The content isn’t particularly profound, so it’s perfect for a quick read on the train or to pass the time. I think this book is popular because it makes you feel as though two close friends like these could really exist in real life. It leaves you wanting to keep reading to see how these two characters will grow older. — From Amazon readers

★ Rights sold: Simplified Chinese and Korean!
★ A brand-new series from Akutagawa Prize–winning author Chiyaya Fujino, following her bestselling “Grandpa’s Walk”!
★ In their fifties, single, childhood friends—two people living a steady, unchanging life together. This is a story that portrays one form of happiness: an ideal “dual-base lifestyle.”
★ Natsuko is an illustrator, but these days she makes a living by selling items on a flea-market app, while Noe endures the daily pressures of her part-time teaching job.
★ The work humorously and warmly depicts their unhurried, quietly comforting friendship as they return to their hometown.
★ An NHK television drama adaptation has been announced! Starring the popular and acclaimed Kyoko Koizumi and Satomi Kobayashi, the project has already sparked widespread attention and discussion.

This series comprises two volumes: “Two people in the Neighborhood” and “More About the Two in the Neighborhood”

Fifty years old, single, and childhood sweethearts.
She knows almost everything about my little embarrassments, my prides, and my first love, which makes me feel incredibly at peace.
The latest work by Chiyaya Fujino, author of the bestseller “The Old Man’s Walk”!
Two childhood friends, Kana (Natsuko Sakurai) and Noe (Noe Tano), are now fifty years old and have returned to the residential area where they were born. Kana is an unsuccessful illustrator who now makes a living by selling items on a flea-market app, while Noe vents the stress of her part-time teaching job to her friends every day. Having known each other since kindergarten, the two spend their days in complete ease and comfort.
This is a masterful, humorous, and heartwarming portrayal of friendship.

Chiyaya Fujino
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1962. She graduated from the Faculty of Education at Chiba University. In 1995, she won the 14th Kaien New Writer’s Award for “Afternoon Schedule,” and in 1998, the 20th Noma Literary Newcomer’s Award for “Strange Tales.” In 2000, she was awarded the 122nd Akutagawa Prize for “A Summer Promise.” Her most recent book, “An Old Man’s Walk,” which explores family themes, has sparked lively discussion in various circles.

Episode 1: Let’s Split It Evenly
Episode 2: When Was the Last Time You Called Me Big Brother?
Episode 3: Two People You Can’t Shake Off
Episode 4: Xiao Kong Said It’s Okay Anytime
Episode 5: I Can’t Leave—No, I Don’t Want to Leave.