"Even if your first choice doesn't come true, life's possibilities are endless" Emi Nekoze's new book "Life is Made of Choices" to be released on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Takeshi Natsuno) released "Life is Made of Choices" (authored by Emi Nekoze) on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

## Debuted as a musician at 26, studied abroad in Paris at 32, sold her Tokyo home in her 50s to live with her partner, returning to Paris.

Emi Nekoze, who continues diverse activities as a musician, writer, and French language school owner, has released a new book, a completely new essay written after five years, chronicling her eventful life and philosophy of "choice."

Born into a long-established kimono shop in Fukushima Prefecture, she received classical music education and aimed to be a percussionist during her student days. However, her path was far from smooth, marked by the decline of her family business, repeated economic crises, and going independent after her major debut as a singer-songwriter in her 20s due to disagreements with record labels and agencies.

While her career may seem glamorous at first glance, behind the scenes lay the surprising truth that "none of her first choices came true."

## "First choices not coming true" is not a failure

Nekoze consistently missed her first choices at life's turning points, such as music university entrance exams and job hunting. Even after achieving her long-cherished debut, she had to leave her agency amidst changes in the music industry and explore paths other than being a musician.

However, she does not view these as "failures," but rather as "stepping stones" that were meant to be trodden to find her true hopes.

She writes that being freed from the curse of "first choice" paradoxically expanded her life options infinitely, opening new paths that led to her current happy life in Paris.

## The essence of living found at rock bottom

A particularly strong foundation for the author was the period in her late 30s when illness and economic collapse coincided, leaving her "penniless." At this time, she deliberately chose to work part-time at a "bento shop," a job unrelated to her main profession.

She writes that through working hard and physically, her former pride and vanity were washed away with her sweat, and she developed deep respect for jobs that support the foundation of society.

## To everyone who is hesitant to "choose"

This book offers hope to those who "are afraid of failing" or "feel stuck in their current life," conveying that "even if you stumble, life will work out if you choose again in your own way."

The author's journey of moving to Paris again with her beloved cats in her 50s and embracing her imperfect self is sure to guide readers to a more diverse and lighter perspective on choices.

## [Table of Contents]

- Chapter 1: Choices in Work and Money
- Chapter 2: Choices in Relationships and Love
- Chapter 3: Choices in Life
- Chapter 4: Choices of the Heart

## [Bibliographic Information]

Title: Life is Made of Choices
Author: Emi Nekoze
Price: 1,870 yen (1,700 yen + tax)
Release Date: April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) *E-book released on the same day
Format: Shirokuban (B6 size)
Pages: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-4-04-897925-2
Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation
KADOKAWA Official Book Details Page >>

## [Author Profile]

**Emi Nekoze** (Nekoze Emi)

Born in Fukushima Prefecture in 1970. Musician, writer, film commentator. Familiar with classical music from age 5, entered a music university after high school, specializing in percussion. After graduation, she debuted as a singer-songwriter and was active in magazines and television. From 2002 to 2007, she had her first move to France. From 2007 for 10 years, she served as editor-in-chief of "BONZOUR JAPON," a free paper specializing in French culture. She presides over "NyanFura," a highly practical French language school. In 2022, she moved back to Paris with her two cats and continues to teach French online while primarily focusing on writing. Her books include "Nekoshiki: Even if you're sad, you'll get hungry, and tomorrow will surely come." (TAC Publishing), "From Midnight Paris to Dawn Tokyo" (co-authored with Takanobu Kobayashi, Shueisha), and many others.
Instagram: @necozawaemi
X: @necozawaemi