17/8/2025 Ryoco Endo
I’m the owner of Issatsu Honya Aoi Komado—The Little Blue Window Bookstore—tucked away in Asagaya, Tokyo.
You’ll find us at 1-1-1 Hontenuma, Suginami Ward, right at the corner where Matsuyama Street and Nichidai-Niko Street cross. The building with the blue exterior—that’s us.
At this intersection, children walk by on their way home from school, parents run errands with their little ones, and couples pass by hand in hand. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come and go, weaving their daily routines into the rhythm of the street.
From the large front window of the shop, I can always sense what’s happening outside. Sometimes, I end up making eye contact with someone passing by more often than I do with the books on the shelves.
Buses roll through, cars hum past, and voices float in from the street.
Both Matsuyama Street and Nichidai-Niko Street are well-traveled paths that lead to nearby schools and shopping areas. There’s a steady stream of people moving through—a constant flow of everyday life.
Because of that, one day, a traveler asked me for directions. We stood there side by side, peering into Google Maps together. (I hope they found their way!)
On another day, a woman passing by handed me what looked like homemade bread. I’ll admit, I was a little cautious at first—but it turned out to be delicious.
Every weekend, a lovely couple walks past the store without ever stepping inside. They always glance in, smiling warmly, and then continue down Matsuyama Street toward Asagaya Station.
We’ve never spoken, but I sense their quiet thoughtfulness in the way they keep just the right distance.
I often think, maybe one day we’ll talk, but for now, I just whisper a little greeting in my heart:
“Ah, hello again.”
That wordless hello has become a small but cherished part of my weekend view.
There’s a gentle kindness in people who speak up, and a quiet warmth in those who simply watch over from afar.
This corner of Asagaya seems to hold both.
It’s never too noisy, never too lonely.
There’s a delicate balance here—one that lets you feel the presence of others, while still treasuring your own time alone.
If you ever find yourself walking through Asagaya, please feel free to stop by the little blue store.
And if you’re lost, don’t worry—we’ll open Google Maps together and figure it out.