Mr. Kato Plays Family by Milena Michiko Flasar (Review by Danielle Urban)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Mr. Kato Plays Family by Milena Michiko Flasar is about a man who does not realize what he has until fate deals him a new journey. During this journey, the main character, Mr. Kato, plays whatever role a family or person wants him to play. Whether it’s as a date, as a husband, or as a father, Mr. Kato learns things while playing these fake roles for others who need a stand-in. Mr. Kato realizes there is more to life. He relearns what it means to be a husband and a father. His journey is one is self-discovery and transformation. This story made me think of two very popular reads. One is Scrooge. The other is The Man Called Ove. Mr. Kato is a bit like both of these protagonists.

With the character of Scrooge in mind, Mr. Kato is older just like Scrooge. Scrooge also enjoys being alone much like Mr. Kato. However, the differences start coming to mind as well. One difference is that Scrooge never ponders how his life went wrong like Mr. Kato does. Mr. Kato thinks his life went wrong to end up where he is at the present moment. Another difference is that Mr. Kato wants a dog. Mr. Scrooge never thought to have an animal. This detail about Mr. Kato shows he is capable of loving and caring.

The similarity between Mr. Kato and The Man Called Ove is that their lives are forever changed with a single moment. Once Mr. Kato accepts the offer to play whatever role needed to be, his life changes. He learns from what he sees and experiences outside his normal life. The Man Called Ove accepts a woman’s plea for help and from there he is swept up into her family’s craziness. He never has a dull moment much like Mr. Kato. Both men ponder about their lives and the changes that happen. With what they learn, they make new choices that forever alters their lives. Overall, Mr. Kato Plays Family is a deep tale. It is warm hearted, funny, and unforgettable.