The Book Report Episode #44

Episode #43

The Kamogawa Food Detectives By Hisashi Kashiwai

The Book

It was originally published in Japan, in 2013 with the title of Kamogawashokudo, by Shogakukan. With the help of Jesse Kirkwood, it was translated into English and published in 2023 by Mantle. A Year later the paperbook was released through Pan Books. My copy is the 2024 edition first print paperback. The book has 202 pages with an advert at the end for the next book in the series.

It was also released as a TV Series in 2016: Kamogawa shokudo.

What Did I Think

Is there a meal you remember? At any moment, in your life, it would seem impossible to find and recreate those happy memories. If you could, would you like to eat it again?

There is an advert in Gourmet Monthly. A one-line sentence and if you are determined enough maybe you can find the restaurant in Kyoto, a perfectly normal rundown-looking two-level building. There is no signage or anything to indicate that it is there and also, maybe you see a ginger cat named Drowsy prowling around.

Open the sliding door and be greeted by an average-looking cafe-looking restaurant. Be welcomed by the father and daughter, who run the place. Who serves some of the best and most unique food, in all of Japan. If you ask the right question…

… Maybe you can hire the Kamogawa Food Detectives; Cue A-Team theme.

Nagare and Koishi. A father and daughter team. Working together to help customers search and rekindle those lost memories of food they once had but now cannot remember how it was made or where the restaurant, they ate the food from so long ago. Six short stories, similar to Before the Coffee Gets Cold. And although, not quite the same.

The payment amount for those memories is down to you.

I did enjoy this book and there appears to be a sequel I might give it a go when it comes out.

If you are after a light read, this book might be for you, something to get away from those intense novels. Or you don’t want to try too hard. Maybe give this ago. Although I did enjoy the book, it wasn’t amazing or anything that would stand out in a crowd of books. But maybe, that’s its niche.

It’s a sort of dramaless drama. It is a slight feel-good story about a father missing his wife while cooking memories and a daughter who may be on the verge of having a relationship with someone but spends her time helping those in need in her detective office.

Would I Recommend

This is a book I would recommend; if you want something simple and not taxing, a gentle read. Something to pass some time. Or a few minutes to spare. A small Sunday read.

So I would recommend it, for that reason.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/ USA, Barnes and Noble and eBay UK/ USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.