Sonoko Machida

A quaint seaside town in Kitakyushu, Mojiko is full of hidden delights. And one unexpected treasure is the 24/7 convenience store, Tenderness.

At first glance, it’s a store like any other.

Sure, it’s a bit odd that the handsome manager has his own fan club. And perhaps the customers are somewhat eccentric. But there’s a warmth about Tenderness that draws you in.

The bright lights are always on. The employees know you by name. And the shelves are stacked with delicious treats, from strong hot coffee to sweet parfaits, egg sandos to ramen, crispy fried chicken to refreshing soba.

After a while, you get the feeling that whatever you need might just be waiting for you here…

THE CONVENIENCE STORE BY THE SEA is the heartwarming international bestseller from award-winning Japanese novelist Sonoko Machida. A a series of interconnected vignettes set in a 24/7 Japanese convenience store, the novel celebrates the joy of connection and community. Translated by Bruno Navasky.

The Convenience Store by the Sea

Cassandra Tang

The greatest pleasure in life is to eat good food while talking about how good it is.

What I mean is, to eat without enjoying yourself is to disrespect the food.

The more we suffer, the more we should eat. If you don’t get enough nutrition, it distorts your thinking. 

Andy

Whenever I go somewhere new, I can't hell thinking what strange places convenience stores are. No matter the town, you just have to step inside and the space transforms into something nostalgic, full of familiar comforts. Even if itwas just the same products lined up in the same aisles of the same interior, somehow it gave you a sense of security.

The Convenience Store by the Sea quotes

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