Series Surpasses 850,000 Copies: Ichi Sawamura’s 10th Anniversary Novel 'Zanduma no Kage' Released May 19, 2026
KADOKAWA has released Ichi Sawamura's 10th-anniversary novel, 'Zanduma no Kage,' a prequel to the hit 'Higa Sisters' horror series. Set in 1980s Kanagawa, it explores the origins of the Higa family's spiritual lineage. A new short story collection, 'Totohari Yashiki,' will also follow on May 25, accompanied by a major digital trial campaign.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 21:30
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 13:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 28, 2026 at 16:16 (219h 14m after Collected)
KADOKAWA Corporation released 'Zanduma no Kage' on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of author Ichi Sawamura's career.
This work is the latest entry in the popular 'Higa Sisters' series, which began with the 2015 debut novel 'Bogiwan ga Kuru' (winner of the 22nd Japan Horror Fiction Award and adapted into the film 'It Comes'). It serves as a prequel, exploring the origins of the spiritual lineage during the era of the grandmother, Katsuko Higa, before the Higa sisters (Kotoko and Makoto) were born. As of May 2026, the series has surpassed 850,000 copies in print and digital sales.
Key Highlights of 'Zanduma no Kage':
1. The Genesis of the Series: Set in 1980s Kanagawa, this story is designed to be accessible for new readers who have not yet started the series.
2. A Culmination of 10 Years: The novel represents a masterpiece of the author, balancing modern themes with the raw terror of the supernatural. It is an entertainment-rich story featuring horror, plot twists, despair, and emotional resonance.
Synopsis:
In 1981, in a district of Kanagawa inhabited by Okinawan immigrants, a young man named Atsushi witnesses a drenched figure one night accompanied by a splashing sound. Soon after, residents begin to die mysteriously, appearing to have 'drowned in seawater while on land.' As the town descends into suspicion, Atsushi seeks help from an elderly woman known as Katsuko Higa.
Furthermore, the fourth short story collection in the series, 'Totohari Yashiki' (Kadokawa Horror Bunko), will be released directly in paperback on Monday, May 25, 2026. It delves into the tragic history of Kotoko Higa's siblings.
A digital trial campaign is currently running on the literary web magazine 'Kadobun' from May 16 to May 25.
This work is the latest entry in the popular 'Higa Sisters' series, which began with the 2015 debut novel 'Bogiwan ga Kuru' (winner of the 22nd Japan Horror Fiction Award and adapted into the film 'It Comes'). It serves as a prequel, exploring the origins of the spiritual lineage during the era of the grandmother, Katsuko Higa, before the Higa sisters (Kotoko and Makoto) were born. As of May 2026, the series has surpassed 850,000 copies in print and digital sales.
Key Highlights of 'Zanduma no Kage':
1. The Genesis of the Series: Set in 1980s Kanagawa, this story is designed to be accessible for new readers who have not yet started the series.
2. A Culmination of 10 Years: The novel represents a masterpiece of the author, balancing modern themes with the raw terror of the supernatural. It is an entertainment-rich story featuring horror, plot twists, despair, and emotional resonance.
Synopsis:
In 1981, in a district of Kanagawa inhabited by Okinawan immigrants, a young man named Atsushi witnesses a drenched figure one night accompanied by a splashing sound. Soon after, residents begin to die mysteriously, appearing to have 'drowned in seawater while on land.' As the town descends into suspicion, Atsushi seeks help from an elderly woman known as Katsuko Higa.
Furthermore, the fourth short story collection in the series, 'Totohari Yashiki' (Kadokawa Horror Bunko), will be released directly in paperback on Monday, May 25, 2026. It delves into the tragic history of Kotoko Higa's siblings.
A digital trial campaign is currently running on the literary web magazine 'Kadobun' from May 16 to May 25.
FAQ
『ざんどぅまの影』の発売日はいつですか？
2026年5月19日（火）に発売されました。電子書籍も同日に配信されています。
本作はどのようなストーリーですか？
1980年代の神奈川県を舞台に、シリーズお馴染みの霊能者・比嘉姉妹（琴子・真琴）が生まれる前の、祖母・比嘉勝子の時代を描いたシリーズの原点となる物語です。
「比嘉姉妹」シリーズの累計部数は？
紙・電子書籍を合わせて、2026年5月時点で累計85万部を突破しています。
同時期に発売される他の関連作はありますか？
2026年5月25日（月）に、比嘉家の秘話を描く短編集第4弾『ととはり屋敷』（角川ホラー文庫）が発売されます。
試し読みはどこでできますか？
KADOKAWAの文芸WEBマガジン「カドブン」にて、2026年5月16日から25日まで連続試し読みが公開されています。