ivyshelves 's review for:

Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri

4.0

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If I don’t exist, I can’t disappear either.

Tokyo Ueno Station is a novel that tells the story of Kazu, an elderly homeless man who resides in Ueno Park, Tokyo. even after his death, his spirit lingers in the park, observing the people passing by while reminiscing about his painful past—marked by poverty, the loss of his child, and his alienation from both family and society. with its bleak social backdrop, the novel vividly portrays Japan’s economic inequality and the loneliness that engulfs those on the margins of society.

one of the aspects i truly appreciate about this novel is its poetic and melancholic narrative style. Yū Miri presents Kazu’s story with simple yet lyrical language, creating a somber atmosphere that evokes deep empathy for his fate. the combination of harsh social realities and reflective storytelling makes the novel emotionally powerful. it also highlights Japan’s economic disparity, particularly the struggles of rural laborers who work tirelessly yet remain trapped in poverty. by centering Kazu as the protagonist, Yū Miri gives voice to those who are often unheard in society. 

The calendar separates today from yesterday and tomorrow, but in life there is no distinguishing past, present and future. We all have an enormity of time, too big for one person to deal with, and we live, and we die—

the novel’s structure is also unique, as the story is not told chronologically. Kazu recounts his experiences through a nonlinear narrative, shifting between his past memories and his existence after death. this technique enhances the novel’s immersive quality and adds a layer of mystery, making me realize i had read through many pages without noticing :D

however, the nonlinear structure and frequent flashbacks did make it challenging at times to follow the storyline. the transitions between past and present are not always clear, requiring extra attention while reading. 

oh, and one fascinating aspect of this novel is how it felt like a guided tour of Ueno Park! as i read, i was introduced to the park’s historical landmarks, including monuments, statues, and temples in the surrounding area. this added a rich cultural layer to the reading experience, making it even more engaging.