The Convenience Store by the Sea is kind of a perfect title for this book that takes place in a quaint and community-oriented sea town. There’s a lot of beautiful prose and sentimentalism in describing the setting of the convenience store and the surrounding Kyushu, Fukuoka region that takes me back to Japan. There’s also not a lot of translated Japanese lit that takes place in the specific region described (Kitakyushu, Mojiko), so I appreciated the visual imagery. For context, I’m definitely a reader who can overlook some plot flaws in exchange for excellent writing/translation.

Unfortunately, I think most of the efforts went into building the setting including the mythos of the convenience store, leaving both the plots and characters thin, which is the meat and potatoes of slice-of-life stories. There’s also a heavy fixation on how hot the convenience store manager, Shiba, is with extensive details about his looks, pheromones, and fan club. I don’t think this part really added much to the story and was a little weird and repetitive between all the stories - I mean how can you tell if someone has a lot of pheromones?

Special thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.

dnf

When I went to Japan one thing that became I part of my daily routine was visiting the convenience store, so imagine my delight at this book. Unfortunately I just wasn't able to connect with it and got a bit confused with all the characters and such. I hope to revisit this at a later date and wouldn't dissuade someone from picking it up. I did however enjoy the descriptions of the convenience stores and it took me right back :)

Machida is such a talented writer. I loved this book so much, it was so warming and cosy. Loved it and I can't wait to see what's written next.

Beautiful calming and so much more this story was 0ne that really touched my heart. I like books like this were we seeing people just being people and Machida does so in a way that keeps you engaged. I loved how the stories of the characters intersected and tangled with one another to create the story and a true community between the characters

"The Convenience Store By The Sea" is a collection of interconnected short stories that focus on the employees and customers of a charming convenience store in Japan. While each story features different characters, ideas, and lots of delicious food, the overarching theme of the book is how community shapes humanity. I love simple stories that bring big emotions, and "The Convenience Store By The Sea" does that beautifully. Sonoko Machida crafts a wonderful, cozy world filled with characters that are quirky and fun while feeling very familiar and relatable.

If you are a fan of the When The Coffee Gets Cold series or The Kamogawa Food Detectives series, this is right up your alley.

Thank you endlessly to Sonoko Machida and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to "The Convenience Store By The Sea" being released on July 15, 2025.

I was looking forward to this story but found it feel a bit flat. I did not connect with the stories or characters. It did not stand out or leave a memorable impression.

In the heartwarming and quirky novel "The Convenience Store by the Sea," Sonoko Machida crafts a charming tale of community, connection, and the power of kindness. The story centers around Tenderness, a 24/7 convenience store in the seaside town of Mojiko, Kitakyushu.

Machida's writing is gentle, humorous, and evocative, perfectly capturing the spirit of this quaint town and its eccentric inhabitants. The characters that populate the store are lovingly drawn, from the handsome and wise manager, Mitsuhiko, to the cast of colorful customers.

Through the lens of Tenderness, Machida explores themes of community, empathy, and the importance of human connection. The store becomes a hub of warmth and support, where people come not just to buy necessities but to share their stories, receive advice, and find comfort.

The author's vivid descriptions of the town, its food, and its culture are mouthwatering and immersive. The sense of place is strong, and readers will feel transported to the charming streets of Mojiko.

What sets "The Convenience Store by the Sea" apart is its quiet, unassuming wisdom. Mitsuhiko's unsolicited advice and the store's motto, "Caring for People, Caring for You," become a guiding force for the characters and the reader. The novel shows that even in the most mundane moments, kindness, empathy, and compassion can make a profound difference.

Overall, "The Convenience Store by the Sea" is a delightful, feel-good read that will resonate with fans of character-driven fiction, Japanese culture, and heartwarming stories.

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

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.