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51 pages 1 hour read

Tokyo Ueno Station

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Yu Miri, Transl. Morgan Giles

Tokyo Ueno Station

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

197

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Tokyo, Japan • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri and translated by Morgan Giles follows Kazu, a recently deceased man who haunts Ueno Station and its neighboring park. As a member of the unhoused population, Kazu recounts his life of poverty, missed opportunities, and familial losses, juxtaposed with Japan's post-war modernity. His spirit observes both the past and present, lamenting pervasive societal inequities. Commission of death by suicide appears in this book.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.8

26,127 ratings

49%

Loved it

39%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri, translated by Morgan Giles, evokes a poignant tale of marginalization through the spectral journey of Kazu. Critics praise its haunting prose and evocative sense of place, highlighting the translator's skillful rendering of the narrative. However, some find its fragmented structure challenging. Overall, it offers a moving exploration of identity and loss.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tokyo Ueno Station?

Fans of poignant, introspective narratives like The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami will find Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri, translated by Morgan Giles, compelling. This novel, rich in themes of loss, poverty, and the transient nature of life, appeals to readers interested in deeply emotional and socially conscious stories.

3.8

26,127 ratings

49%

Loved it

39%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Kazu

A first-person narrator born into poverty, who moves to Tokyo to work in construction, yet finds himself struggling with family loss and homelessness. He reflects on his life experiences, providing personal insights and flashbacks from a unique perspective.

A deceased friend of Kazu who is remembered for his intelligence and kindness, with a particular fondness for his stray cat, Emile. He shares historical stories and personal struggles, but the full details of his life remain hinted at rather than fully revealed.

Kazu's affectionate and caring granddaughter, who briefly takes him in after Setsuko's death. Her life is touched by tragedy, and her choices showcase her selfless nature, even when faced with dangerous situations.

Kazu's wife, who mainly appears in the narrative as the dedicated mother of their children. She lives a life serving others, and her sudden death deeply impacts Kazu, affecting his emotional well-being and sense of guilt.

Nameless individuals whose trivial conversations serve to contrast with the heavier themes of Kazu's life. They embody scenes of everyday life that highlight class disparities and provide transitions in the narrative.

Book Details
Pages

197

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Tokyo, Japan • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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