"I am delighted" Momiji Yamamura expresses joy over successful first event in Kyoto for her debut novel 'Gion no Himitsu: Chi no Surikae' and its second reprint decision

Signing copies of her book ©Momiji Yamamura2026/Futabasha

Futabasha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo) held the "Momiji Yamamura Sensei Talk & Signing Session" on July 4, 2026 (Sat.) at Campus Plaza Kyoto in Kyoto Prefecture to commemorate the release of actress Momiji Yamamura's first novel, 'Gion no Himitsu: Chi no Surikae'. Tickets for this event were distributed and quickly reached capacity, with the venue being full on the day of the event.

[Event Day Report]

In the first part, the talk event, Momiji Yamamura spoke for about 30 minutes not only about her work but also announced the news that the book had already been decided for its second reprint! The audience responded with laughter and surprise to numerous episodes unique to the author, who knows Kyoto and Gion inside out.

Towards the end of the talk, a special photo session was held, uniting the venue in excitement.

The second part, the signing session, was conducted in a warm atmosphere throughout, with the author carefully speaking to each participant while signing their books.

[Author Momiji Yamamura's Comments After the Event]

"I was worried about what I would do if the event wasn't full, but I heard that at some bookstores, the tickets for the signing session sold out by early afternoon on the release day. I was delighted to feel the warm feelings of those who came."

-- The talk session also included the announcement of the second reprint decision.

"Above all, I am incredibly happy about the second reprint decision! I'm so glad because I heard many people say, 'I couldn't buy it because it was sold out!'"

-- You don't often have the opportunity to speak directly with readers one-on-one, do you? How was it?

"During the signing session, I heard individual impressions from each person, such as 'I've been watching suspense dramas on my grandmother's lap since I was a child' or 'I've been married into Kyoto for decades, and I really understand the situation with the mother-in-law (depicted in the novel).' I wanted to hear even more impressions."

Author Momiji Yamamura speaking on stage ©Momiji Yamamura2026/Futabasha

[About 'Gion no Himitsu: Chi no Surikae']

Her mother was the renowned "Queen of Mystery," Misasa Yamamura. This work is a debut novel with special significance, released by her daughter, Momiji Yamamura, at the milestone age of 65, the same age her mother, Misasa Yamamura, put down her pen.

This is a mystery of love and hate, depicting bloodlines, tradition, and the destiny of a family, set against the backdrop of a long-established geisha house in Kyoto's Gion and a prestigious family of Kamigata Kabuki.

Book Title: Gion no Himitsu: Chi no Surikae

Book Release Date: June 17, 2026

Author: Momiji Yamamura

Price: 1,980 yen (tax included)

Format: 46 size

Publisher: Futabasha

Book Design: Suzuki Seichi Design Studio

Cover Illustration: Yuri Furusawa

[Author Profile]

Momiji Yamamura

Born in Kyoto Prefecture. After graduating from Waseda University, she worked as a national tax specialist before becoming an actress. She is known as the "Queen of Two-Hour Suspense." Making her debut as a novelist at the milestone age at which her mother, the writer Misasa Yamamura, stopped writing.