The Days of Morisaki Bookstore (森崎書店の日々)

And then, a wonderful expression appeared on her face.

Hard to describe that feeling, it makes you feel so at ease.

By the way, do you know a Western restaurant called "Little Puppet"?

"Little Puppet" refers to a traditional toy from the Tohoku region in Japan.

Y記

Even though it has "Little Puppet" in its name

the restaurant doesn't have any puppets displayed.

Their omelette rice is especially delicious.

Hey, are you even listening?

You spaced out!

I'm starting. Forgot about it.

Oh, by the way...

Recently, I watched a DVD called "Blade Runner." Have you heard of it?

Oh, the one you mentioned before.

Oh, did I mention it?

You did, you did.

Yes, yes.

Did you watch it?

I did. It's a sci-fi film from 20 years ago.

I'm not really into sci-fi movies.

It's different. You have to consider it was made 20 years ago.

Let's go watch it together next time.

Watch it twice.

Watch it as many times as you want, it's still not enough.

Really?

"Blade Runner," huh?

I'm not great at borrowing DVDs myself.

Long time no see. Happy birthday!

Oh, by the way, I'm getting married.

What?

I'm getting married.

Marriage? You're getting married?

Yeah, next year, I'm planning to get married.

Who is with whom?

I am with my girlfriend.

Who? Who is your girlfriend?

It's the one from the Sales Department, Murata.

Do you want to come to my place tonight for some activity?

Next,

What should we do?

We are still open.

Welcome, please come in.

The boss is quite troubled.

It's a common thing. Without setting proper prices, it won't work.

This time, we got some good books in.

I'm constantly annoyed, and the troubles keep coming.

By the way, we also got the books Mr. Sabu requested. Take a look.

Found it! Thank you so much.

But, if Mr. Sabu buys too many books, won't his wife get angry?

No problem. She lost one before, so now it's fine even if i buys a lot.

So, how many bookmarks do you want?

I'll take five.

Five bookmarks, here you go.

I still want to make pork cutlet curry.

If you have spare time, can you teach me?

You really say things like Li.

-Really? -Yes.

Why does it break again? We just fixed it a few days ago.

It's not working.

Now it's completely broken.

Mr. Takeuchi, sorry to bother you, but can you take a look at it? -No, no need.

Sorry, let me move aside.

Mr. Takeuchi is good at repairing machines.

Hello, Mom.

Takako.

Yes?

Are you okay?

Yes.

You finally got into a company after so much effort.

Yes.

This can't go on like this.

Yes, I know.

Hello, this is Morisaki Bookstore.

Satoru?

Oh, it's my sister. Long time no see.

How have you been?

Me? I'm doing well. Why did you suddenly call?

Playing back the message.

Takako, are you okay? It's me, Uncle Satoru.

I'm at the bookstore. Remember to call me back.

A customer has come in. So, bye for now.

Satoru.

Satoru?

Satoru..

Hello, this is Morisaki Bookstore.

Is this Uncle Satoru? It's Takako.

Oh, long time no see. Are you doing okay?

Yes, I'm fine.

Really? I knew you came to Tokyo a while ago. Why didn't you come to see me?

I'm sorry, I've been busy with work.

But you quit your job, right?

I've been thinking about it.

If you don't want to find a job right away, why not come over to my place?

Huh?

Water and electricity bills can be quite a burden, right?

If you come here, it's all free.

Of course, if you can help out at the store, it would be a huge favor for me.

You suddenly say this...

You see, right now, I'm the only one taking care of the store, and my back isn't in great shape.

When I go to the hospital, it would be great to have someone look after the store.

There's a room on the second floor of the store with a bathroom and shower.

You can use it freely.

Outside of business hours, I go back to my nearby home. How about it?

What do you mean, how about it? You're asking me to come...

Satoru.

Here's a map of the area around Morisaki Bookstore.

Here, take it.

Not bad, huh? Let's see what it says.

- Ah, so it's a map. - Oh, I see.

Shoes, stairs, one's own home, fireworks, keys, table,

textbooks, treasure chest, and then it's red envelopes.

A treasure map, huh?

Exactly.

Seems quite interesting.

Really? Good luck with your search.

Takako.

Long time no see.

It's been about eight years, right?

That long? You've grown up.

Is that so?

Yes.

come in.

Alright.

Come in quickly.

Sorry.

No worries.

There's a musty smell.

Like the morning after rain. I like this dampness.

Excuse me.

How many books are here?

Um... about five... six thousand, I think.

Six thousand? That's a lot.

That's actually not much. My shop is small.

Takako, why don't you go upstairs?

Alright.

Put your luggage up there.

Thank you.

Don't mention it, please.

What's going on here?

I twisted my back three days ago.

Don't worry; I've already cleaned up most of it.

Really?

Takako sorry for the trouble.

Just move some books and you can stay.

Move some books?

Where to?

There's always a way.

What do you mean by "always"?

Let's get to work.

Oh no!

Welcome.

Thank you for your patronage.

Thank you for your patronage.

welcome.

welcome.

Where's Mr. Satoru?

On another note, who are you?

Are you working here?

But this place can't afford to hire anyone.

No, I mean, I work... Uncle will be back at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

Seriously, Mr. Satoru is unexpectedly adorable with such a lovely niece.

Today, I want to read some Shiga Nagoya after a long time.

The ones I bought before were misplaced by my wife.

Is that so?

Which of Shiga Nagoya's works do you like?

I haven't read any.

You don't read books?

It's not like I don't read at all.

Then why don't you read?

I'm sorry.

Let me tell you, if you continue like this, you'll only see the surface of the world.

If you don't want to be shallow,

read some of these wonderful books here.

Alright.

I must say, Shiga Naoya..

Yes?

He wrote many excellent novels during the Taisho and Showa eras.

They didn't mention that in the textbooks, did they?

Naoya Shiga?

He was a member of a literary school called the "White Birch School"...

Good morning.

It's Uncle.

Takako, you look quite relaxed there.

I'm just sitting here, that's all.

Is everything going smoothly?

Yes.

Mostly fine, e xcept that a talkative old man came by.

Ah, Mr. Sabu, a regular customer for 20 years.

What did he talk to you about?

It was related to Shiga Naoya.

Really? He genuinely loves Japan's literary giants.

But he talks too much, and sometimes, it gets annoying.

Oh, by the way, pour him some tea, nod a few times, and he'll leave on his own.

Mmm... Mmm.

Alright, let's change shifts. You've worked hard.

It's no problem.

Uncle, I wanted to tell you...

Yes?

Is the store doing okay? There are no Visitors at all, and people only buy cheap books.

Nowadays, old books don't sell well.