⭐️ 3.75/5

I ended up giving The Passengers on the Hankyu Line 3.75 stars—so close to a 4 because I genuinely enjoyed how all of the characters’ stories slowly intertwined. There’s something satisfying about seeing strangers connected by the same train line, each carrying their own worries, hopes, and quiet moments.

That said, there were a few parts where I found myself getting confused. I’m not sure if it was the translation or simply the way the story was structured, but there were moments when I had to pause and figure out whose perspective I was reading.

I first fell in love with Hiro Arikawa through The Travelling Cat Chronicles, so I went into this expecting the same emotional pull. Honestly, it almost felt like a completely different author wrote this one. It has a lighter, more episodic style, and while it didn’t hit me as deeply, it was still an enjoyable read.

My favorite character was definitely Shoko. I loved watching her slowly find happiness and a sense of belonging in a small town. This isn’t a book with a big, dramatic plot. It’s more about ordinary people, fleeting encounters, and how even the briefest moments with strangers can quietly shape our lives. 😉