The Lantern of Lost Memories

By: Sanaka Hiiragi

Narrated by: Hanako Footman

From acclaimed Japanese author Sanaka Hiigari comes a heartwarming, life-affirming novel about a magical photo studio, where people go after they die to view key moments from their life—and relive one precious memory before they pass into the afterlife.

The hands and pendulum of the old wooden clock on the wall were motionless. Hirasaka cocked his head to listen, but the silence inside the photo studio was almost deafening. His leather shoes sank softly into the aging red carpet as he strode over to the arrangement of flowers on the counter and carefully adjusted the angle of the petals...

This is the story of the peculiar and magical photo studio owned by Mr. Hirasaka, a collector of antique cameras. In the dimly lit interior, a paper background is pulled down in front of a wall, and in front of it stands a single, luxurious chair with an armrest on one side. On a stand is a large bellows camera. On the left is the main studio; photos can also be taken in the courtyard.

Beyond its straightforward interior, however, is a secret. The studio is, in fact, the door to the afterlife, the place between life and death where those who have departed have a chance—one last time—to see their entire life flash before their eyes via Mr. Hirasaka's "spinning lantern of memories."

We meet Hatsue, a ninety-two year old woman who worked as a nursery teacher, the rowdy Waniguchi, a yakuza overseer in his life who is also capable of great compassion, and finally Mitsuru, a young girl who has died tragically young at the hands of abusive parents.

Sorting through the many photos of their lives, Mr. Hirasaka also offers guests a second gift: a chance to travel back in time to take a photo of one particular moment in their lives that they wish to cherish in a special way.

Full of charm and whimsy, The Lantern of Lost Memories will sweep you away to a world of nostalgia, laughter, and love.

Critic reviews

“A complex tale of humanity and how small interactions can change the course of a life.”—Kirkus

Bittersweet and beautifully written

It really teaches us that life is where happiness and sad combine. So imaginative and hopeful.

Quiet, magical feels...a bit like Harry

First off the reader was excellent. Spot on with her subtle voice acting as she took us through the tale of the "afterlife guide" and a glimpse of three people he assisted. The story of how the afterlife is handled isn't what I believe as a Christian, but it certainly was a fun, creative story to get to listen to! I really liked it so much. It sticks in your head in a good way, maybe even in a useful way. 🤔 I love how Japanese 🌸 culture and folklore get woven all through it. Overall it was just so cozy, nice, and heartfelt. I'll definitely be looking for more stories from this author, AND for other stories read by the reader as well. 🙂 💕

Heartwarming & Bittersweet

This is a heartwarming story about three people who visit Mr. Hirasaka’s magical photography shop—the place between life and death. Everyone who visits the photography shop gets a chance to choose photos from each year of their life and then see them all before moving on.
It's pretty clever, especially the ending. I really like the ending.

Didn't expect that

Such a beautiful and heartwarming story. It's so good when you read something that leaves that calming and warm sensation afterward.

Heartwarming and gentle

I enjoyed the stories so much that I have listened to the book 3x. All three stories are heartwarming and I particularly like Waniguchi’s story. I wish there’s Book 2 from this author.