Romance Master Rui Kodemari to Release First New Novel in 4 Years, 'Last Waltz,' on May 22
Heibonsha will publish 'Last Waltz,' the latest full-length romance novel by New York-based author Rui Kodemari. Set across the US, Kyoto, and Iceland, the story depicts betrayal, love, and forgiveness at the end of life's journey.
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Heibonsha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Jumpei Shimonaka) will release 'Last Waltz' (2,035 yen including tax), the latest original full-length romance novel by author Rui Kodemari, on Friday, May 22, 2026.
A single email arrives from a former best friend who once betrayed her, announcing her terminal illness. The story traverses America, Kyoto, and Iceland as a journey of forgiveness and confronting the past begins. A peaceful life in rural America, a once-in-a-lifetime love in Kyoto, and memories of love and betrayal revived amidst the landscapes of Iceland. The music of 'The Band' awakens the past, and the journey illuminates wounds tucked deep within the heart.
[Synopsis]
Towako, a novelist living in rural New York State, lives peacefully with her husband Noel and daughter Chloe. However, one day, a song by The Band on the radio triggers long-suppressed memories of her youth in Kyoto. She remembers Nagi, the lover she adored, and Yayoi, the best friend who married Nagi and disappeared from Towako's life. Then comes an email from Yayoi, informing her that she has little time left to live. 'Life is fleeting. People are lonely beings. No matter who I was with, I was always lonely.' Towako embarks on a journey to face her old pain. Her destination is Iceland, where Yayoi claimed 'Nagi is there.' As if playing life's 'last waltz,' Towako reaches out to past pain and memories, confronting 'unspoken love' and 'sins she never wanted to tell.' Two women's lives intersect in the northernmost land.
[Author's Comment]
'If you have the memory of loving one person so intensely that you felt worn out, even if you couldn't be together, you can live the rest of your life happily. When I finished this novel, I realized that this kind of love exists in the world.'
[Bibliographic Information]
Title: Last Waltz
Author: Rui Kodemari
Publisher: Heibonsha
Release Date: May 22, 2026
Format: 4-6 size softcover
Price: 2,035 yen (tax included)
ISBN: 978-4-582-84003-2
A single email arrives from a former best friend who once betrayed her, announcing her terminal illness. The story traverses America, Kyoto, and Iceland as a journey of forgiveness and confronting the past begins. A peaceful life in rural America, a once-in-a-lifetime love in Kyoto, and memories of love and betrayal revived amidst the landscapes of Iceland. The music of 'The Band' awakens the past, and the journey illuminates wounds tucked deep within the heart.
[Synopsis]
Towako, a novelist living in rural New York State, lives peacefully with her husband Noel and daughter Chloe. However, one day, a song by The Band on the radio triggers long-suppressed memories of her youth in Kyoto. She remembers Nagi, the lover she adored, and Yayoi, the best friend who married Nagi and disappeared from Towako's life. Then comes an email from Yayoi, informing her that she has little time left to live. 'Life is fleeting. People are lonely beings. No matter who I was with, I was always lonely.' Towako embarks on a journey to face her old pain. Her destination is Iceland, where Yayoi claimed 'Nagi is there.' As if playing life's 'last waltz,' Towako reaches out to past pain and memories, confronting 'unspoken love' and 'sins she never wanted to tell.' Two women's lives intersect in the northernmost land.
[Author's Comment]
'If you have the memory of loving one person so intensely that you felt worn out, even if you couldn't be together, you can live the rest of your life happily. When I finished this novel, I realized that this kind of love exists in the world.'
[Bibliographic Information]
Title: Last Waltz
Author: Rui Kodemari
Publisher: Heibonsha
Release Date: May 22, 2026
Format: 4-6 size softcover
Price: 2,035 yen (tax included)
ISBN: 978-4-582-84003-2
FAQ
Who are the main characters in 'Last Waltz'?
The story centers on Towako (a novelist), her husband Noel, daughter Chloe, former lover Nagi, and best friend Yayoi.
What music plays a key role in the story?
Songs by the legendary rock group 'The Band' serve as a catalyst for triggering long-buried memories.
What is Rui Kodemari's background?
Born in Okayama in 1956, she has lived in New York State since 1992 and has won prestigious awards like the Shimasei Romantic Literature Prize.