Published by Poplar Publishing in April 2026, Saito Chinwa's novel "A Night Tea Party at Mint House" is a heartwarming series of mysteries set in the historically rich seaside town of Tomonoura. As the story was conceived during Saito's visit to Hiroshima Prefecture, where she was captivated by the region, she paid a courtesy call to Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota after its publication to convey her thoughts on writing the book. A Delicious Mystery Filled with the Charms of the Seto Inland Sea The book is a collection of linked short stories set in the evening tea salon held at Mint House, a colonial-style Western mansion perched on a hill in Tomonoura. The owner, a mother, and her non-biological son, a patissier, solve the mysteries brought by their customers. The story, conceived by Saito's fascination with Tomonoura, features an abundance of Seto Inland Sea ingredients such as Setouchi lemons, Bitchu beef, seafood like oysters and conger eels, and Homare-shu (a type of sake). Episodes where Hiroshima dialects play a key role also appear. It is a story that makes you feel hope, showing that anyone can build a strong bond beyond blood ties if they open their hearts, with the detective duo of stepmother and son and their relationship being particularly captivating. * Author Saito Chinwa's "The Secret Story Behind the Birth of 'A Night Tea Party at Mint House'" >> https://www.webasta.jp/minthouse_ag/ Courtesy Call to Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota In May 2026, Saito paid a courtesy call to Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota. She shared the inspiration behind the work, her thoughts while writing it, and her gratitude to Hiroshima for providing her with inspiration. Governor Yokota commented, "This is very helpful for our public relations and we are grateful." Saito, who supports the "Tomo-Ikkou Machikata" support project, a joint initiative by Hiroshima Prefecture and Fukuyama City to preserve Tomonoura's valuable townscape and inherit its cultural traditions, made a dona