STU48's Kokoa Kai 2nd Photobook 'Welcome Back Sun' Cover and Title Revealed, Released July 1
Key facts
- STU48's Kokoa Kai 2nd Photobook 'Welcome Back Sun' Cover and Title Revealed, Released July 1
- Kokoa Kai, a member of STU48, will release her second photobook titled 'Welcome Back Sun' on July 1, 2026, published by Akita Shoten. The title and cover have been unveiled. The photobook was shot in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand. Commemorative events including an online signing session and handover events will be held at various locations.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 6, 2026
Direct answer
Kokoa Kai, a member of STU48, will release her second photobook titled 'Welcome Back Sun' on July 1, 2026, published by Akita Shoten. The title and cover have been unveiled. The photobook was shot in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand. Commemorative events including an online signing session and handover events will be held at various locations.
- Citation
- STU48's Kokoa Kai 2nd Photobook 'Welcome Back Sun' Cover and Title Revealed, Released July 1 (June 6, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 6, 2026
Kokoa Kai, a member of STU48, will release her second photobook titled 'Welcome Back Sun' on July 1, 2026, published by Akita Shoten. The title and cover have been unveiled. The photobook was shot in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand. Commemorative events including an online signing session and handover events will be held at various locations.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 6, 2026 at 03:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 5, 2026 at 18:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 16:17 (21h 56m after Collected)
The cover and title of the second photobook by Kokoa Kai, known as the 'Genki Mark of Setouchi,' have finally been revealed. The photobook will be released on Wednesday, July 1.
The title is 'Welcome Back Sun.' This title is fitting to welcome her back, as she recently returned to her original group STU48 in March after finishing her activities with KLP48 in February of this year. The cover features a photo that radiates her brilliant smile and sunshine-like glow.
The shooting locations were Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the 'Land of Smiles,' and Phuket, one of Thailand's premier resort destinations. The book includes daring and surprising shots not seen in her first photobook or previous gravure work. It is filled with photos capturing 'Kokoa Kai now,' from her characteristic energetic smile to her mature, grown-up side.
■Comment from Kokoa Kai
The weather was perfect for all four days of shooting in Thailand. The photo taken in front of a Bangkok station on the day with the most sunshine was chosen for the cover. I think it's a very 'Kokoa-like' photo.
Since the release coincides with my return from Malaysia (KLP48) to STU48, Mr. Akimoto gave me a wonderful title that perfectly suits me now. I've said 'I'm home' dozens of times, but I want to say it hundreds of times. And I want to be everyone's sun!
Right before checking the contents of the photobook for the first time, I looked at my first photobook. Comparing them, it's completely different. I've grown up in these two years, and since the location was overseas, my reactions were more natural than usual, and the range of my expressions is wider. Actually, the shooting team was the same staff as for the first photobook. Because they knew the first shoot, I think this second photobook shows the change. I get excited and absorbed with every page turn, and I think everyone will take a long time looking at it!
■Event Information
■Release Commemorative Online Autograph Session
Friday, July 3, 19:00~
Details and applications on the 'wi2win' website (first-come, first-served)
https://win2win-shop.com/goods/70
■Release Commemorative Handover Event @ Shosen Book Tower
Saturday, July 4, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~
Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)
https://t.livepocket.jp/e/2_8tn
■Release Commemorative Handover Event @ HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA
Sunday, July 5, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~
Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)
https://www.hmv.co.jp/store/event/55333/
■Release Commemorative Handover Event @ Tower Records Hiroshima
Saturday, July 11, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~
Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)
https://teket.jp/186/68813
■Profile
Kokoa Kai
Born November 28, 2003. From Hiroshima Prefecture.
Started activities as a first-generation member of STU48 in March 2017. Transferred to KLP48 in June 2024 and was active until February 2026. Subsequently returned to STU48 in March 2026 and resumed activities.
A 9th-anniversary concert for STU48 is scheduled for Saturday, May 30 at Kanadevia Hall in Tokyo.
STU48's 13th single 'I Cry Because I Love You Too Much' is currently on sale.
