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BJA Friendship Committee Book Club

Sunday, 14 June 2026

Are you a book-lover interested in exploring and chatting about modern Japanese literature in a relaxed and welcoming environment? Then come join the next yearly book club hosted by the BJA Friendship Committee on June 14.

The meeting will take place at La Fleur en Papier doré - Het Goudblommeke in Papier, a historic Brussels tavern with deep artistic roots. This charming venue has long served as a gathering place for artists, writers, and creatives, including figures from the surrealist movement like René Magritte. We'll be meeting in a separate private room to keep things cozy and conducive to discussion.

This time, we'll discuss Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa (「密やかな結晶コンビニ人間」小川 洋子), a dystopian novel about a novelist on an island where objects and eventually those who remember are disappearing, exploring the themes of the trauma of loss and the power of memory. This book has been translated into English, Dutch, French, etc., so feel free to read the book in whatever language you prefer. The original Japanese version of this book is suitable for anyone with a JLPT N2/N1 or advanced level of Japanese for any Japanese learners who want to challenge themselves.  

You’re welcome to join even if you don’t finish the book—just come for the good conversation and company!

When:

Sunday 14 June 2026, 14:00 to 16:00

Where:

La Fleur en Papier doré - Het Goudblommeke in Papier
Rue des Alexiens 55 -  1000 Brussels
(easily accessible via train, metro or bus)

Meeting point:

At 14:00, inside the tavern

Participation fee:

BJA Members: Free of charge
Non-members: 15€
Make your reservation quickly as this event is limited in capacity.

The first drink is offered by the Friendship Committee then participants can purchase their own drinks and finger food.

Program:

14:00 Meeting inside the tavern
14:10 Start of the book club discussion
16:00 End of the event

Contact or questions:

Tamara: +32 460 96 21 88 or bja.fc.organiser@gmail.com

Register