Kathmandu, July 19 -- 'Before Your Memory Fades' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is the third book in his well-known 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' series, initially created for the stage and later transformed into a written format. With every release, Kawaguchi has subtly yet effectively examined the human desire for resolution, forgiveness, and emotional bonds—not by altering the past but by reflecting on it. This latest addition maintains the series' signature warmth while adding some fresh elements in tone and subject matter that distinguish it from its predecessors.
At the core, the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series appears straightforward. Inside a Japanese café, patrons are permitted to travel through time—toward the past, not the future—under a clear set of guidelines. The trip can only occur if they occupy a particular chair, they must remain seated, and most importantly, they have to return before their coffee cools down. Time travel here isn't employed for major escapades or to alter significant events. The present remains unaffected. Rather, the characters pursue something much more personal: a last conversation, an unspoken apology, a lingering goodbye.
In contrast to the first two books, which are set in Cafe Funiculi Funicula in Tokyo, 'Before Your Memory Fades' moves the story to Cafe Donna Donna, located in Hakodate, northern Japan. Although the new café continues the mystical tradition of time-traveling coffee, it introduces a different group of characters, a new ambiance, and nuanced yet significant thematic shifts. We meet four people once again, each longing to relive an important moment from their past. Their reasons differ, but they are all connected by a feeling of emotional incompleteness—a longing, a quietness, or a farewell that never happened.
The café is currently temporarily run by Nagare Tokita, a well-known character from earlier books, who has come from Tokyo while his mother, Yukari, the café's original owner, is in America. Nagare is accompanied by the calm Kazu, who can no longer serve the magical coffee after giving birth. This responsibility is now handled by her young daughter, Sachi, a quiet and perceptive seven-year-old. This change in generations adds a subtle symbolism to the novel—the concept that rituals, stories, and emotional legacies are transferred, even as individuals come and go.
The four main narratives in 'Before Your Memory Fades' are both touching and unique. The first story, 'The Daughter,' centers on a young woman who lost both her parents at a very early age. Her sorrow, however, has turned into anger. She goes back to the past not to reconnect with affection, but to face the parents she feels left her behind. What starts as fury eventually leads to an understanding that grief can often be hidden behind bitterness. Her journey is both emotional and chronological, as the story blends a trip to the past with a glimpse into the future, offering a deep insight into how trauma can affect families over time.
The second tale, "The Comedian," follows Todoroki, a man who eventually secures a top comedy award alongside his partner after many years of hardship. Yet, rather than enjoying the success, he isolates himself, tormented by the loss of his late wife, the sole person who had unwavering faith in him. He goes back to the café, hoping to catch a glimpse of her one final time. This narrative is particularly heartfelt, as it delves into the odd solitude that comes with achieving something when the person you wish to celebrate it with is no longer present.
"The Sister," the third narrative, is arguably the most emotionally impactful. It centers on a woman struggling to cope with the passing of her sister, who was once her dearest friend. The portrayal of sorrow here is genuine and profoundly human. Kawaguchi does not idealize grief; rather, he illustrates how loss can alter our perception of identity, making even the most basic daily activities seem unfamiliar and empty. The journey into the past does not alleviate Reiko's pain, but it does enable her to release a weight that unspoken words often bear.
The concluding tale, "The Young Man," explores hidden affection. Two close friends never express their emotions towards each other until it's too late. This section reflects the common anxiety of being open and the sorrow that comes with lost opportunities. It is a subtle yet impactful story that illustrates how minor discussions—when not voiced—can turn into the greatest regrets.
A consistent feature in the book is the appearance of a children's book titled 'What If the World Were Ending Tomorrow? One Hundred Questions,' which young Sachi frequently reads and re-reads. The book's concept invites readers to think about what they would do in their last moments—what they would say, to whom, and for what reason. This theme connects the stories together, prompting the reader to contemplate not only the characters' choices but also their own.
What sets 'Before Your Memory Fades' apart from previous works is its tone and emotional depth. The book delves more deeply into issues like burnout, depression, and suicidal thoughts, without ever coming across as inappropriate or insensitive. These subjects are handled with sensitivity, not as dramatic turns in the story, but as everyday experiences people endure silently. There's no effort to resolve these feelings through simple answers. Rather, Kawaguchi lets his characters dwell in their sorrow, recognize it, and eventually, embrace it. By doing so, the novel feels more authentic—and possibly more impactful—than its earlier counterparts.
Kawaguchi's writing stays simple and unadorned. The conversations may come across as dramatic, even redundant, with phrases such as "huh" or "uh-huh" possibly bothering some readers. Nonetheless, this approach is maintained throughout the series and enhances its tranquil, contemplative pace. Similar to the café, the tempo is slow and intentional. It encourages readers to take a moment and think, rather than hurry toward the conclusion.
Some might claim that by the third book, the cafe's concept and guidelines start to seem repetitive. Certainly, the rules of time travel are outlined in every part, and recurring themes appear. However, this repetition can be reassuring—a reflection that life is full of repeated patterns, yet every individual's narrative remains distinct. Kawaguchi skillfully employs a consistent setting to delve into a vast spectrum of human feelings, demonstrating that even within constraints, stories can grow and change.
Crucially, this book isn't focused on altering history. The café doesn't permit that. Instead, it presents something potentially more significant—the chance to gain a new viewpoint, to express what remained unspoken, and to return with a more relaxed spirit. In essence, time travel serves as a symbol for introspection. It's not about what we would alter, but what we can learn from what has already occurred.
"A Novel Before Your Memory Fades" is a profoundly compassionate, understanding, and optimistic book. It does not avoid the more difficult parts of life, yet it does not linger on them either. Rather, it highlights the concept that although the present may not be alterable, our perception of it can be. At times, simply experiencing one last moment—no matter how short or restricted—is sufficient to achieve tranquility.
For fans of the series, this book provides a fulfilling continuation and expands the emotional depth of Kawaguchi's universe. New readers can still enjoy it on its own, but knowing the earlier books will certainly enrich the experience. It is perfect for those who appreciate slow-paced, character-focused stories with a touch of magical realism—and for anyone who has ever wished for one more talk, a final farewell, or an extra moment.
The story doesn't present major plot surprises or intense action sequences, but instead provides intimate moments that touch the soul. It raises some enduring questions—what would you tell someone if you had one final opportunity? Readers will find themes of sorrow, affection, psychological well-being, and recovery embedded in each page. This novel connects deeply with individuals dealing with bereavement, transformation, or emotional separation. The message I sensed was that although we cannot alter the past, we can influence how we deal with it.
In a time of rapid storytelling and action-focused plots, 'Before Your Memory Fades' softly reminds us of the strength found in quiet moments. It poses the question: What would you express if you had the chance to return? And maybe even more crucially, what is preventing you from expressing it right now?
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Before Your Memory Fades
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2018
Pages: 256
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