The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa translated by Allison Markin Powell (Signed Bookplate Edition)

From £14.99

As the seasons and the landscapes change, passengers jostle and connect, as this gentle timeless train carries each one forward towards the person they intend to become. Your hardback edition will include a signed bookplate.

Published 5 Jun 2025 (Preorder)
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About the Book…

The contents of each traveller’s heart is a mystery known only to themselves.

Trundling through the scenic countryside of Kyoto and Osaka is the Hankyu line, a burgundy-coloured electric train that has been carrying its commuters to their destinations for decades.

Over the course of a single journey in springtime, and the return journey six months later just as the leaves begin to fall:

– a young man meets the woman who happens to take out the last copy of the library book he was about to borrow;
– an angry wedding guest dresses in a white gown to upstage the bride;
– a university student leaves home for the first time;
– a twenty-something finally grows the courage to walk away from an abusive partner
– a widow learns independence, as she and her granddaughter meet their new dog.

As the seasons and the landscapes change, passengers jostle and connect, as this gentle timeless train carries each one forward towards the person they intend to become.

About the Author…

HIRO ARIKAWA is the multi-million-copy bestselling author of THE TRAVELLING CAT CHRONICLES and THE GOODBYE CAT. Passing through a scenic mountainous region of Japan, the famous Hankyu line is a privately run railway that connects Osaka and Kyoto and is famous for its maroon-coloured vintage-style carriages. One of its much-visited stops is the city of Takarazuka, where the author of this book lives. Published twenty years ago, this enduring Japanese classic has sold 1.4 million copies and has been published worldwide.
Binding

Hardback

Author

Hiro Arikawa

ISBN

9781529934915

Page Count

240

Published

5 Jun 2025

Publisher

Doubleday

Optional Extras

We have lots of bookish add-ons available! From Bookmarks to mini wax melt burners, book holders, book baskets, coffee and chocolate – we have plenty of items to add something a little special. Take a look at all of our options here.

* Gallery images of our book boxes show an example of what may be included – treat and gift content may differ. If a wax melt bar is included, scent is subject to availability and may differ. If you have any dietary needs or allergies please add a note at checkout.

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