I’ve always loved books — the kind you can get lost in for hours, the kind you want to carry everywhere. I read them in both English and Polish, depending on which edition I can get my hands on. Often, I enjoy comparing how a story shifts between different translators, noticing the choices that subtly change its tone and texture. One day, I hope to revisit some of my favourites in Japanese, to experience them in their original rhythm and nuance.

In Poland, my favourite bookstore is Tajfuny — a treasure trove of Asian literature and stories you don’t often find elsewhere. In Japan, it’s Maruzen Marunouchi in Tokyo. Their selection of Japanese books in English is fantastic, making it a perfect place to discover something new while still feeling connected to the local culture.