Thanks to NetGalley for this arc for my honest opinion.

This was my first time reading Japanese Fiction, I was glad to finally read one. The story was interest all about their apartment that is a four-and-a-half- mat tatami (which is repeated so much I got annoyed with it) but I did some research and realize that it was a larger room and that because it was the one room in the building it was extremely valuable. The MC/narrator does go into detail about. It's set in the middle of summer in scorching heat and the AC unit stops working. Which feels like the end of the world to the characters.
It's a slower moving story for me but the characters are funny and keep you wanting to read more. I'm defiantly going to read more Japanese Fiction because of this book.

"The Tatami Time Machine Blues" by Tomohiko Morimi is a quirky and whimsical novel that will take readers on a thrilling journey through time. The story is set in Kyoto, where a broken remote control for an air conditioner threatens the characters' lives in a reality-bending and time-slipping sequel to "The Tatami Galaxy."

The protagonist and his worst friend, Ozu, are locked in a glaring contest in their apartment when Ozu spills Coke on the air conditioner's remote control. The only AC in their apartment building, Shimogamo Yusuisuiso, is now broken. The protagonist seeks revenge on Ozu and discusses countermeasures with his secret crush, Akashi. However, things take an interesting turn when a stranger named Tamura, a time traveler from 25 years in the future, appears.

Tamura shows off his time machine, and the protagonist has an idea to go back in time one day to retrieve a functioning remote control. However, their simple plan is complicated when others, including Ozu, want to join in on the ride back in time. Their actions to alter the past may result in the world's extinction, and the protagonist's crush, Akashi, brings someone to the upcoming bonfire that isn't him. The book is filled with interesting characters, like Tamura, who adds a sense of mystery and unpredictability to the story.

The novel's strength lies in its storytelling, which is humorous and imaginative, making for an enjoyable reading experience. The author has used elements of science fiction and fantasy, which adds to the story's whimsical nature. The pacing of the novel is steady, and the transitions between timelines are seamless, making it easy for readers to keep up with the story's multiple timelines. The novel also explores themes such as time travel, the consequences of our actions, and the power of friendship and love.

In conclusion, "The Tatami Time Machine Blues" is a fascinating and entertaining read that will captivate readers from start to finish. The author's unique storytelling and imaginative world-building make this book a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy. The book is translated from Japanese by Emily Balistrieri, and the translation is excellent, making it a smooth read for English-speaking readers.