Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday - Bucket List Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week's topic is...

Bucket List Books!


Happy Tuesday! This week we are talking about bucket lists. I have many things on my bucket list and many places I would like to visit. One place that both my daughter and I hope to visit in the near future is Japan. I am obsessed with so many things Japanese, and in the past two years, I have fallen in love with Japanese literature. It's been wonderful to have so many Japanese books translated because these cozy stories with a touch of magic are a perfect fit for me. And seriously, there are cats on all the covers. They really know the way to my heart. Below are ten books set in Japan which I adored. 

  1. Hot Chocolate on Thursday by Michiko Aoyama
  2. The Calico Cat at the Chibineko Kitchen by Yuta Takahashi
  3. Best Wishes from the Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
  4. Menu of Happiness by Hisashi Kashiwai
  5. Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi


What's on your bucket list?
Let us know in the comments!

10 comments:

  1. I love that you found so many books you love in a place you want to visit!

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    1. These translations have been blowing up which really helps

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  2. Great choice, Sam. I would love to visit Japan, but probably won't get there. Visiting vicariously will have to be it for me. I've read 3 of these books and enjoyed them, but hope to read more.

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    1. I am not sure I could endure that flight and it's very expensive too. That's why it's on my bucket list

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  3. I really enjoyed 'Sweet Bean Paste' though the end was so sad. 'The Lantern of Lost Memories' was okay. I'm glad Japanese books get translated into English or else I couldn't read them but I must admit, some of the translation weren't that great.

    Have you read "There's no such thing as an easy job' by Kikuko Tsumura - it's one of my favorite Japanese-translated books that I read last year. It's most about a woman trying out tempt jobs but there were bits of paranormal elements in it.

    Have a lovely day.

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    1. The older woman's storyline was surprising. I had no idea about any of that. I have not read that book, but I just checked, and my library has it. Thanks for the rec.

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  4. I've haven't read much Japanese literature. Glad to see you're enjoying it and inspiring you to take a trip there in the future!

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    1. I have always loved Japanese culture. I had a penpal in Japan when I was a kid and she would send me treats, knick knacks, cassettes of music. It was great.

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  5. Well Sam I hop you will find a cruise in Japan!

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    1. We are looking for a land tour which will be punishing, but you get to see so much more.

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