Mornings Without Mii

Pre-order for Feb. 25, 2025

Mornings Without Mii – A Poetic Meditation on Solitude, Creativity, and the Bond Between Human and Cat

A beloved Japanese modern classic, Mornings Without Mii is a deeply moving and beautifully written reflection on solitude, independence, and the creative life, intertwined with the quiet companionship of a cat.

On a summer evening in 1977, Mayumi Inaba hears the faint cries of an abandoned kitten near Tokyo’s Tamagawa River. Overcome with tenderness, she rescues the fragile creature, bringing her home and naming her Mii. Thus begins a profound, two-decade-long bond between a writer and her feline muse.

As Inaba, an award-winning poet and novelist, seeks solitude, purpose, and creative fulfillment, Mii remains a constant presence, embodying independence, resilience, and quiet companionship. Through their relationship, Mornings Without Mii explores the essence of human connection, artistic pursuit, and the deep, ineffable ties we form with those we love.

From the late Mayumi Inaba, winner of the Kawabata and Tanizaki Prizes, this novel is a poignant, introspective journey that speaks to the delicate balance between loneliness and fulfillment, loss and love.

Perfect For Fans Of:

✔ Literary fiction & poetic storytelling
✔ Japanese contemporary classics
✔ Memoirs on solitude, writing, and self-discovery
✔ Heartfelt books about the bond between humans and animals

📖 A timeless meditation on companionship, creativity, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.