Official X: @k_cocoa1128
Official Instagram: @k_cocoa1128
Official TikTok: @k_cocoa1128
Photobook Information
■Title: Kokoa Kai 2nd Photobook 'Welcome Back Sun'
■Release Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
■Publisher: Akita Shoten
■Format: A4 / 128 pages
■Price: 3,300 yen (tax included)
■Photography: Ryoma Kanou
Original Chain Purchase Bonus List
・Seven Net Shopping (1 photo)
・Yodobashi Camera (1 photo)
・Rakuten Books (1 photo)
・Surugaya (1 photo)
【Contact for Product Inquiries】
Akita Shoten Co., Ltd. Sales Department
Tel: 03-3264-7248 / Fax: 03-3265-9076
Akita Shoten Co., Ltd.
Representative: President Tokuji Yamaguchi
Address: 2-28-8 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021
Bunkyo Green Court Center Office 18F
Established: August 10, 1948
Business: Magazines, books, comics, paperbacks, children's books, media mix, etc.
Number of Employees: Approximately 160
https://www.akitashoten.co.jp/
The title is 'Welcome Back Sun.' This title is fitting to welcome her back, as she recently returned to her original group STU48 in March after finishing her activities with KLP48 in February of this year. The cover features a photo that radiates her brilliant smile and sunshine-like glow.
The shooting locations were Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the 'Land of Smiles,' and Phuket, one of Thailand's premier resort destinations. The book includes daring and surprising shots not seen in her first photobook or previous gravure work. It is filled with photos capturing 'Kokoa Kai now,' from her characteristic energetic smile to her mature, grown-up side.
■Comment from Kokoa Kai
The weather was perfect for all four days of shooting in Thailand. The photo taken in front of a Bangkok station on the day with the most sunshine was chosen for the cover. I think it's a very 'Kokoa-like' photo.
Since the release coincides with my return from Malaysia (KLP48) to STU48, Mr. Akimoto gave me a wonderful title that perfectly suits me now. I've said 'I'm home' dozens of times, but I want to say it hundreds of times. And I want to be everyone's sun!
Right before checking the contents of the photobook for the first time, I looked at my first photobook. Comparing them, it's completely different. I've grown up in these two years, and since the location was overseas, my reactions were more natural than usual, and the range of my expressions is wider. Actually, the shooting team was the same staff as for the first photobook. Because they knew the first shoot, I think this second photobook shows the change. I get excited and absorbed with every page turn, and I think everyone will take a long time looking at it!
■Event Information
■Release Commemorative Online Autograph Session
Friday, July 3, 19:00~
Details and applications on the 'wi2win' website (first-come, first-served)
https://win2win-shop.com/goods/70
■Release Commemorative Handover Event @ Shosen Book Tower
Saturday, July 4, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~
Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)
https://t.livepocket.jp/e/2_8tn
■Release Commemorative Handover Event @ HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA
Sunday, July 5, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~
Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)
https://www.hmv.co.jp/store/event/55333/
■Release Commemorative Handover Event @ Tower Records Hiroshima
Saturday, July 11, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~
Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)
https://teket.jp/186/68813
■Profile
Kokoa Kai
Born November 28, 2003. From Hiroshima Prefecture.
Started activities as a first-generation member of STU48 in March 2017. Transferred to KLP48 in June 2024 and was active until February 2026. Subsequently returned to STU48 in March 2026 and resumed activities.
A 9th-anniversary concert for STU48 is scheduled for Saturday, May 30 at Kanadevia Hall in Tokyo.
STU48's 13th single 'I Cry Because I Love You Too Much' is currently on sale.
Official X: @k_cocoa1128
Official Instagram: @k_cocoa1128
Official TikTok: @k_cocoa1128
Photobook Information
■Title: Kokoa Kai 2nd Photobook 'Welcome Back Sun'
■Release Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
■Publisher: Akita Shoten
■Format: A4 / 128 pages
■Price: 3,300 yen (tax included)
■Photography: Ryoma Kanou
Original Chain Purchase Bonus List
・Seven Net Shopping (1 photo)
・Yodobashi Camera (1 photo)
・Rakuten Books (1 photo)
・Surugaya (1 photo)
【Contact for Product Inquiries】
Akita Shoten Co., Ltd. Sales Department
Tel: 03-3264-7248 / Fax: 03-3265-9076
Akita Shoten Co., Ltd.
Representative: President Tokuji Yamaguchi
Address: 2-28-8 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021
Bunkyo Green Court Center Office 18F
Established: August 10, 1948
Business: Magazines, books, comics, paperbacks, children's books, media mix, etc.
Number of Employees: Approximately 160
https://www.akitashoten.co.jp/
FAQ
What is the title of the photobook?
'Welcome Back Sun'.
When is the release date?
Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Who is the publisher?
Akita Shoten.