
Before We Forget Kindness
Toshikazu Kawaguchi(Author)
Picador (Publisher)
Published on 4. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-1-0350-4628-7 (ISBN)
Description
The enchanting fifth book in the multi-million-copy bestselling series about a cosy cafe that offers its visitors the chance to travel back in time.
Translated from Japanese, in Before We Forget Kindness four new guests enter the mysterious Tokyo cafe, each with a secret wish, each hoping to go back in time to fulfil it as their coffee is poured . . .
- The father who could not allow his daughter to get married
- A woman who couldn't give Valentine's Day chocolates to her loved one
- A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents
- A wife holding a child with no name . . .
The incomparable Toshikazu Kawaguchi introduces us to the dreams, wishes and deeply emotional encounters of these four guests, all travelling back in time to find comfort, peace, and a newfound happiness.
But, as ever, they must return before the coffee gets cold . . .
Catch up on the rest of the series set in the charming Tokyo cafe, with Before the coffee gets cold, Tales from the cafe, Before your memory fades, Before we say goodbye and Before I knew I loved you.
Translated from Japanese, in Before We Forget Kindness four new guests enter the mysterious Tokyo cafe, each with a secret wish, each hoping to go back in time to fulfil it as their coffee is poured . . .
- The father who could not allow his daughter to get married
- A woman who couldn't give Valentine's Day chocolates to her loved one
- A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents
- A wife holding a child with no name . . .
The incomparable Toshikazu Kawaguchi introduces us to the dreams, wishes and deeply emotional encounters of these four guests, all travelling back in time to find comfort, peace, and a newfound happiness.
But, as ever, they must return before the coffee gets cold . . .
Catch up on the rest of the series set in the charming Tokyo cafe, with Before the coffee gets cold, Tales from the cafe, Before your memory fades, Before we say goodbye and Before I knew I loved you.
Reviews / Votes
Heartwarming, whimsical . . . offering comfort at a time when the world seems off-kilter and chaotic * The New York Times *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
With flaps
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
168 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0350-4628-7 (9781035046287)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Before We Forget Kindness
The most emotional book yet in the sensational Tokyo cafe series
E-Book
09/2024
Picador
€15.99
Available for download
Person
Toshikazu Kawaguchi was born in Osaka, Japan, in 1971. He formerly produced, directed and wrote for the theatrical group Sonic Snail. As a playwright, his works include COUPLE, Sunset Song and Family Time. The novel Before the Coffee Gets Cold is adapted from a 1110 Productions play by Kawaguchi, which won the 10th Suginami Drama Festival grand prize. It was followed by Tales from the cafe, Before your memory fades, Before we say goodbye, Before we forget kindness and Before I knew I loved you.