The Kamogawa Food Detectives (Kamogawa Food Detectives, #1)

by Hisashi Kashiwai

‘At my age, it’s not quite the whirlwind romance you’re imagining. It’s more about companionship – you know, someone I can share a cup of tea with.’

‘Well, things can taste very different depending on how you’re feeling,’

Setchubai. “Plum Blossoms in the Snow”.

‘That’s right, Koishi. There’s no such thing as “dessert” in Japanese cuisine. The fruit served at the end of the meal is called mizugashi. We’re not in France, after all!’ said Tae, her nostrils flaring.

I was studying Japanese classical literature. You know – The Tale of Genji, The Ten Foot Square Hut, The Tale of the Heike

‘The idea of happiness pitching up in my life like that all of a sudden – it terrified me.’

“We get used to things too easily. You think something’s tasty the first time you eat it, but then you start taking it for granted. Never forget your first impressions.”

Never lose sight of your ideals.

‘Married couples are complicated things, Koishi. Sometimes separating just means you’re each able to follow the path you want. Some couples get divorced precisely because of how much they care about each other.’

‘You can be separated in all sorts of ways, and end up very far away from each other, but the bond between you never breaks. Isn’t that right, Kikuko?’ said Nagare, heading into the living room. He sat down to face the Buddhist altar, the smile on his face as warm as a ray of spring sunshine.

Your grandfather must have taught you that eating good food wasn’t just about enjoying it, but also being grateful for it. That lesson must have lingered somewhere deep in your memory.’