Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami (translated by Allison Markin Powell) is an unconventional love story set in Tokyo. Tsukiko runs into her old high school Japanese teacher, who she calls Sensei, at a bar. After they first run into each other, they regularly meet at the bar to eat and drink and chat, as Tsukiko slowly develops feelings for Sensei.

This book is short and sweet. It’s quiet and introspective, and I just really loved the sometimes awkward dynamic between Tsukiko and Sensei. The writing is somehow both sparse and atmospheric. It left me feeling a little bit unsettled, and maybe a little bit lonely.

I’d recommend this if you like understated yet still emotional short novels. I’m not sure if it’s just the way Japanese gets translated, but the writing reminded me of Convenience Store Woman, so if you like that writing style, you’d probably enjoy this one too.