Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a Japanese author and playwright known for his literary fiction works. Born in Osaka in 1971, he gained international recognition with his bestselling novel "Before the Coffee Gets Cold," adapted from his award-winning play produced by 1110 Productions. The novel, which explores themes of time travel and human connection, has sold over 800,000 copies in Japan and been translated into multiple languages, including German ("Das Magische Café") and Chinese. Its success led to a film adaptation and publication in numerous countries, including Turkey, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
Before transitioning to novel writing, Kawaguchi built a career in theater as a director, producer, and playwright. He worked with the theatrical group Sonic Snail and wrote critically acclaimed plays such as "Family Time," "Sunset Song," and "Couple." His play "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" earned the grand prize at the 10th Suginami Drama Festival, laying the foundation for his later literary achievements. Kawaguchi's works often blend poignant storytelling with imaginative premises, resonating with audiences across cultures.