MM Reviews: Bebe-Mochi

Title: Bebe-Mochi

I would love to one day fill that chest with wonderfully patterned garments. Then I could sell them for him.

It is always fascinating to read about the different cultures around the world - whether it be in the news or in stories, it is exciting to learn about a variety of cultures that range across the globe, from Great Britain to Africa and to China. Bebe-Mochi is no exception.

Set in Japan, Bebe-Mochi centers around a young girl who is trying to become a geisha and earn as much kimono—garments worn by the people of Japan, but more often women—as possible. Her goal is to obtain enough of the clothing to sell and earn money to find her brother who—for whatever reason—has vanished. However, it is implied throughout the story that there is much more to the girl than meets the eye.

The nameless narrator takes her readers through her thoughts and experiences as she struggles to reach her goal. The story itself is written in short chapters making it a quick and easy read that packs a punch. On top of that, it is filled with few details and a lot of pretty repetition, giving it an enigmatic yet poetic feeling to it.

daikirai desu.’s writing style is infinitely unique and creative as she brings the Japanese culture to her readers, providing them with a history and language lesson by titling the chapters with Japanese words and symbols, and at the end of each chapter explaining their meaning. Bebe-Mochi is an incredible story, one which I would highly recommend to everyone - not just fans of Japan.

Much thanks to Fandango and dougie poynter; for editing!