Published by Poplar Publishing in April 2026, Saito Chinwa's novel "A Night Tea Party at Mint House" is a heartwarming series of mysteries set in the historically rich seaside town of Tomonoura.

As the story was conceived during Saito's visit to Hiroshima Prefecture, where she was captivated by the region, she paid a courtesy call to Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota after its publication to convey her thoughts on writing the book.

A Delicious Mystery Filled with the Charms of the Seto Inland Sea

The book is a collection of linked short stories set in the evening tea salon held at Mint House, a colonial-style Western mansion perched on a hill in Tomonoura. The owner, a mother, and her non-biological son, a patissier, solve the mysteries brought by their customers.

The story, conceived by Saito's fascination with Tomonoura, features an abundance of Seto Inland Sea ingredients such as Setouchi lemons, Bitchu beef, seafood like oysters and conger eels, and Homare-shu (a type of sake). Episodes where Hiroshima dialects play a key role also appear.

It is a story that makes you feel hope, showing that anyone can build a strong bond beyond blood ties if they open their hearts, with the detective duo of stepmother and son and their relationship being particularly captivating.

* Author Saito Chinwa's "The Secret Story Behind the Birth of 'A Night Tea Party at Mint House'" >>

https://www.webasta.jp/minthouse_ag/

Courtesy Call to Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota

In May 2026, Saito paid a courtesy call to Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota. She shared the inspiration behind the work, her thoughts while writing it, and her gratitude to Hiroshima for providing her with inspiration.

Governor Yokota commented, "This is very helpful for our public relations and we are grateful."

Saito, who supports the "Tomo-Ikkou Machikata" support project, a joint initiative by Hiroshima Prefecture and Fukuyama City to preserve Tomonoura's valuable townscape and inherit its cultural traditions, made a donation. In return, Governor Yokota presented her with a "Machikata Certificate."

* "Tomo-Ikkou Machikata" Support Project Homepage >>

https://tomo-machikata.jp/news/details/post-66.html

Also Featured in Hiroshima Media!

The book has also been featured in numerous local Hiroshima media outlets.

* Hiroshima Television (broadcast May 13)

https://topics.smt.docomo.ne.jp/article/htv/region/htv-2026051307437436

* RCC Radio "Marutto Nichijo Wide Enman." (broadcast May 13)

https://iraw.rcc.jp/topics/articles/34094

* Chugoku Shimbun (published in the culture section of the June 16 morning edition)

https://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/articles/-/846428

Book Synopsis

In Tomonoura, a seaside town in Hiroshima, stands a chic Western mansion known as Mint House. Here, an evening tea salon is held only on weekend nights. Signature offerings include delicious tea and sweets made with abundant Seto Inland Sea ingredients. Madame Kotoha offers hints to customers' worries through her hobby of tea leaf reading—or so it seems. In reality, it is her stepson, Soma, a patissier who creates exquisite sweets, who solves the mysteries. While the two unravel various worries, there is actually a reason behind holding this salon... A delicious series of mysteries that gently fills your stomach and heart!

Ranked Number 1 Weekly in Literature at Sanseido Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store!

This book achieved the number 1 position in the weekly literature ranking (May 16-22, 2026) at Sanseido Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store. We will begin promotions with the following materials.

Book Information

Title: "A Night Tea Party at Mint House"

Author: Saito Chinwa

Price: 1980 yen (tax included)

Release: April 2026

Book Page >> https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/8008550.html

Amazon >> https://x.gd/Lw3H7

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 文化