From Idol to Author – Manamo Miyata Discusses the Charms of "Books" and "Reading"

Jumonji University (Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture, President: Kazuhisa Adachi) will reorganize its Department of Literary Arts and Culture into the Faculty of Letters, Department of Literary Arts and Culture* (currently Faculty of Education and Humanities, Department of Literary Arts and Culture) in April 2027, further developing its educational concept of "Pursue your passions and contribute to society."

As part of these initiatives, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the university will host a public lecture titled "Pursuing My Passion to Become an Author – A Talk on Books, Reading, and Words" featuring author and talent Manamo Miyata as the lecturer.

*Scheduled to open in April 2027 (under development).

Lecturer: Manamo Miyata

Miyata, who has been fond of reading since childhood and is now active as an author after her career as an idol, will discuss the appeal of books and reading through her own experiences with reading and creative activities, as well as her relationship with words. She will also share how continuously pursuing one's passions can expand one's potential and become a driving force in shaping one's life, drawing from her own experiences.

This lecture is a unique event planned by the Department of Literary Arts and Culture, which upholds the concept of "Pursue your passions and contribute to society." It aims to provide new learning and insights to high school and university students considering their career paths and futures, as well as to local residents interested in literature and reading.

A Message from Manamo Miyata, Who Turned Her Passion into a Career

Miyata balanced her idol activities with her university studies, where she researched the "Manyoshu," Japan's oldest poetry collection, and obtained a librarian qualification. After graduating from her idol career in 2023, she has been actively working as a full-fledged author and writer, excelling in a wide range of genres including novels, essays, and tanka poetry.

Miyata's journey, driven by her deep love for reading and literature, offers hints for forging a future while cherishing one's passions.

After-Talk Session Exclusively for High School and University Students

Following the lecture, an after-talk session with Miyata will be held exclusively for high school and university students.

The university library, the venue for the event, will feature a "Manamo Miyata Author's Corner" curated by students from the Department of Literary Arts and Culture. Additionally, a "Hitohako Library*" exhibition by students taking the specialized course "Theory of Book Spaces" will be held concurrently, creating an environment surrounded by books for a special opportunity to discuss careers and reading with Miyata, who turned her passion into a profession.

*Hitohako Library: https://www.jumonji-u.ac.jp/topic/20260623_hitohako/

Event Outline

Lecture Title: Pursuing My Passion to Become an Author – A Talk on Books, Reading, and Words

Date and Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Lecturer: Manamo Miyata (Author, Talent)

Venue: Jumonji University, 2-1-28 Sugasawa, Niiza City, Saitama Prefecture

Target Audience: General Public, High School Students

Capacity: 200 people (advance registration required)

Participation Fee: Free

Sponsorship: Japan Library Association, Saitama Prefectural Library Association

Apply here: https://www.jumonji-u.ac.jp/contribution/region/lecture/#e4a75c75

Lecturer Profile

Born in 1998, from Tokyo.

Upon graduating from her idol career in 2023, she published her debut work "Kirakirashi" (Shinchosha). She is currently active as a writer in various genres, including novels, essays, and tanka poetry. She also appears on TV programs, at talk events, and in discussions related to books. Her works include "Ayaufuya de Fukansei" (Gentoshya), "Haru, Deai" (Kodansha), the photo tanka collection "Watashi no Otome" (Tanka Kenkyusha), "Hare Sugata no Kotoba-tachi" (Bungeishunju), "Oishii Hayasashii" (PHP Institute), and Manamo Miyata's 1st Photobook "Lilas" (Gentoshya). Her latest work is the essay collection "Nai Nara Sukaeba Ii Janai!" (Daiwa Shobo).

Manamo Miyata HP https://www.farminc.co.jp/manamo-miyata

Manamo Miyata Instagram https://www.instagram.com/manamomiyata_official/

Manamo Miyata X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/manamodesuga

About Jumonji University

Jumonji University is a private university founded by the School Juridical Person Jumonji Gakuen in 1922. The university's founding spirit is embodied in its school song: "Cultivate the body, cultivate the mind, and live as a person who is useful to the world." Cherishing the spirit of nurturing women who have their own purpose in life and can contribute to society through their own abilities, the university aims to foster women who can act proactively and contribute to society even in a rapidly changing world.

From April 2027, it will be upgraded to a 5-faculty, 9-department system*.

*Scheduled to open in April 2027 (under development). This is a plan and may be subject to change.

Jumonji University HP https://www.jumonji-u.ac.jp/

・Department of Literary Arts and Culture

The Department of Literary Arts and Culture, with its concept of "Pursue your passions and contribute to society," aims to foster strong Japanese language skills and the creativity and practical abilities required in the AI era, while studying literature, arts, and culture. In April 2027, it is scheduled to begin a new chapter as the Department of Literary Arts and Culture, Faculty of Letters (currently Department of Literary Arts and Culture, Faculty of Education and Humanities).

*Scheduled to open in April 2027 (under development).

Department-related information

Department of Literary Arts and Culture HP https://www.jumonji-u.ac.jp/humanities/culture/

Department of Literary Arts and Culture Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bungei16/

Department of Literary Arts and Culture X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/bungei16