KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO: Tsuyoshi Natsuno; hereinafter 'KADOKAWA') will release 'The Sound of Living Things' (author: Hirai Masaki) on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The cover design has now been unveiled, along with a new comment from the author Hirai Masaki and details of an exclusive bonus for the e-book edition.

Cover Design for 'The Sound of Living Things'

The book design was created by Jun Kawa, who has previously handled promotional artwork for Men's Blancko's live performances.

The cover features 'metaraction #10,' a striking artwork by sculptor Tenyo Nagai, depicting a teddy bear sealed inside an acrylic case shaped like a raccoon dog.

Comment from Hirai Masaki

What an expansive cover design, spreading wide like the wings of a great eagle of imagination. Even if it looks like a rugged Shigaraki ware raccoon dog, inside lies a cute teddy bear—many things remain unseen unless you engage with them deeply, for better or worse. I've tried to turn even those things I myself couldn't see into various stories. This thrilling cover design is entirely thanks to the extraordinary talent of our book designer Mr. Kawa and sculptor Mr. Nagai. I hope you'll enjoy every detail, even beneath the cover.

Exclusive Bonus for E-book Edition!

The e-book edition will include a handwritten message and autograph from Hirai Masaki, exclusively for readers.

※ Some e-book retailers may not offer the bonus edition, or may have different release dates. Please check with each retailer for details.

※ The e-book exclusive bonus may be changed without prior notice.

Work Details

Hirai Masaki of the popular comedy duo Men's Blancko, known for their unique world in manzai and sketch comedy, makes his debut as a fiction writer!

A short story collection themed around 'onomatopoeia' (words that express sounds such as 'soyosoyo,' 'kopokopo,' and 'horro'), capturing the essence of 'sound.'

Thirteen stories filled with warmth and surprise, presented by Hirai Masaki.

A basketball-sized black sphere suddenly appears in the protagonist's room. Upon closer inspection, this mysterious floating object continuously 'sucks in' the air with a 'soyosoyo' sound... (from 'Soyosoyo')

A 'Yatoshi' (night painter) whose job is to paint the night sky onto the vast canvas of the sky. For over 20 years, he has painted the same night, unknown to anyone. One day, he meets a strong-willed girl who has just lost her father, and they begin to heal each other's loneliness. What kind of scenery awaits them ahead? (from 'Tsuu')

Publication Details

'The Sound of Living Things'

Author: Hirai Masaki

Price: ¥1,980 (¥1,800 + tax)

Release Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Format: B6 size

Pages: 232

ISBN: 978-4-04-117355-8

Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation

KADOKAWA Official Publication Page >>

Official X (formerly Twitter) & Instagram for 'The Sound of Living Things'

Follow the official X and Instagram accounts for the latest updates.

X: @ikitoshikeruoto

Instagram: @ikitoshikeruoto

Author Profile

Hirai Masaki (Hirai Masaki)

Born in 1987 in Hyogo Prefecture. Formed the comedy duo Men's Blancko with Norihito Urai, whom he met in a university theater circle. Reached the finals of 'King of Conte' in 2021 and 'M-1 Grand Prix' in 2022. Received the Special Award at the 8th Kamigata Manzai Association Awards in 2023.

X: @hirai_swing

Instagram: @hirai.swing

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product