A Perfect Day to Be Alone Nanae Ayoama

I read A Perfect Day to Be Alone in both English and Polish, and I have to say that the Polish translator, Barbara Słomka, put in a lot of effort to create the right atmosphere. Reading the same book in two different translations was eye-opening—the difference was huge. In Polish, the warmth and natural flow of conversations felt just right. For example, an older lady says, "Would you eat yokan jellybean?" while in English, it’s simply "Fancy some yokan?" That completely changes the tone! I can’t imagine an elderly Japanese woman speaking like that—it felt like watching an anime with an awkward English dub.

The story itself was difficult for me to read, mainly because the protagonist, a young woman in her 20s, is so rude and constantly upset. She moves to Tokyo to live with a 70-year-old relative, Ms. Ginko, but instead of showing any gratitude, she’s dismissive and disrespectful. I found it unbearable at times. Even when she falls in love, she remains difficult—toward her partner, Ms. Ginko, and her own mother.

Her relationship with her mother was another frustrating aspect. Growing up without a father, her mother tried to connect with her, but Chizu rejected every effort. Later, when her mother found a new partner abroad and left, Chizu seemed almost relieved. The emotional disconnect between them was painful to read.

By the end, Chizu moves out to a workers’ dormitory, leaving Ms. Ginko behind without a word. At one point, she even thinks, "People like this just die." Yet, Ms. Ginko is nothing like that—she has hobbies, she goes dancing, she even has a boyfriend. She’s full of life, while Chizu seems trapped in her own negativity. And despite all that, Ms. Ginko still offers her the apartment after she passes away. That really upset me.

The Polish edition includes interpretation notes by Kan Nozaki, attempting to add depth to the story, but for me, it didn’t change the way I felt. This book left me with a sense of sadness and frustration, mostly because of how unfairly Ms. Ginko was treated.

When I closed the book, all I could think about was Ms. Ginko. I wish I could visit her, sit in her kitchen, and drink tea with her. She deserved more than what she got in this story.