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.
Curtain Up to a New Chapter: KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu’s journey of storytelling across genres
Thursday, September 26, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In-Person @ JFT Event Hall | Admission free | Registration required
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.
The secrets of a Time-Traveling Café @ Toronto International Festival of Authors
Friday, September 27, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (ET)
Toshikazu Kawaguchi is the Japanese playwright behind the global bestseller and BookTok sensation Before the Coffee Gets Cold (translated by Geoffrey Trousselot) and the beloved sequels. Each book in the series transports readers to Tokyo’s whimsical Café Funiculi Funicula, where customers can travel back in time but they must be back before their coffee gets cold.
From enchanting characters to heartwarming tales, it’s easy to see why these books have captivated readers worldwide. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to revel in the magic of Kawaguchi’s storytelling and discover the secrets behind the mysterious and quirky series!
Moderator: Leanne Toshiko Simpson
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.
Co-presented by
Related Programming
JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Before the Coffee Gets Cold by KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu
Wednesday, September 4, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ET)
Online & In-Person @ JFT Library | Admission Free | Registration Required
Have you ever wished to revisit a moment in your past? Join us in person or virtually to discuss KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu’s novel Before the Coffee Gets Cold (川口俊和著『コーヒーが冷めないうちに』), the mesmerizing first book of the global bestselling series! Set in a magical café where time travel is possible, this novel explores themes of love, loss, and the desire to relive past moments. The book club meeting is the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the thought-provoking story as the author KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu is coming to Canada as a featured guest at the Toronto International Festival of Authors 2024!
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Saturday, September 28, 3:00 PM (ET)
Innis Town Hall (University of Toronto) | Admission Free | Registration Required | Presented in Japanese with English subtitles
Urban legend has it that you can return to your chosen point in the past at Café Funiculi Funicula, the coffee shop where Kazu works. Fumiko hears the rumour and shows up to talk again with her childhood friend, who left for the US after they had a fight. But, several rules must be obeyed in order to travel back to the past. One’s time travelling is limited to the period by which the coffee gets cold.
Adapted from the global book sensation of the same name by author KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu, who is a featured guest at the 2024 Toronto International Festival of Authors.
Book List
Click here to see PDF file of author details, book list and TIFA related event info.
Physical copies of KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu’s books are on display at JFT’s physical Library. Digital copies are available at JF Digital Library.
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