Toshikazu Kawaguchi, born in Osaka in 1971, began his career as a playwright before transitioning into novel writing. He is best known for his internationally acclaimed novel Before the Coffee Gets Cold, which was originally a stage play that won the Grand Prize at the 10th Suginami Drama Festival. Kawaguchi’s experience in the theater world, where he produced, directed, and wrote for the group Sonic Snail, greatly influenced his storytelling style. His works often explore deep, emotional themes, such as time, loss, and relationships, while maintaining a light-hearted and quirky tone.

Kawaguchi’s literary debut brought him global recognition with a series of novels centered around a magical café where patrons can travel back in time—albeit with strict rules. His works, which include sequels like Tales from the Café and Before Your Memory Fades, are characterized by their emotional depth and the way they address universal human experiences, such as love, regret, and the desire for closure. Despite these heavy themes, his writing remains accessible and often humorous, capturing readers worldwide.