Before the Coffee Gets Cold Series Vol. 1-5 (Hardcover)

The “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a collection of interconnected novels centered around a unique café in Tokyo that offers patrons the extraordinary opportunity to travel through time. Each book delves into the lives of various individuals who visit this café, seeking to reconcile with their past or glimpse into their future, all while adhering to a strict set of rules governing time travel. 1. Before the Coffee Gets Cold In a tucked-away Tokyo café named Funiculi Funicula, an urban legend whispers of a special seat that allows patrons to journey through time. However, this experience comes with stringent conditions: travelers cannot alter the present, must remain seated, and must return before their coffee cools. The narrative unfolds through four poignant stories:

• The Lovers: Fumiko, a career-driven woman, wishes to revisit a moment with her boyfriend before he leaves for America.
• Husband and Wife: Kohtake, a nurse, seeks a letter from her husband, who is losing his memory to Alzheimer’s disease.
• The Sisters: Hirai, a bar owner, desires a final conversation with her estranged sister.
• Mother and Child: Kei, one of the café’s co-owners, hopes to meet the daughter she may never have.

Through these tales, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the immutable nature of the present. 2. Tales from the Café Returning to Funiculi Funicula, this sequel introduces new patrons yearning to traverse time:

• A man seeking to reunite with a friend he couldn’t bid farewell to before their death.
• A son hoping to meet his mother before her battle with dementia erases their shared memories.
• A woman desiring to see the fiancé she left at the altar.
• A man wishing to meet the wife he never had the chance to apologize to.

Each story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the bittersweet nature of time travel, emphasizing that while the past cannot be changed, understanding it can shape one’s future. 3. Before Your Memory Fades The narrative shifts to a sister café named Donna Donna, nestled in the scenic city of Hakodate. Here, the time-traveling seat continues to offer solace to those grappling with unresolved issues:

• A daughter wishing to see her mother before her untimely death.
• A comedian hoping to reunite with his partner after a fallout.
• A younger sister seeking to apologize to her elder sibling.
• A young man desiring to meet the father he never knew.

This installment continues to explore the emotional landscapes of its characters, highlighting the universal desire for closure and the courage to face one’s past. 4. Before We Say Goodbye Back in Funiculi Funicula, the café welcomes new visitors with profound stories:

• A man who lived without regret until his wife suffered brain damage, realizing he regretted never expressing his feelings to her.
• A woman who couldn’t answer a marriage proposal and seeks to rectify her hesitation.
• A young boy wanting to show his smile to his divorced parents.
• A wife holding a child with no name, yearning to meet her future child.

These narratives delve into themes of unspoken emotions, missed opportunities, and the enduring hope that comes with understanding one’s own heart. 5. Before We Forget Kindness The latest addition to the series, published in September 2024, continues the tradition of intertwining lives and time within the cozy confines of Funiculi Funicula. This installment introduces:

• A father who couldn’t allow his daughter to get married, seeking to mend their strained relationship.
• A woman who couldn’t give Valentine’s Day chocolates to her loved one, aiming to express her long-held feelings.
• A boy wanting to show his smile to his divorced parents, hoping to bring them together.
• A wife holding a child with no name, desiring to meet her future offspring.

Through these heartfelt stories, the novel emphasizes the importance of kindness, understanding, and the timeless human yearning to connect with others. Collectively, the “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” series offers a contemplative exploration of human emotions, the passage of time, and the intricate dance between past, present, and future. Each book stands alone yet contributes to a richer tapestry when experienced together, inviting readers to ponder the moments that define their lives and the enduring impact of choices made and unmade.