KADOKAWA Corporation (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) has announced the release of Mina Miyajima's first novel following the conclusion of her 'Naruse Akari Series,' titled 'Drawn to a Gal, the Temple Market,' on September 2, 2026 (Wed), with pre-orders now gradually available.
Mina Miyajima's 'Drawn to a Gal, the Temple Market' — Work Introduction
KEY FIGURES
Dear fans missing 'Naruse,' we've kept you waiting.
After winning the 2024 Booksellers' Award with her bestseller 'Naruse is Out to Conquer the World,' Mina Miyajima returns with her long-awaited new novel!
The charm of Miyajima's works lies in their vibrant, endearing characters and the refreshing, uplifting reading experience they offer.
Reading each serialized installment had us grinning from ear to ear—this is truly the 'Miyajima World.'
Beginning with a childhood friend's outrageous plan to unearth a valuable Pokémon card (!?), the story takes an unpredictable turn upon a reunion with a gal-turned-nun from their past. This tale will bring back memories of carefree childhood days spent with friends, making you want to reconnect with old pals. And before you know it, you'll surely fall under the spell of <Mamitan>!
Come enjoy the lively, nostalgic, and utterly delightful world of the temple market, filled with unforgettable characters!
Synopsis
Eisuke, 30, has inherited his late father's liquor store but lives aimlessly, lacking any ambition in business or life. His routine is disrupted by the sudden return of his longtime, troublesome friend Koji, with whom he's had a rocky friendship since nursery school. Koji persuades Eisuke to help dig up a valuable Pokémon card supposedly buried years ago at the nearby Ryosen-ji temple. When they visit the temple's <Temple Market> to scout the location, Eisuke spots a nun delivering a sermon in full gal fashion. To his astonishment, she turns out to be Makoto, his former classmate and now deputy priestess at Ryosen-ji, her family temple. While Eisuke is stunned by her unrecognizable appearance—so different from the model student she once was—Koji immediately hatches a scheme to profit by branding Makoto as the 'Gal Nun Mamitan'—!?
A heartwarming coming-of-age story about adults who haven't quite grown up—guaranteed to lift your spirits!
Characters
Eisuke
The third-generation heir of 'Sugimoto Sake Shop,' but he drifts through both work and personal life without direction. He's had a tumultuous friendship with Koji since nursery school. His ordinary life begins to change after Koji's sudden arrival and his reunion with Makoto. Age 30.
Koji
Left town after high school but frequently drops back unannounced, always dragging trouble to Eisuke's doorstep. A year-round short-sleeve guy with a nose for profit. He proposes a plan to excavate the valuable Pokémon card 'Shining Charizard,' allegedly buried in a time capsule at Ryosen-ji.
Makoto
Nickname <Mamitan>. A former classmate of Eisuke and Koji through middle school. Once a serious class president type, she apparently turned into a gal in high school.
But why?
Now serving as deputy priestess at her family temple, Ryosen-ji, she delivers the <Mamitan Sermons>.
Updates on this title will be shared via KADOKAWA's Literary Editorial Department X account (@kadokawashoseki).
Look out for posts tagged with #GalNika—don't miss them!
Book Information
Title: Drawn to a Gal, the Temple Market
Author: Mina Miyajima
Release Date: September 2, 2026 (Wed) ※ Simultaneous digital release
Price: 2,035 JPY (1,850 JPY + tax)
Pages: 224
Cover Art: Kayoko Sakurada
Book Design: Albireo
Format: B6 paperback, single volume
ISBN: 9784041160312
First Published In: 'Shousetsu Yasei Jidai' Special Edition Winter 2024, Special Edition Winter 2025, March 2026, April 2026, May 2026, June 2026 issues
Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation
Product Information Page: https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/322411000634/
Author Biography
Mina Miyajima (born 1983 in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture; resides in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture). Graduated from the Faculty of Letters at Kyoto University. In 2021, she won the Grand Prize, Readers' Prize, and Tomokazu Prize in the 'R-18 Literature Award for Women by Women' with her work 'Thank You, Seibu Otsu Store.' She made her official debut in 2023 with 'Naruse is Out to Conquer the World,' which included that story, going on to win numerous awards including the Shizuoka Bookstore Award for Fiction, the Tsutomu Terauchi Literary Award, and the Booksellers' Award, sparking widespread attention. The 'Naruse Akari Series' concluded as a trilogy with 'Naruse Walks the Path She Believes In' and 'Naruse Dashes Through the Capital.' Other works include 'Konkatsu Maestro' and 'Go Ahead! Heianbu.'
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 出版