Description

■ The most astonishing bestseller, "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store"
The audiobook version of "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store," released in November 2022 in a serialized format, immediately topped the audiobook bestseller list upon its release ("Willa Audiobook, 'The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store' ranked first as soon as it opened" (《Beta News》 December 2022)). This shows that the almost syndromic popularity of this work has continued even after 10 years since its first edition was published.
"A profound resonance thrown to the '5-po generation' - 'The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store' has been in the top 10 comprehensive bestsellers for three years" (《Cultural Daily》 August 2015). "A 5-year-old Japanese novel ranked 10th in comprehensive rankings" (《JoongAng Ilbo》 August 2017). "The most sold novelist this year is Japan's Keigo Higashino, and the book is 'The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store...'" (《Cultural Daily》 December 2019). "Just looking at the cover, you can tell... The secret to the bestseller is 'the illustration'" (《Dong-A Ilbo》, March 2022). "What are the popular loan books during the 'COVID blues'?" (《Hankyoreh》 May 2022). "The essential condition for today's bestsellers" (《Chosun Ilbo》 September 2022). Despite the endless media spotlight and the generous love from millions of readers, "no one knows when this rich journey will come to a halt" (《Maeil Business Newspaper》 June 2022).
In February 2018, a film of the same name (directed by Yuichi Hiroki) was released, and in August, it was staged in domestic theater, with the film being re-released in 2020, indicating that cultural interest surrounding this work remains strong. Furthermore, young people inspired by this book have installed consultation mailboxes on the streets, created anonymous application communication spaces, and set up Namiyah consultation rooms in middle and high school classrooms, making "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" a social phenomenon beyond just a novel.
■ A steady seller that spans generations, "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store"
A novel that parents and children can read together, resonating with both teenagers and middle-aged readers, "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" ranked first as the most read book in national libraries in 2016 and maintained its popularity, ranking third even five years later in 2021. Above all, it has shown a pattern of readership that transcends gender and age, with readers from various generations reading it evenly. For instance, according to the National Library's "2017 National Library Lending Status by Generation," this book ranked 4th among teenagers, 1st among those in their 20s, 3rd among those in their 30s, 2nd among those in their 40s, and 6th among those in their 50s, particularly showing high rankings among both males and females from their teens to their 40s, demonstrating a widespread reading enthusiasm. This enthusiasm has also led to popularity for the author Higashino, with his works simultaneously appearing in comprehensive book rankings, marking "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" as the book that opened the era of "Keigo Higashino's heyday" in bookstores (《Kyunghyang Shinmun》 February 2018).
▶ A special enjoyment and emotion presented by a master of mystery novels
A novel of our time that spans generations and genres. The translator, Yang Yoon-ok, mentioned that while translating this book, the phrase "I will investigate miracles and emotions!" naturally came to mind, indicating that the emotions conveyed by the mystery novelist were particularly special.
The novel, composed of five chapters, tells the story of a trio of thieves who hide in the long-abandoned "Namiyah General Store" and unexpectedly respond to a letter seeking advice from the past, experiencing a strange night. The author elevates the concept of letters that transcend time and space into a material filled with a sense of mystery and depth, and the structure, where episodes that were originally linked like short stories gradually connect into one, showcases the exquisite skill of a master of mystery novels.
Regardless of the subject matter, the author Higashino conveys a belief in human goodness, depicting characters from entirely different eras supporting each other's lives through sincere responses, allowing many to feel the warm connections that exist between people, bringing heartfelt emotions to the forefront.
▶ A story that evokes empathy and nostalgia for the times
Is it really right to leave the side of a terminally ill partner to fulfill their wish? Should I give up on my dreams after years of effort with no results while my parents grow old? The letters arriving addressed to 'Mr. Namiyah' contain such difficult-to-answer concerns. The trio, who reluctantly became 'Mr. Namiyah' and began writing grumbling replies, soon become engrossed in those heartbreaking stories, and readers who read the letters alongside them experience a serious contemplation of the answers.
In fact, the reason why such letters came to the Namiyah General Store is that over 40 years ago, the store's owner, Grandpa Namiyah Yuji, began accepting the playful requests of children asking for advice on their worries, leading to the store being known as a 'consultation room.' The nostalgic scenes of the neighborhood bustling with children buying stationery in the 1970s when the store was still open, the youth who were crazy about The Beatles, the dazzling transformation of the shopping district during an unprecedented economic boom, the collapse of the bubble economy, and the despair of the youth generation in 2012 due to employment difficulties—all of these decades of panorama are captured in a single night, allowing the novel to embrace the nostalgia of the past and the pains of the present, gaining empathy from various generations.
