Manga 'Hon Nara Uru Hodo' Wins Grand Prize at 'Manga Taisho 2026'

The manga 'Hon Nara Uru Hodo' (written by Ao Kojima), published by KADOKAWA Corporation (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), has won the Grand Prize at 'Manga Taisho 2026.'

'Hon Nara Uru Hodo' is a manga work by Ao Kojima. The series features omnibus-style stories of books and people revolving around a secondhand bookstore called 'Juichigatsudo,' earning significant empathy from book lovers and many other readers.

About 'Manga Taisho 2026': Established in 2008, the 'Manga Taisho' (Manga Grand Prize) is an award run by a volunteer executive committee, marking its 19th edition this year. Volunteers from various professions, primarily bookstore clerks, serve as judges to promote works they feel they 'want to recommend to someone right now.'

Eligible works include tankobon (standalone volumes) published in the previous year (January 1st to December 31st) with a maximum of 8 volumes (including digital editions). After the judges read all top 10 nominated works selected in the primary round, they rank them to determine that year's 'Manga Taisho.'

Work Introduction: 'Hon Nara Uru Hodo' Synopsis: This is a place where books and people meet once again. 'Juichigatsudo' is a secondhand bookstore run by a listless young man with his hair tied back. Attracted by the owner's personality and the wonderful selection, various customers visit the shop today. Book-loving regulars...