka Takahashi's stamp of approval BOOK
"The Town Where Rice Balls Roll" by panpanya/Hakusensha
This is a manga about a town somewhere in Japan. In the past, I liked to explore and take unknown roads, calling them "shortcuts." Now I'm sure I don't get excited about "shortcuts" and just walk along familiar roads quickly to my destination. But that side street I never paid attention to might actually be the entrance to an underground city. On my way home today, I want to fade my shadow like the main character and pay attention to the scenery and letters of the town.
Yuuka Takahashi_Hiroshima HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS Comics Department
Kyoko Nozu's stamp of approval book
"Minority Design" by Tomohiro Sawada/Rights Inc.
At first, I thought the Braille on the cover and the title of the book made me think it was a book about commercial design for people with disabilities, but the contents were completely different. Everyone is a minority. The book describes the process by which the author realised this and came up with Yuru Sports. Isn't it society that is at fault when people are unable to be happy because of misfortune that can happen to anyone? Rather than regretting the situation we find ourselves in, we should think about how to make life easier. The book is full of many messages.
Kyoko Nozu_Hiroshima HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS Work Style Concierge
