I recently read The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida, and it was such a delightful experience! The story is set in the charming seaside town of Mojiko in Kitakyushu, Japan, and revolves around the 24/7 convenience store, Tenderness. At first glance, it seems like any other convenience store, but there's something special about it that draws people in.

The store manager is quite handsome and has his own fan club, and the customers are a quirky bunch. Despite this, there's a warmth and sense of community that permeates the store. The shelves are stocked with delicious treats, from strong hot coffee to sweet parfaits, egg sandwiches to ramen, crispy fried chicken to refreshing soba. It's a place where you feel like whatever you need might just be waiting for you.

The book is a collection of six short stories, each focusing on different characters and their unique problems. From a young girl trying to fit in with her friends to an elderly person looking for a second job after retirement, each story is heartwarming and beautifully written. It captures the essence of human connection and the small joys of everyday life.

Overall, The Convenience Store by the Sea is a charming and heartwarming read that celebrates the joy of connection and community. If you're looking for a cozy, feel-good story, this book is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book! I first became interested in it because it is set in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka, and I hardly see any books set in Kyushu. It really captures the charm of Japanese convenience stores. All of the characters were quirky in interesting ways and had quite a lot of depth - more than I've come to expect from these kinds of "cozy" novels getting translated recently. I would read many more stories about these characters!

This quirky collection of short stories revolves around Tenderness, a Japanese convenience store, and its lovable manager, Shiba. The sense of place is spot-on, with mouthwatering food descriptions that somehow make an egg salad sandwich sound like a five-star delicacy. Seriously, you’ll be Googling recipes by chapter two.

Some stories, like Melancholy Strawberry Parfait, will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy, while others—looking at you, Advent Calendar Cookies of Love and Longing—kind of fizzle out and make you wonder if they missed the group chat about the main theme.

The writing nails the cozy, everyday magic of konbini culture, though there’s a bit too much focus on Shiba’s oddly magnetic vibe. Like, yes, he’s charming, but we don’t need a full TED Talk on it. Bruno Navasky’s translation keeps things lively and approachable, making this a solid pick for English readers who love chill, slice-of-life vibes.

If you’re into heartwarming stories with a side of weirdly captivating snacks, this one’s for you.

this is a really really good book! it is described as tender and that really is the best word to describe t his book! it was a nice story, i enjoyed it a lot and will look for more books to read from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

*The Convenience Store by the Sea* by Sonoko Machida is a charming and heartfelt tale that celebrates the beauty of human connection in a quaint seaside town. With its vibrant characters and gentle wisdom, this novel offers a comforting reminder of the small joys that shape a fulfilling life.

I absolutely love, love, LOVED this book. It was an easy read that was full of interesting stories and a nice peek into the various lives of those who shop at the Tenderness Convenience Store. My two favorite stories were a Melancholy Strawberry Parfait and a Soft Egg Porridge for a Hard Old Man.


Thank you Sonoko Machida, Penguin, and NetGalley for the ARC!

"The Convenience Store by the Sea" is a sweet and gentle story about community, but it ultimately feels a bit superficial. The idea of a convenience store as a gathering place is charming, and the author clearly loves the details of Japanese life. However, the characters are somewhat one-dimensional, and the plot lacks real depth. It's a pleasant read, but ultimately forgettable.

This collection of interconnected short stories centers on the life of a Japanese convenience store, Tenderness, and its manager, Shiba. The sense of place is excellent, with vivid food descriptions that make even an egg salad sandwich sound appealing. Some stories, like Melancholy Strawberry Parfait, are heartwarming and memorable, while others, like Advent Calendar Cookies of Love and Longing, feel less engaging and disconnected from the overall theme.

The writing captures the charm and importance of konbini culture, though the unnecessary focus on the manager’s odd appeal detracts slightly. Bruno Navasky’s translation is skillful, making the book an enjoyable read for English audiences. Perfect for fans of gentle, slice-of-life tales.

This was a very good heartwarming story. The type I read to make me feel better when I'm down. Heartfelt and magical

Thank you netgalley and to the publishers for the ARC. I enjoyed the story and plot of the book. It was engaging and the dialogue help drive the story. I enjoyed the ending of the story and would totally read another book by the author.

The novel beautifully explores themes of community, everyday joys, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. It highlights the small, seemingly insignificant moments that collectively create a rich tapestry of human experience.