[With 2 Major Purchase Benefits] The Healing Novel 'Recovery Kabahiko' You Most Want to Read Now Released in Paperback Today! Featuring Commentary by Voice Actress Sayaka Ohara and the Secret Story of Kabahiko's Birth! Release Commemoration Event Decided!

Michiko Aoyama's novel "Recovery Kabahiko," which gained attention for its nomination for the 2024 "Japan Booksellers' Award," will be released in paperback by Kobunsha on May 12, 2026.

Paperback Edition Cover (Front) Paperback Edition Cover (Back)

Advance Hill, a newly built condominium. In the nearby Hinode Park, there's an old hippopotamus animal ride. It's said that if you touch the same part of the hippopotamus's body as the part you want to heal in your own body, that part will recover. People call it "Recovery Kabahiko." The residents confide their troubles to Kabahiko—a collection of exquisite short stories that gently accompany everyone's daily worries.

Highlights of the Paperback Edition

(1) Includes commentary by voice actress Sayaka Ohara and the secret story of Kabahiko's birth!

This edition includes commentary by voice actress Sayaka Ohara, who narrated the Amazon Audible version of this work. Furthermore, the secret story of Kabahiko's birth is included at the end of the volume, making it a comprehensive book.

(2) Comes with 2 major purchase benefits!

All first printings will come with a bookmark featuring a message from Michiko Aoyama. Additionally, the book band includes a QR code for purchasers to download exclusive wallpaper.

Bookmark with message (Front) Bookmark with message (Back)

(3) Kobunsha Bunko's first attempt! The secret of "Hidden Kabahiko"

If you remove the paperback cover, an illustration of Kabahiko drawn in pencil by illustrator Satomi Goda, who created Kabahiko's cover art, appears on the cover! And if you turn the cover, it's on the title page too!

Normally, Professor Kappa, the character of Kobunsha Bunko, is in this spot, but this time, he specially gave up his "place" to Kabahiko.

BUNKITSU TOKYO × KOBUNSHA Collaboration Event Decided!

To commemorate the release of the paperback edition, "Kabahiko Park" and "Recovery Cafe" will be set up for a limited time at BUNKITSU TOKYO, a stay-type bookstore inside Newoman Takanawa (Takanawa, Tokyo).

At "Kabahiko Park," Kabahiko will welcome everyone, offering an experience as if you've entered the world of the story. A "Recovery Board" will be installed within the park. Why not send a message with your thoughts that you want to confide in Kabahiko?

Also, at the "Recovery Cafe," customers who use Cafe Ensemble (paid), the cafe lounge within BUNKITSU TOKYO, will receive a coaster with character illustrations from the work. A post box will also be set up where you can send messages to Michiko Aoyama sensei. In addition, events will be held during the period!

Please come and visit us!

Kabahiko Park / Recovery Cafe

[Period] May 14 (Thu) - June 30 (Tue), 2026

Michiko Aoyama Autograph Session

[Date] June 5 (Fri), 2026, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

[Venue] BUNKITSU TOKYO, Newoman Takanawa South 5F, 2-21-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo

[Participation Condition] Limited to purchasers of one or more target books at BUNKITSU TOKYO

[Capacity] 40 people (first-come, first-served)

[Target Book] Paperback Edition "Recovery Kabahiko"

[Ticket Sales Start] May 18 (Mon), 2026, 12:00 PM

[Ticket Sales URL] https://bt-event-kabahiko1.peatix.com

Michiko Aoyama Talk Event

[Date] June 30 (Tue), 2026, 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM

[Venue] BUNKITSU TOKYO, Newoman Takanawa South 5F, 2-21-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo

[Special Guest] Sayaka Ohara (Voice Actress)

[Interviewer] BUNKITSU TOKYO Bookseller, Ryotomo Nario

[Participation Condition] Limited to purchasers of one or more target books at BUNKITSU TOKYO

[Capacity] 40 people (first-come, first-served)

[Target Book] Paperback Edition "Recovery Kabahiko"

[Ticket Sales Start] May 18 (Mon), 2026, 12:00 PM

[Ticket Sales URL] https://bt-talkevent-kabahiko2.peatix.com

The talk event can also be attended via online streaming.

Please see below for details.

[Ticket Sales Start] May 18 (Mon), 2026, 12:00 PM

[Ticket Sales URL] https://bt-talkevent-kabahiko2.peatix.com/

Author Profile

Michiko Aoyama

Born in 1970. From Aichi Prefecture, currently residing in Yokohama City.

After graduating from university, she worked as a reporter for a Japanese publishing company in Sydney, then began writing while working as a magazine editor for a publishing company. She debuted as a novelist in 2017 with "Cocoa on Thursday." The work received the 1st Miraiya Novel Award and the 1st Miyazaki Book Award. Her other works include "I'll Find It at the Library" and "Red, Blue, and Es."