Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman and Banana Yoshimoto’s Kitchen are two prominent works of contemporary Japanese literature that have been acclaimed by readers globally. The paper explores the application of Edward Soja’s Thirdspace Theory in the context of these two fictional works. By employing Soja’s theoretical framework, the study observes how these contemporary novels define spaces that transcend physical dimensions and assist in the metamorphosis of the characters. In Convenience Store Woman, the convenience store becomes a catalyst for Keiko’s identity construction, challenging societal norms and forming a collective identity within the space. Similarly, in Kitchen, the kitchen transforms into a sanctuary, providing solace and serving as a vessel for the growth of the protagonist, Mikage. The paper explores the ubiquitous theme of discovering meaning in certain spaces, signifying the pivotal role of these Thirdspaces in shaping characters’ journeys of self-discovery within the complex contemporary socio-cultural fabric.
Department of English Onda Thana Mahavidyalaya Bankura, West Bengal
