Synopsis
This book’s protagonist, Hideo Arai, is 45 years old. He was once a business owner, but he lost his job and family and was in despair about his life.
He then interviews with “Time Capsule Co., Ltd.”
This company operates a unique business: letters addressed to one’s future self are delivered years to decades later.
Hideo is assigned to the “Special Delivery Difficulty Response Office” and is tasked with delivering letters that, for various reasons, are undeliverable directly to the recipients.
He teams up with his boss, Kaito Yoshikawa, and embarks on a two-week journey to deliver five letters.
He travels to Osaka, Hokkaido, Tokyo, and New York, touching the lives of the recipients.
The recipients are confused and moved to tears by the words written by their past selves, but then move forward.
By touching the lives of others, Hideo himself comes to terms with his own past and finds peace of mind.
“You can start your life over again, anytime, any number of times, from anywhere.”
These words are at the heart of the story, and they inspire deep hope in the reader.
Impressions
The Power of Words
A letter from your past self to your future self can be a catalyst for life-changing experiences. Another book by Tai Kitagawa, “The Letter Shop,” also depicts the life-changing exchange of letters. This book once again reaffirms the power of letters and words.
The Miracle of Encounters
Meeting people ignites a fire in the heart and opens the door to rebirth. This book teaches us that humans cannot survive alone, and that encounters with others enrich our lives.
The Courage to Forgive the Past
Turn past failures and regrets into a source of kindness and humility in the present.
This book teaches us that failure is not in vain, and that failure allows us to grow even more as people.
