*This article contains promotional material.
*The images and quotes in this article are used for the purpose of introducing the work. Copyright belongs to the author and publisher.
basic information
Title: Cafe in the Never-Waking City
Author: Hassha
Publisher: East Press
Number of volumes: 2 volumes
"The Cafe in the Never-Wakeable City" is a story set in a mysterious cafe (Quatre) quietly located in a corner of the never-wakeable city (Lutetia), depicting the moments in people's lives and the emotional exchanges they make. The story has a unique atmosphere where the boundary between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, and is based on the theme of "the extraordinary lurking in the ordinary."
Many of the customers who visit the coffee shop are people with some kind of past or who are at a crossroads in their lives, and the careful portrayal of their emotions is a major attraction of the work. The whole work gently spreads like the aroma of coffee, leaving a lingering impression after reading.
This book is really good.
The coffee is also really good.
Synopsis
The story is set in a cafe in the town that never sleeps, located in a corner of an old shopping street.
It's rumored that whenever you visit this store, you'll be enveloped in a mysterious sensation, as if time has stopped. Even during the day, it's as dim as evening, the sounds of records playing inside the store are nostalgic, and the clock hands are ticking properly, but time seems to flow differently from the outside world. It's a mysterious world where animals are big and small, there are witches, and the residents don't dream.
The story revolves around the anecdotes of regular customers and those who happen to visit. Some are troubled by love, some are haunted by memories of the past, and some are searching for the courage to step into the future. The owner and staff of the coffee shop are not deeply involved in these stories. However, by simply brewing coffee and listening to their stories, they gradually lighten the hearts of those who visit.
"If I come here, something might change."
With that belief, someone will open the door today.
The charm of the characters
- Cafe owner(Hakuro-san)
He is a middle-aged man with a quiet and calm demeanor. He doesn't say much, and is memorable for simply offering coffee with a "please." He sometimes speaks with cryptic words, encouraging his customers. Not much about his past or secrets is revealed in the story, but his mysterious nature deepens the overall atmosphere of the work. - Part-time girl(Sparrow)
She is a bit clumsy, but her hard work is endearing. As she converses with customers, the story depicts her own personal growth. Through her perspective, the reader gradually becomes aware of the "mystery" of the coffee shop. - Visitors
The characters are diverse, including young people struggling with love, working adults tired of work, and elderly people bound by memories of the past. Each episode is self-contained, capturing a small part of each person's life. As you read, the stories have such a sense of realism that you might be under the illusion that you have been to that same coffee shop yourself.
My job is to make good coffee.
Everyone enjoys drinking their favorite coffee.
“"Stopped time" questions how to live
The core theme of "The Cafe in the Never-Waking Town" is,Redefining "time," "memory," and "healing"is located.
Throughout the work, hidden within the fantastical device of "time that does not flow" is a structure that symbolizes the exhaustion and loneliness of real life.
A city where time has stopped = the antithesis of modern society
In the "Never-Sleep City" in the story, time flows differently from the outside world.
The clock is ticking, but the sun doesn't rise and the air doesn't change.
This setting isA counter to the "speed of time" and "impatience" felt by modern peopleIt is depicted as:
Every day, we live our lives chasing efficiency and results, always pressed for time.
However, this work gives value to the act of "stopping" itself.
The sound of coffee brewing, the warmth of the cup, quiet conversation.
It is in these "moments of doing nothing" that people's hearts are regenerated.
The space of a coffee shop is a perfect symbol of this.
Imagery and atmosphere
The illustrations are delicate and subdued. The depiction of the coffee shop in particular shows great attention to detail, with the old wooden chairs, counter, and steam rising from the cups all meticulously drawn. The skillful use of monochrome shading and tone gives the reader the feeling that they are "sitting there."
The atmosphere of the story could be classified as a "slow life" or "everyday life x fantasy" type. There is no flashy action or big developments, but within the calm atmosphere, there are elements that slowly stir the emotions.
Memorable scenes
What's most striking is seeing the number of regular customers gradually increase.
At the beginning of the story, there are no customers despite the delicious coffee they make. But gradually, the delicious aroma attracts more and more customers.
The snacks and sweets that Sparrow makes are delicious and become everyone's favorite. Sometimes he fails, but that's what makes him so charming. The residents gather around him, looking forward to comparing the tastes.
The recipes and ingredients that Suzume has made are carefully listed, and even the smallest accessories are beautifully illustrated.
It's nice to see how the sparrows gradually become an essential part of the town.
The sweets made by this sparrow are great.
Just right for a relaxing time.
Recommended for:
- People who want to take a break and relax in their busy daily lives
- People who love coffee and coffee shop culture
- Readers seeking words that resonate with them and quietly move them
- People who want to enjoy the afterglow rather than a flashy development
Similar works
- "Would you like some coffee?"(Konari Misato): A work depicting the human drama surrounding a coffee shop.
- "What Did You Eat Yesterday?"(Yoshinaga Fumi): A peaceful daily life and a close atmosphere where people can connect with each other through meals.
- "Rain and You"(Nikaido Yuki): They share a relaxed pace and a gentle touch.
Q&A
Q: Are there any horror elements?
A: No. The setting is fantastical, but there are almost no scary scenes, and it is actually a heartwarming story.
Q: Is it a one-shot format?
A: Each story is basically self-contained, but the characters are occasionally linked, so if you read the whole thing you can feel a deep connection.
Q: Can I feel like I'm actually in a coffee shop?
A: Yes. The detailed background descriptions and quiet story progression make you feel as if you are sitting in a chair in the store.
summary
"The Cafe in the City That Never Sleeps" is a story about people's hearts connecting in a "special space where time flows."
It's not flashy, and no major incidents occur, but it has a quiet power that helps us regain the "space in our hearts" that we tend to forget in our daily lives.
The setting of a coffee shop is one that everyone has been to, so it feels familiar, while at the same time the fantastical setting creates a sense of the extraordinary. The balance is exquisite, and after reading this work you will find yourself wanting to visit a coffee shop like that.
A dreamlike coffee shop in a world.
Meeting various people reminds me of the important things I usually forget.
If you want to see more, please click on the purchase link below.
Overall impressions
It was a mysterious world, and I felt like I was in a dream. It was fascinating meeting all the different people who visited in this stopped time. It's nice to have a place you can call your own. When I'm busy at work or have a hard time, I want to go to a cafe and relax.
Purchase Link
![さめない街の喫茶店【電子限定特典付】[ はしゃ ]](https://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/rakutenkobo-ebooks/cabinet/7243/2000005767243.jpg?_ex=240x240)
Other works by the author
Related articles
Related article: "Mountains, Appetite, and Me" - Another story of how food and nature heal the soul
▶Related article: "Barakamon" - The kindness of the island and the healing of space
comment