The Japan Society Book Club: Mina's Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa

Mina's Matchbox is a coming-of-age novel set in 1972 Japan. After her father's death, 12-year-old Tomoko moves from Tokyo to Ashiya to live with her aunt's affluent family. There, she forms a deep bond with her asthmatic cousin, Mina, who collects matchboxes and crafts imaginative stories inspired by their labels. The narrative explores themes of loss, family dynamics, and the transition from childhood to adolescence, highlighting the girls' shared experiences and the complexities of growing up.

Yoko Ogawa (1962-) is a Japanese author from Okayama Prefecture. She graduated from Waseda University with a degree in writing. Ogawa debuted in 1988 with When the Butterfly Vanishes. Her acclaimed works include The Housekeeper and the Professor, The Memory Police, and The Diving Pool. Her writing spans novels, short stories, and essays, often exploring memory, loss, and human relationships. Ogawa has received numerous awards, including the Akutagawa Prize, the Yomiuri Prize, and the Tanizaki Prize. Her works have been widely translated, earning her an international readership.