Some books don’t just tell a story. Some leave gentle reminders about life, just like this one. From the same author who created the masterpiece, What You’re Looking For Is In The Library, Michiko Aoyama‘s The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park introduces us to Kabahiko, a stationary hippo ride in the park that’s believed to heal any part of your body when you touch the corresponding spot. Foot hurting? Touch Kabahiko’s leg. Stiff shoulders? Rest your hand on Kabahiko’s back.
But the heart of the book isn’t just Kabahiko’s magic, but the lives of five neighbors in Advance Hill, a newly built condo. A mother of a kindergartener, a pair of students, a female employee, and a seasoned magazine editor in his 50s. Each one carries their own burdens, and somehow, Kabahiko helps them face and embrace the struggles of daily life.
My reflections and takeaways
Reading this book felt like having a quiet conversation with myself. It reminded of the many experiences I’ve encountered, things I’ve witnessed, and even the memories I no longer want to remember.
1. It’s not always about the result, but the effort. Just like Kanato, complacency is oftentimes my game. As an author myself, I would usually question the need for more workshops or even reading other books when I already published multiple books. But Kanato’s story reminded me that the journey never stops. That growth happens through continuous effort, and not just the output.
It wasn’t about winning or losing. It was about putting in my best effort.
2. Never be afraid to speak for yourself. I sincerely felt for Sawa, and her tendency to keep to herself when in new environments. And just like her, staying silent held me back from being authentic. Speaking up, even when it feels uncomfortable, allows me to remain true to who I am.
I wouldn’t left myself be swept up by the others anymore.
3. Try to listen first before overthinking starts to consume. Fear of the truth sometimes makes me avoid listening to the entire story, just like Chiharu. But truth—though scary—is freeing. If it brings relief, it soothes the heart. If it brings worry, at least that worry is grounded in reality, not in imagination.
My ears refused to accept the painful truth.
My ears, crushed by my anxious imagination, shut themselves off to everything but my own voice.
4. Sometimes, we don’t need to escape. We just need a change in perspective. Yuya hated running with all the strength he could muster that it came to a point where he pretended to have gotten injured just to bail. I, too, make excuses just to escape responsibilities and other adult stuff. But now, I realized that shifting how we see things can transform an experience, making difficulties easier to carry and moments more meaningful.
—when you focus your attention on the present, you discover so many things that you’ve never noticed before.
5. Experiences make us different from the person we used to be. Good experience make us happy. Bad experience make us learn. Both change us in different ways, but either way, the outcome is beautiful. We have a become a happier, much wiser person that we used to. Kazuhiko may not be able to see this before, but funny how a little child could actually change an adult’s perspective.
Things may not go back to how they were, but with experience and memories, you can become something different from what you were before.
Reading The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park felt like sitting down for tea with a gentle reminder that healing doesn’t always come from big, dramatic changes. Sometimes it’s found in small shifts, shared moments, and the courage to keep going.
🌸 Mood Match
It’s the perfect pick for when you’re seeking quiet comfort on a lazy, rainy afternoon.
☕ Emotional Aftertaste
This book reminded me that healing doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be found in small shifts, little rituals, and everyday connections.
📚 Shelf/Heart Space
Definitely a must read ehen you want something soft, gentle, and grounding.
See you on the next chapter!
xo
