THE CONVENIENCE STORE BY THE SEA

Yuriri Naka's gentle tones suit the quiet, introspective atmosphere of this comforting collection of interconnected stories set in the coastal town of Mojiko, Japan. The sweetness in Naka's voice conveys the community's awe for the magic of the convenience store called Tenderness. What Naka's narration may lack in vocal resonance, she skillfully makes up for by capturing the emotional undercurrents of each character. This is especially true in the stories of a bullied student named Azusa and a housewife named Mitsuri who works at the store part-time and decides to pursue her artistic dreams. Naka infuses each character with a distinct, consistent voice, allowing smooth transitions between these vignettes. Her understated delivery deepens the emotional resonance of this tender, hopeful collection. M.F. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2025]