Author of the global bestselling series Before the Coffee Gets Cold, KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu is embarking on a North American tour this fall, starting with the annual Toronto International Festival of Authors. Mr. Kawaguchi’s stories of a time-traveling café originated as a play which was later published as a novel. It has since become a series, been translated to over 30 languages and sold over 5 million copies around the world, gaining popularity with diverse audiences. The playwright-turned-author is especially known for capturing his audience with heartwarming stories and a splash of nostalgia.

On September 26, Mr. Kawaguchi will converse with Mr. Bruce Pitkin at the Japan Foundation, Toronto about his unique journey of being a playwright turned novelist. The pair will discuss theatre, writing, and translation, making it suitable for enthusiasts of all three to join in. Venturing into the challenges and opportunities the writer has faced in his journey, audience can expect to learn more about the author’s storytelling, which spans genres, as well as hear all about how the café that lets you visit your past came into being.

*Registrants are encouraged to arrive on time when doors open at 5:30 PM. We will have an in-person waiting line before the event, where we will release any empty seats, on a first-come first-served basis. 

*Following the talk event, there will be a book-signing session with KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu at the JFT Library until 9 pm. The signing session is exclusively available to registered participants; you must already be onsite for the event prior to the signing session. There is no separate registration for the signing session.

Registrants can purchase copies of Mr. Kawaguchi’s novels from the bookseller onsite, or bring their personal copy to get signed. Please note that there is a limit of one autograph per attendee.

GUEST

Toshikazu Kawaguchi was born in Osaka, Japan, in 1971. He has produced, directed and written for the theatrical group Sonic Snail. As a playwright, his works include COUPLE, Sunset Song and family time. His play Before the Coffee Gets Cold won the grand prize at the Suginami Drama Festival. His debut novel of the same name, Before the Coffee Gets Cold has become an international bestseller and has been adapted for the screen.

Click here to see PDF file of author details, book list and TIFA related event info.

Moderator

Bruce Pitkin, a distinguished theatre professional with a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from York University. He brings extensive experience in acting, directing, and teaching to his role as moderator for the audience discussion with Toshikazu Kawaguchi at Japan Foundation, Toronto. With a career spanning leadership roles at Theatre Ontario and Art Starts, Bruce has directed award-winning productions and adapted classical works, demonstrating his deep understanding of theatrical techniques. His international experience includes studying the Tadashi Suzuki Method of Actor Training in Japan with Mr. Suzuki’s SCOT company, giving him a unique perspective on Japanese theatre. Fluent in English and German, with basic proficiency in Japanese, Bruce will accompany the audience in exploring Kawaguchi’s unique background as a playwright, his novelization of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, and his global success in publishing translations with an enriched and informed discussion.

Interpreter

Jocelyne Allen is a Japanese translator and interpreter and has translated hundreds of short stories, novels, and manga, including the Eisner Award-winning Frankenstein by Junji Ito and the critically acclaimed Our Dreams at Dusk by Yuhki Kamatani. As an interpreter, she has worked with Japan’s most celebrated authors and artists, including Sayaka Murata, Nagata Kabi, Kyoko Nakajima, and Asano Inio. @brainvsbook

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