The Passengers on the Hankyu Line – Hiro Arikawa

Published By: Doubleday
Pages: 240
Released On: 05/06/2025
Translated By: Allison Markin Powell

The contents of each traveller’s heart is a mystery known only to themselves.

Trundling through the scenic countryside of Kyoto and Osaka is the Hankyu line, a burgundy-coloured electric train that has been carrying its commuters to their destinations for decades.

Over the course of a single journey in springtime, and the return journey six months later just as the leaves begin to fall:

– a young man meets the woman who happens to take out the last copy of the library book he was about to borrow;
– an angry wedding guest dresses in a white gown to upstage the bride;
– a university student leaves home for the first time;
– a twenty-something finally grows the courage to walk away from an abusive partner
– a widow learns independence, as she and her granddaughter meet their new dog.

*****

Thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for the gifted copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I love Japanese fiction. There’s something about it that is so soothing. It’s quirky and whimsical and run, but with real heart and a real passion behind him.

I love that, whilst each character has their own story within the book, they all link, which showed a sense of continuity and community. It shows that what we do may affect complete strangers.

I do have an issue with the characters though. Their interactions felt a bit forced and weren’t particularly well developed so I didn’t really feel anything for them sadly.

This book, for me, really looked at what good can come out of exploring, making friends, expanding your horizons, stepping out of your comfort zone.

It’s not my favourite translated novel I’ve ever read. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, it’s easy to read, quick to read, comforting and uplifting, but it’s also a bit…not boring, that’s too strong a word, but maybe a bit too one dimensional. I wanted a bit more to happen. I don’t mind less plot if the characters are well developed, but both the characters and plot seem to float around without ever really sticking.

I will always gravitate towards translated fiction, and this did have a pleasant feeling to it but it isn’t one that will stick with me unfortunately.