Author: Mai Mochizuki
Translated by: Jesse Kirkwood
Rating: 4/5

For those intrigued by astrology—or even just a bit curious—The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki, translated by Jesse Kirkwood, offers a charming and fresh perspective. The entire story is woven with astrological themes, which play a central role in guiding the characters through their personal challenges.

Although I wouldn’t consider myself an astrology enthusiast, I found the use of astrological insights throughout the book refreshing and even enlightening. The way these cosmic elements were intertwined with each character’s journey added a unique dimension to the storytelling.

The fantasy elements that blended effortlessly with the plot made me really happy. The mystical cats played key roles in guiding the characters during their most difficult moments. This reminded me of the idea that help often appears in unexpected forms, and sometimes, all it takes is our willingness to see it, accept it, and make the most of it.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop piqued my curiosity about astrology. I now find myself looking into astrological insights more deeply, eager to learn whether they might hold some value for personal growth. It’s not often that a book encourages me to explore new interests, but The Full Moon Coffee Shop managed to do just that.

Overall, like many other Japanese novels, this book blends fantasy, personal growth, and astrology into a delightful story. Even if astrology isn’t your thing, it’s worth a read for the enchanting twists and the meaningful life lessons it offers.

Whether you’re an astrology aficionado or simply enjoy a captivating story with a touch of magic, The Full Moon Coffee Shop deserves a place on your bookshelf.

Music Mentioned in The Full Moon Coffee Shop

• Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor (“Pathétique”)
• Elgar – Salut d’Amour
• Chopin – Étude, Op. 10, No. 3
• Beethoven – Pastoral Symphony

Quotes and Phrases from The Full Moon Coffee Shop

“Times have changed. If you don’t change with them, you’re guaranteed to flop.”

“Things happen to us because we let them.”

“Once a war breaks out, you’re not getting your old life back. All you could do was wait for the war to be over, then try to build a new world.”

“This is an era of free speech. But it can lead to disorder.”

“Life is like a plant. If you want things to go well, you have to take care of your roots.”

“Understand yourself, and you’ll be able to care for yourself.”

“Our world is governed by the mirror principle. Everything you do in life is reflected back on you in time. Hurt someone, and it’ll rebound on you eventually.”

“Forgiving yourself is important.”

“Liberate yourself. Embrace who you really are.”

“Whenever you feel lost, stop for a moment. Get your bearings. You need to take a look at yourself and accept what you see before you can take a single step forward.”

“It’s all about keeping things in balance.”

“At home, she decided, everything she set her eyes on should bring joy.”

About the Book: The Full Moon Coffee Shop

In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the myth goes, if you are kind to them, they’ll one day return the favor. And if you are kind to the right cat, you might just find yourself invited to a mysterious coffee shop under a glittering Kyoto moon.

This particular coffee shop is like no other. It has no fixed location, no fixed hours, and seemingly appears at random to adrift young people at crucial junctions in their lives.

It’s also run by talking cats.

While customers at the Full Moon Coffee Shop partake in cakes, coffee, and tea, the cats also consult them on their star charts, offer cryptic wisdom, and let them know where their lives have veered off course—because every person who visits the shop has been feeling more than a little lost.

For a down-on-her-luck screenwriter, a romantically stuck movie director, a hopeful hairstylist, and a technologically challenged website designer, the feline guides help set them back on their fated paths. After all, there is a reason the shop appeared to each of them…

About the Author: Mai Mochizuki

Mai Mochizuki was born and raised in Hokkaido and now lives in Kyoto. She originally wrote Alice in Kyouraku Forest as a series of novels. She has written numerous other titles, including Kyoto Teramachi Sanjou no Holmes, winner of the 4th Kyoto Book Award, which was later adapted into a manga and anime series.

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