▶ Warm advice that comes to mind when lost on the journey of life
One phrase that often stands out in the readers' reflections after reading the novel is, "I wish I had a Grandpa Namiyah too." The character at the center of the miraculous night at the general store, Grandpa Namiyah, responds to a son who says, after reading a letter seeking advice, that it seems this person has already found the answer and sent the letter, saying, "It doesn't matter what advice I give." He replies, "I've realized something after reading counseling letters for years. In most cases, the counselor already knows the answer. They just want to confirm that the answer is right through counseling." (Page 167)
Ultimately, the resolution to one's own worries is not something that others can find for them, but rather something they must decide for themselves. Yet, knowing that there is someone who listens to those worries can be a great help, as Grandpa Namiyah understood. The replies he carefully wrote after much thought have changed the lives of the counselors, and over the past 10 years, those words have provided comfort and courage to millions of readers, spreading as experiences like, "In a tough moment, I happened to see a passage from 'The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store' on social media and picked up this novel I read long ago again."
■ Published in Japan on March 28, 2012 · Published in Korea on December 19, 2012!
The remarkable record of "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" over the past 10 years
▶ The audiobook of "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" ranked first on the bestseller list immediately upon release in 2022
▶ In 2021, ranked first in the literary field of the National Library's lending for the past 10 years
Ranked third as the most read book in national libraries
▶ In 2020, the first edition reached its 100th printing
▶ In 2019, ranked second among bestsellers of the 2010s
Ranked second as the most read book in national libraries
Ranked second for the most frequently listed book in the bestseller list of Yes24 over the past 20 years
Ranked third in cumulative sales at Aladin bookstore over 20 years
▶ In 2018, cumulative sales in Korea reached 1 million copies, surpassing 12 million copies worldwide
Ranked first in Aladin bookstore's reader poll for the best book of Japanese novels since the 1950s
Ranked second as the most read book in national university libraries
The play "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" was chosen as the most anticipated premiere by the audience
▶ In 2017, ranked first as the most sold novel in Korea over the past 10 years
Ranked in the top 10 comprehensive bestsellers for five consecutive years in the Kyobo Bookstore bestseller tally
Ranked second as the most read book in national libraries
Ranked in the top 3 for the most purchased books by female readers in the last five years at Interpark Books
Officially invited to the 22nd Busan International Film Festival, the film "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" ranked first at the Japanese box office
▶ In 2016, ranked first as the most read book in national libraries
▶ In 2016 and 2017, ranked first in the lending book rankings at Seoul National University Central Library
▶ In 2015, 2016, and 2017, the most beloved foreign novel
▶ Selected as Book of the Year by the Ministry of National Defense's Jinjoongmun Library, Aladin bookstore, and Yes24 in 2013
▶ Winner of the 7th Chuo Koron Literary Prize in 2012
■ Introduced by domestic celebrities and opinion leaders
Like in the movie, I believe that the sincere heart that genuinely cares for someone continues to be passed from one person to another. The narrative that skips 32 years expresses the hope that such warm hearts reach those who truly need them. Watching this movie reminds me of my childhood, a time when I was struggling to succeed. But at some point, I felt incredibly lonely. I think my situation and the thief in the movie are similar. I believe that one cannot truly live alone in this world.
_Ryuichi Hiroki (Director), in an interview at the film's release
The old letters contain the warmth of the people who lived in that era. Today's letters are not much different. In Keigo Higashino's book "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store," there is an old man named Mr. Namiyah who writes replies. One day, anonymous letters began arriving in the store's mailbox, and the store owner, Mr. Namiyah, carefully sent replies.
Perhaps it was due to the miracles brought by the heart. The exchange of letters continued even after his death, transcending time and space. Although they never met face to face, everyday life sparkled with small miracles through letters that comforted each other's hearts. _Anchor Seok-hee Son, in the "JTBC Newsroom" 'Anchor Briefing'
This novel is closer to fantasy than mystery. It unfolds a mysterious story set in a general store that provides counseling for worries, but in reality, everyone has worries. I recommend this book because I think many people are enduring a harsh reality where they want to hear someone's advice or just a word of encouragement to keep going.
_Announcer Ji-yoon Park, in episode 107 of "Sseoljeon"
It seems to mix mystery and fantasy, but after reading it, it’s a warm book that I have read multiple times. I hope many people feel their hearts warmed like I did after reading this book.
