#Japan #Tokyo #Tonkatsu Shop #Tamaki Ando #Essay Collection

A Glimpse into 'Tonkatsu Shop Tamachan'

Renowned actor Tamaki Ando, celebrated for her vibrant presence both on stage and screen, is set to release her debut essay collection titled Tonkatsu Shop Tamachan on May 28, published by Gentosha. This book offers a heartfelt exploration of her upbringing in a local shopping district in Tokyo's Arakawa Ward, surrounded by colorful family dynamics and community life.

The Heart of 'Donpei'

Tamaki's family runs the beloved tonkatsu restaurant, Donpei, which gained recognition after being featured in the TV Tokyo drama Kodoku no Gurume (Delicious in Solitude). The restaurant has long been a cherished establishment among locals.

In her essays, Tamaki introduces us to the unique characters of her family: her strong-willed grandmother who founded Donpei, her extravagant grandfather, her legendary father, and her quirky yet ill mother who adored the works of Osamu Dazai. Each family member paints a vibrant portrait of life in a tonkatsu shop, filled with warmth, trials, and tribulations.

A Journey Down Memory Lane

In her own words, Tamaki expresses, “I was born and raised in Ogug (pronounced Ogu) in the Arakawa area of Tokyo, growing up as a daughter of a tonkatsu shop in a local shopping street. When I shared stories with friends, they found the late Showa period in Ogu fascinating. That realization compelled me to write about my memories of the shopping district and the adults surrounding me in my youth. As I penned these memories, they naturally evolved into a narrative, and I believe that the tales of Ogu somehow ignited my passion for acting.”

The book is structured to guide readers through memories of the Miyamae Shopping District before transitioning into stories about her family, capturing both the essence of the community and the personal anecdotes that shaped her upbringing.

Book Details

Title: Tonkatsu Shop Tamachan
Author: Tamaki Ando
Publisher: Gentosha
Price: ¥1400 + tax
Release Date: May 28, 2025
ISBN: 9784344044111
Pages: 124
Cover Design: Kaori Okamoto (next door design)
Illustration: Marie Asaba
Official Page: link

Upcoming Event

To celebrate the launch of her book, Tamaki Ando will host a talk and signing event on June 6, 2025, at the Yoshinda Bookstore in Takadanobaba, Tokyo. The event will begin at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:45 PM), featuring guest speaker Takayuki Kiyota, a writer and the representative of Momoyama Shoji. Both guests share a background steeped in the vibrant culture of Tokyo’s shopping districts and connections to Waseda University, promising an insightful discussion that delves deeper into Tamaki's narrative and the world she describes in her work.

About Tamaki Ando

Born in 1976 in Arakawa, Tokyo, Tamaki Ando started her acting career in the Waseda University Theater Club and has since appeared in numerous stage productions, TV dramas, and films. Her performance in the film Dream Seller won her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 27th Takasaki Cinema Festival. With her versatile acting skills, Tamaki is widely recognized, having starred in shows such as Ama-chan and Ranmanya, as well as the Shinya Shokudo (Midnight Diner) series.

This book marks her first foray into writing, and it promises to reveal the heartwarming stories of her formative years, filled with nostalgia, humor, and poignant reflections on the changing times of her hometown.