The Keeper of Camphor Tree / Keigo Higashino
- Dimitris Schoen
- May 15
- 2 min read
Today at Les Épicuriens Books, we invite you to a reading by the Japanese author Keigo Higashino, renowned for his emotional narratives and magical realism (Higashino, 2026). The book is called THE KEEPER OF THE CAMPHOR TREE. The story follows Reito Naoi, a young man who has lost his way, as he learns not only to leave on his own but also to grow up on his own. Accused of a break-in and attempted theft, facing the risk of prison, he was offered a deal: a lawyer from a reputable firm proposed freedom in exchange for his help with a mysterious mission.
Reito Naoi became the keeper of the Camphor. The tree, nestled in the heart of a Tokyo sanctuary, is rendered in luminous, lyrical prose that evokes reverence and wonder. Higashino's writing gently blends magical realism with a deeply poetic sensibility, painting the camphor tree as a living symbol—one that seems to hold more than wood and paper. (Ke, 2024) Through elegant, almost dreamlike imagery, the legend unfolds: if we follow the established ritual, the camphor tree will grant wishes and connect the messenger to lost loved ones. (Schley, 2026)
The book is a poetic ode to self-discovery and to connection with others. We warmly invite all lovers of literature to try this book.
References
Ke, X. (2024). From the Perspective of Cultural Narrative, Keigo Higashino's Mystery Novels Construct Japanese Aesthetics and Emotional Expression. Literary Horizons Review. https://doi.org/10.64229/sc9ysx58
Schley, M. (January 30, 2026). ‘The Keeper of the Camphor Tree’: Healing takes root one wish at a time. The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/01/30/film/the-keeper-of-the-camphor-tree/
The Keeper of Camphor by Keigo Higashino is also available in animated manga format.