Matcha on Monday by Michiko Aoyama
Michiko Aoyama is best known for her charming ode to the pleasures of reading, with What You Are Looking For is in the Library and The Healing Hippo of Hinode. The latter refers to a small, sturdy, sculptured seat in a children’s playground that brings good fortune to all who pause to rub its head. The author is one of three contemporary best-selling Japanese authors that include Toshikazu Kawaguchi and Hiyoko Kurisu, who blend warmth, optimism, and kindness with a design to enchant readers. Aoyama and Kawaguchi have set several novels in tiny cafés while Kurisi’s best known work takes place in a fantastical candy store that only appears between phases of the moon.
A Cozy Café Where Every Encounter Has Meaning
Matcha on Monday, translated into English by E. Madison Shimoda, is set in the Marble Café, a cozy coffee shop nestled behind several cherry trees in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood. On certain Mondays, the day the café is usually closed, the owner called “Maestro” hosts events and serves only matcha, with choices limited to koicha (thick tea) or usucha (thin tea) served with a small plate of sweets. Matcha is a finely ground powder of whole green tea leaves hand harvested from tea plants cultivated in shade. The result is a bright green color, a richer umami-savory flavor, and healthful properties replete with antioxidants and a higher concentration of caffeine. This is the tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies that are part of a Zen Buddhist meditative ritual honoring harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The vivid green powder is consciously and carefully whisked into hot water in a process known as “beaten tea.” Matcha is also used in smoothies, lattes and puddings, but its history began in 12th-century China and was later introduced by Buddhist monks into Japanese samurai culture.
The novel begins in January and concludes in December, with each chapter spanning a single month following the life and story of a single individual. The first customer is a disgruntled young technology buff and employee of a mobile phone store who queries the Maestro about his choice not to use social media or publicize his café and its special occasions. The Maestro responds: “It’s more fun when people end up here by chance. Every encounter is fated to be” and continues, “The experience becomes part of you, and in some way may pave the way to something else in the future.”
Twelve Stories of Connection and Wisdom
Other tales in Matcha on Monday involve a young couple who are quarrelling over trivial matters that threaten to disrupt their marriage, an artist seeking inspiration, and a lingerie designer who creates unique custom-fit comfortable underwear but harbors serious concerns about the meaning of her life. In all, twelve stories comprise this charming volume, with each gradually establishing connections and revealing relationships between the characters.
Michiko Aoyama writes eloquently, almost poetically about universal truths illustrated by examples of people from all walks of life. Her work conveys a Zen-like meditative peace and harmony to her characters and, through them, to her readers as well. Take time to relax and enjoy the special moments on offer in this elegant little coffee shop away from the crowds and bustle of modern Tokyo and savor Matcha on Monday even if your beverage of choice happens to be microwaved Lipton’s.
About Michiko Aoyama:
