The Miracles of the Namiya General Store

Core Content Overview#

Story Summary#

Three young people fleeing into a long-abandoned general store suddenly receive letters slipped through the iron door, containing requests for advice on worries. They learn that 33 years ago, this house was the “Namiya General Store” where the owner provided worry consultation through letters. The time and space in this house are now intertwined with 33 years ago. The three young people receive letters from 33 years ago, while the owner from decades past receives replies from 33 years in the future. As the young people exchange letters with people from the past, helping to resolve others’ troubles, they ultimately find answers to their own hearts.

Highlights#

A Passage That Moved You#

The final concluding response.

The elementary student’s question: How can I score a hundred points?

Although not in the main storyline, I really like this answer.

You can ask the teacher to create a test about you. Because all the questions are about you, your answers will be the correct answers, so you can score a hundred points.

Precisely because it’s a blank sheet, you can draw any map, everything is in your own hands. You’re free, full of infinite possibilities. This is a wonderful thing. I sincerely pray you can believe in yourself and burn your life without regrets.

Interesting or Unexpected Parts#

The stories of Moon Rabbit and Paul Lennon weren’t presented in the movie. I won’t spoil the endings of these two stories, but I can understand their purpose is to show that the final decision of the consultants still depends on themselves.

Additionally, Midorikawa’s story—watching the movie, you might feel that the part where Midorikawa’s daughter learns the truth is somewhat self-comforting (perhaps because the pace is faster), but the book describes it in detail, making it easier to understand the reasons.

Key Insights or Values#

When there’s no map, try walking and see. When there’s no answer, perhaps you yourself are the answer.

Personal Reflection & Practice#

Impact on Me#

When I first watched this movie, it was 7 years ago when I just entered society, carrying both enthusiasm and confusion with worry. At that time, this movie brought me a sense of fearlessness.

Practical Application#

Move forward fearlessly with a clear conscience.

Extended Thinking#

Thought-Provoking Questions#

If you could talk to someone from 30 years ago or 30 years in the future, what would you want to tell them?

Recommendations & Summary#

Suitable Readers:

Readers who like mystery plots and want to read a heartwarming and touching novel.

Summary:

A mystery novel without murder, no detective, not even a villain, bringing heartwarming stories and giving readers courage to face the unknown future.

The mystery and time-crossing character relationships in this book occupy a very large portion of the book’s enjoyment. Once you know the plot in advance, you lose a large part of the puzzle-solving pleasure. I feel that whether you watch the movie or read the novel first, it will have a significant impact on the other.

Probably because I’d seen the movie, I already knew the plot in advance. I couldn’t fully immerse myself when reading the novel, but compared to the movie, the novel provides more details about the timeline and descriptions, feeling relatively more expansive than the movie’s condensed plot.