A table, a coffee, and a decision. That’s all it takes to be happy.

A novel about love, lost time, and opportunities yet to come.

An international bestseller that has already sold 1,000,000 copies.

A rumor circulates in Tokyo... Hidden in one of its alleys is a small café worth visiting not only for its excellent coffee but also because, if you choose the right chair to sit in, you can travel back to the past. But since even the incredible has its limits, you won’t be able to leave the café during the journey, you’ll return when the coffee cools, and no matter what you do, the present will not change.

Through the moving stories of four customers who dare to embark on this adventure for different reasons, Before the Coffee Gets Cold offers us a timeless tale about love, missed opportunities, and the hope of a future that is always yet to come.

Critics have said:

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold is destined to become an international hit.”
Publisher's Weekly

“More than one million copies sold.”
The Bookseller

“A memorable and captivating read.”
Books and Bao

“Through its four main characters, Kawaguchi demonstrates a deep understanding of relationships and love.”
The Straits Times

“An inspiring and hopeful read that stays with you long after you finish. It will delight enthusiasts of Japanese culture with its evocative and romantic portrait of Tokyo.”
Pop Culture Bandit

Readers have said:

“A complex theme, but treated in an apparently simple way, makes this an unforgettable novel. The emotions it evokes are eternal and universal.”

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a charming and intelligent story about how, no matter how hard we try, we cannot change the past and can only learn from our mistakes and grow. I really enjoyed this moving tale.”

“I liked the idiosyncratic characters and their gentle sense of humor, which shines through from time to time. If you’re looking for a brief and different read, this is your book.”

“A charming novel that leaves you with a lot to think about.”

“There are intimate stories that touch you. This is one of them. I love reading a good idea, simple and well developed, from time to time, and that’s what we find here.”