A book is like a friend. We understand the world and life, or even observe ourselves through texts, and have a deep realization of oneself that we are not alone. PMQ invites different people from design and culture sectors to recommend a book, so that you can enrich yourselves as book therapy.

Stephen Wong Chun Hei: Some books are destined to be read. I picked up this book when I was wandering in Page One. Then I walked up to the cashier directly and took it home. At the beginning, I couldn't stop reading, but I also did not want to finish it too soon. From then on, as long as it is Shion Miura's book, I will definitely buy it.

The content of this book about mountains and forests which is the first thing that attracted me. I am a landscape painter. I enjoy nature through words as well. The book displays forests in four seasons. When I revisited this book, I wrote down some meaningful quotes from the book and imagined the scenery through sketching.

The book describes people living in Kamusari for generations, attaching importance to the delicate balance between men and nature, and respecting everything in the mountains and forests, being punctual and calm. Just like the villagers in the book utter “naa naan’s”, which is a slow-living attitude. Don’t over-stress yourselves to find a peace of mind.

Most people consider Japanese forests as home to many gods. Shion Miura interprets the gods of Kamusari very well. People know their existence but they never show their good or evil side. I quite envy this kind of mysterious life. Even if we live in an era where everything is rational and logical (as if it is), we still love listening to ghosts, but it is best not to encounter them.

“Kamusari naa naa Nichijō” is adapted to movie but I highly recommend reading the novel. There are some scenes that are not included in the movies, like Kamusari sakura and the end of the story. In the epidemic period, let’s stroll around the green forests by reading this book to relieve stress.