The essay series 'Yutori Trilogy' by Asai Ryo, published by Bungeishunjū Ltd.—comprising 'Toki o Kakeru Yutori,' 'Kaze to Tomo ni Yutorinu,' and 'Soshite Dare mo Yutora Nakunatta'—has surpassed 550,000 copies in total print run, including hardcover, paperback, and e-books.
The 'Yutori Trilogy' with new promotional bands announcing the 550,000-copy milestone (all published as Bungeishunjū Bunko)
◆ The Journey of the 'Yutori Trilogy'
The first volume, 'Toki o Kakeru Yutori,' is Asai Ryo's debut essay collection. Originally released in June 2012 as the hardcover '20 Things You Don't Need to Do in Student Life,' it was retitled and released in paperback in December 2014. It begins with a timeline intertwining global and domestic events since 1989 with Asai's personal life, and includes 23 essays filled with poignant humor about university life, job hunting, and early adulthood.
The second volume, 'Kaze to Tomo ni Yutorinu,' was first published in hardcover in June 2017 and released in paperback in May 2020. In addition to essays previously serialized in magazines and newspapers, it features the newly written 'Koumonki' (Anorectal Memoir), detailing Asai's painful experience with fistula surgery. The sequel, 'Koumonki ~Eternal~,' is an exclusive addition to the paperback edition! Notably, 'Koumonki' ranked first in a reader feedback campaign held in September 2025, asking fans to vote for their favorite episode. [Ranking article here]
The third volume, 'Soshite Dare mo Yutora Nakunatta,' was released in hardcover in August 2022 and in paperback in July 2025. It includes the second- and third-most popular reader favorites: 'The Great Whole Cake Incident' and 'The Futile War Chronicles ~Sign Event Edition~.' The paperback edition adds two new original essays, making it the most substantial volume in the trilogy.
In September 2025, Karen, a member of the idol group 'Colorful Scream,' posted about the author bio section of the paperback 'Soshite Dare mo Yutora Nakunatta' on social media, causing a viral sensation. This brought renewed attention to the 'Yutori Series.' To commemorate the 550,000-copy milestone, a special digital POP featuring Karen has been created. [Karen's X post here]
Digital POP of the 'Yutori Trilogy' featuring Karen from Colorful Scream
Interview between Asai Ryo and Karen here
During the reader feedback campaign, the 'Yutori Trilogy' received heartfelt responses such as: 'I read it when I don’t want to think about anything, when I’m feeling down, or when I want to laugh heartily,' 'It helps me relax and feel more at ease and honest,' and 'I somehow feel life has become easier to live.'
Don’t miss the powerful appeal of Asai Ryo’s essays—winner of the 2026 Bookstore Award for 'In the Megachurch.'
◆ Handwritten comment from the author on the 'Yutori Trilogy' surpassing 550,000 copies!
◆ Author Profile
Asai Ryo (born 1989 in Gifu Prefecture)
Debuted in 2009 after winning the Shōsetsu Subaru Newcomer Award for 'Kirishima, Will You Quit the Club?' Won the Naoki Prize for 'Nanimono,' the Tsubota Jōji Literary Award for 'World Map Draft,' and the Shibata Renzaburō Award for 'Shōyoku.' Won the 2026 Bookstore Award for 'In the Megachurch.' Other notable works include 'Star,' 'Budokan,' and 'Seishokuki.'
◆ Bibliographic Information
Title: 'Toki o Kakeru Yutori'
Author: Asai Ryo
Format: Bunko (paperback)
Price (print): 770 JPY (tax included)
E-book price: 601 JPY (tax included)
Release date: December 4, 2014
ISBN: 978-4-16-790253-7
Book URL: https://books.bunshun.jp/ud/book/num/9784167902537
Title: 'Kaze to Tomo ni Yutorinu'
Author: Asai Ryo
Format: Bunko (paperback)
Price (print): 825 JPY (tax included)
E-book price: 730 JPY (tax included)
Release date: May 8, 2020
ISBN: 978-4-16-791495-0
Book URL: https://books.bunshun.jp/ud/book/num/9784167914950
Title: 'Soshite Dare mo Yutora Nakunatta'
Author: Asai Ryo
Format: Bunko (paperback)
Price (print): 825 JPY (tax included)
E-book price: 800 JPY (tax included)
Release date: July 8, 2025
ISBN: 978-4-16-792386-0
Book URL: https://books.bunshun.jp/ud/book/num/9784167923860
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News