_Jong-hyun Kim (NU'EST), in the "Auction Star Bookstore Campaign"
Recently, a friend recommended "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" to me to read when I was bored. I read it all at once while lying down without much thought. When I finished, the sun was up. It was really fun.
_Hae-jin Han (Model), in an interview with 《Monthly Channel Yes》
When "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store" was first translated, Korean society was deeply divided and conflicted. There was a pervasive suspicion that no one could be trusted. In this social atmosphere, this novel provided comfort by telling a story of trust and connection between people. The fact that it has remained a bestseller for years indicates that the desire to connect with one another still persists among Koreans. _Heo Hee (Literary Critic), in an article in 《Kyunghyang Shinmun》 February 2018
The reason Grandpa Namiyah was grateful for the counseling was simple. He was fascinated by the fact that a stranger trusted and respected him. (……) The ability to give advice to someone is based on trust and respect. I realized this simple fact through "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store," so indeed, miracles are miracles.
_Yoon-sun Lim (Lawyer), in a column in 《Segye Ilbo》 June 2013
As I ship out the weekly charts, some works catch my eye. Keigo Higashino's "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store," which has not fallen off the bestseller list for a while, is one of those books. Personally, I love mystery novels, and Higashino is one of my favorite authors. I heard that my eldest daughter, who shares my taste, borrowed that book from her aunt's house, and I 'cut in line' to read it.
Truly, it lives up to its reputation. There are no murder cases, and our detective Kaga Kyōichirō or Professor Yukawa Manabu do not appear, but it is a kind of fantasy novel where events intertwine across time and space, and the thrill of everything falling into place is extraordinary.
The reason this book has become a bestseller again is ultimately due to the rare sincerity of Grandpa Namiyah in the novel. The existence of the grandfather, who carefully answered the forced worries of neighborhood kids, is what makes us long for those old milk crates where such letters and replies exchanged hands. _Hyung-mo Jung (Reporter, in the 'Editor's letter' of 《JoongAng Sunday》)
I wonder why I hadn't known about this author before and why I am only reading this book now. I found it really enjoyable, and I hesitate to say this, but I think it has been the most enjoyable book I've read while hosting the Romantic Bookstore. I felt most drawn in and didn't want to leave the world of the book. _Kyung-hwan Park (Jaeju Boy), in episode 39 of the "Kyobo Bookstore" podcast
Regardless of nationality, this is a masterpiece, a work of art that everyone must read. It contains reflections on 'life,' aspirations for 'value,' and above all, a 'warmth' towards people (what the Japanese call 'yasashisa'). The narrative skill and enjoyment are a bonus. How did such a brilliant idea come about? (…)
Today, in this empty time, what letters should I write and what maps should I draw? Where should I go? We, who live life, often do not know where to go. There are many things to ask. I wish there was a 'Namiyah General Store' in our neighborhood.
_Soo-jung Lee (Professor at Changwon University, Philosopher), in a column in 《Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo》 September 2018
The miracles of the Namiyah General Store extend a warm hand of comfort and encouragement to modern people. I hope that the audience who sees this work can eventually reach out to comfort themselves.
_Production company Dal Company, in the planning intention of the play "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store"
Looking at the bestseller list of Yes24, I can sense how Kim Grae has changed over the years. Readers from 2015 and 2016 were generally the same. (…) I dreamed of a fairy tale like "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store." Many books on healing have come out, but rather than seeking healing because one is unhappy, it feels like a way to manage one's heart to become happier than the current happiness. _Eun-ji Shin (Yes24 Book PD), in 《Monthly Channel Yes》 July 2022
■ Comments left by domestic readers on "The Miracles of the Namiyah General Store"
A beautiful miracle that I want to recommend to my loved ones.
It's really rare for me to reread a book.
A book I read with my heart, not my head, for the first time in a long time.
It's truly a life-changing book.
This novel helped me reevaluate my preconceived notions about Japanese literature.
I usually borrow books from the library, but I wanted to buy this work and read it.
Now, I want to keep this lingering feeling and take it off the shelf to read again when I think of it.
How could the story and characters be so intricately woven together? I became a fan of Keigo Higashino with just this one work.
I wish there was a real Grandpa Namiyah.
It gives me a moment to reflect on life!
I wonder why I only read this book now.
After finishing it, I felt a tingling sensation in my heart, and it felt strange; you must read this book.
When I reached the last page, I couldn't help but exclaim "Ah..."
I felt a warmth rising deep in my heart.
I loved this book so much that I bought it again to give as a gift.