Over 12.2 Million Copies Sold! To Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of 'Ghost Restaurant', New Editions of 5 Popular Titles Released

Five popular titles return with glow-in-the-dark covers! Ghost Restaurant [Revised New Edition]

From left: 'Revised New Edition: Haunted House Restaurant', 'Revised New Edition: Monster Cat Restaurant', 'Revised New Edition: Murder Restaurant', 'Revised New Edition: Zombie Restaurant', 'Revised New Edition: Midnight School Restaurant'

The 'Ghost Restaurant' series began publication in 1996. It gained popularity among children, especially in school libraries, and published all 50 volumes by 2007.

From 2009 to 2010, the series expanded its popularity through a TV anime adaptation and a feature film.

This year, marking the 30th anniversary of the series, five of the most popular titles are being reissued with newly designed covers.

The glow-in-the-dark luminous covers enhance the thrilling, spine-chilling atmosphere of 'Ghost Restaurant', making it even more appealing.

Glow-in-the-dark luminous cover

Interview with horror writer Seisui: 'There’s a kind of fear worth unraveling'

Seisui (Seisui S.), a rising horror writer known for works such as 'About a Place in the Kinki Region' and 'About a Defiled Pilgrimage' (both published by KADOKAWA), and 'A Survey About Mouths' (Popura Publishing), has revealed that 'Ghost Restaurant' was one of his favorite childhood reads.

We conducted an in-depth interview with Seisui about his first encounter with the series, his thoughts on its enduring appeal, and his perspective as a storyteller.

Interview video thumbnail: Horror writer Seisui

Doshinsha YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKj1YFsqZX4

Key topics discussed (excerpt):

● First encounter with 'Ghost Restaurant'

Seisui first discovered the series at a bookstore when it was first published, picking it up because it looked interesting. Since then, he has purchased every new release and eventually collected all 50 volumes.

● Unraveling the concept of 'fear'

Seisui shared that 'fear and curiosity are two sides of the same coin.'

He recalled reading with questions like, 'What is this eerie feeling?' and 'Do ghosts really exist?'—driving his fascination deeper into the stories.

● The enduring appeal of the 'Ghost Restaurant' series

According to Seisui, the series stands out for its genre-defying storytelling. While organized by themes, it includes foreign folktales, wartime stories, and clever narrative gimmicks.

He also praised the writers’ sincerity and their gentle approach toward young readers.

Why children are captivated by 'Ghost Restaurant'

① Stories based on global folktales

The 'Ghost Restaurant' series is an omnibus of horror tales rooted in folktales from around the world. Readers naturally encounter diverse cultural customs and backgrounds through the stories. Themes such as 'war' and 'bullying'—important issues for today’s children—are subtly woven into the horror narratives. Each volume includes commentary written from a folklore studies perspective by editorial committee members who are also folklorists.

② Illustrations that captivate readers

The illustrations in the 'Ghost Restaurant' series are created by two illustrators: Takai Yoshikazu and Kato Kumiko. Each brings their unique style to different volumes. By incorporating humor and comedic timing into the artwork, the series achieves a 'just-right level of scariness,' allowing even children new to horror stories to read comfortably.

Excerpt from 'Revised New Edition: Haunted House Restaurant'

③ Perfect for reluctant readers

A common feedback from children is: 'After reading Ghost Restaurant, I started to love books!' Each story takes only 5–10 minutes to read, making it ideal for morning reading sessions or gradual reading.

The table of contents in 'Revised New Edition: Haunted House Restaurant' is styled like a restaurant menu—adding excitement and suspense just by browsing.

Bibliographic Information

Release Date: June 17, 2026

Revised New Edition: Haunted House Restaurant

Revised New Edition: Haunted House Restaurant

Chief Editor: Miyoko Matsutani

Editorial Committee: Ghost Restaurant Editorial Committee

Illustrator: Takai Yoshikazu

ISBN: 978-4-494-02413-1

Size: 17.3 × 12.3 cm

Pages: 144

Price: ¥1,100 (¥1,000 + 10% tax)

Includes 13 scary stories, including the tale of entering a haunted house with a tape recorder—and recording a ghost’s voice!

Revised New Edition: Monster Cat Restaurant

Revised New Edition: Monster Cat Restaurant

Chief Editor: Miyoko Matsutani

Editorial Committee: Ghost Restaurant Editorial Committee

Illustrator: Kato Kumiko

ISBN: 978-4-494-02414-8

Size: 17.3 × 12.3 cm

Pages: 144

Price: ¥1,100 (¥1,000 + 10% tax)

A hospital rumored to have conducted human dissections has turned into a restaurant! Includes 14 scary stories centered around cats.

Revised New Edition: Murder Restaurant

Revised New Edition: Murder Restaurant

Chief Editor: Miyoko Matsutani

Editorial Committee: Ghost Restaurant Editorial Committee

Illustrator: Takai Yoshikazu

ISBN: 978-4-494-02415-5

Size: 17.3 × 12.3 cm

Pages: 144

Price: ¥1,100 (¥1,000 + 10% tax)

After playing a video game received as a restaurant souvenir, something terrifying happens! Includes 15 stories, including the still-popular 'Replay'.

Revised New Edition: Zombie Restaurant

Revised New Edition: Zombie Restaurant

Chief Editor: Miyoko Matsutani

Editorial Committee: Ghost Restaurant Editorial Committee

Illustrator: Kato Kumiko

ISBN: 978-4-494-02417-9

Size: 17.3 × 12.3 cm

Pages: 144

Price: ¥1,100 (¥1,000 + 10% tax)

Dine on terrifying tales of vampires and the dead rising to eat—stories where the deceased come back to life.

Revised New Edition: Midnight School Restaurant

Revised New Edition: Midnight School Restaurant

Chief Editor: Miyoko Matsutani

Editorial Committee: Ghost Restaurant Editorial Committee

Illustrator: Takai Yoshikazu

ISBN: 978-4-494-02416-2

Size: 17.3 × 12.3 cm

Pages: 144

Price: ¥1,100 (¥1,000 + 10% tax)

A school you wander into at midnight turns out to be a restaurant full of terrifying menu items!