Letters From The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop by Kenji Ueda

“Write a letter, heal your heart.”

These simple yet profound words drew me to The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Store, making me believe it was a collection of letters penned by people navigating life’s complexities. However, this book is something far more special—a beautifully woven tapestry of human emotions, nostalgia, and the timeless charm of handwritten letters.

What Makes Ginza Shihodo Stationery Store So Special?

At first glance, it may seem like just another stationery shop, but within its walls lies something magical, comforting, and deeply moving. This is no ordinary store—it is a sanctuary where people come not only to buy stationery but to find solace, closure, and self-expression through the art of writing.

At the heart of this enchanting store is Ken Takarada, a warm and perceptive shop owner who greets every customer with kindness and genuine interest. His mission is not just to help people choose the perfect stationery but also to offer them a listening ear, guiding them toward the right words to express their emotions.

Five Lives, Five Stories, Five Pieces of Stationery

This book unfolds through the stories of five individuals, each searching for a particular stationery item that holds a deeper meaning in their lives. Their reasons for visiting the store add to the book’s charm, transforming seemingly simple objects into powerful metaphors for love, gratitude, nostalgia, and closure.

        1. Fountain Pen – A Grandson’s Tribute to His Grandmother

A young man, purchasing a fountain pen with his first salary, writes a heartfelt letter to his grandmother, reminiscing about their bond. This story radiates warmth, much like a grandmother’s comforting embrace.

       2. Organizer – A Hostess’s Farewell to a Guiding Light

A hostess, wanting to write a resignation letter to her manager—the person who supported and mentored her—struggles with expressing her gratitude. The letter becomes a tribute to the silent encouragement that shaped her journey.

        3. Notebooks – A Teenager’s Unspoken Confession

A high school girl, reflecting on three years of shared moments with a close friend and vice-captain of her Kyudo club, writes her feelings into notebooks. Her words capture the innocence of young love and the bittersweet nostalgia of growing up.

         4. Postcards – A Businessman’s Reflection on Lost Love

A man, struggling to write a eulogy for his ex-wife, finds himself confronting memories of their past together. Through postcards, he revisits the moments of love, regret, and the lingering impact she left on his life.

         5. Memo Pads – A Chef’s Gratitude to His Mentor

A successful chef wants to thank the mentor who shaped his career. Through a simple memo pad, he acknowledges the lessons that defined his journey and pays tribute to the person who believed in him.

The Power of Stationery as a Metaphor

While these characters seek stationery for practical purposes—letters, gifts, notes—each item holds a profound significance in their lives. The book beautifully emphasizes how simple objects, like a notebook or a fountain pen, become symbols of love, memory, and self-discovery.
• A grandmother’s gift of a fountain pen becomes a lifelong companion for her grandson.
• A mentor’s thoughtful gesture of an organizer helps a hostess shape her future.
• Ten notebooks capture years of conversations, preserving emotions too deep to say aloud.
• Postcards, infused with love and loss, become silent witnesses to a once-cherished relationship.
• A memo pad filled with lessons becomes a token of gratitude and acknowledgment.

Why You Should Read The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Store

This book is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a giant hug for anyone seeking comfort, peace, or a moment of reflection. Ken Takarada, the shop’s owner, feels less like a salesman and more like the guardian of a human library, where he listens, understands, and helps people find not just the right stationery, but also the right words to express their emotions.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and digital communication, this book is a love letter to the lost art of handwritten expression. The vivid descriptions of stationery will awaken your inner child—the one who once found joy in ink-stained fingers, crisp new notebooks, and the simple act of putting thoughts to paper.

If you believe in the magic of words and the emotional power of writing, The Ginza Shihodo Stationery Store is a book that will touch your heart and stay with you long after you turn the last page.