Kodansha Bunko's 'Nare no Hate' Unveils Long-Awaited Book Cover and New Poster Simultaneously! Commemorative Benefits and a Gift Campaign Also Decided!

1. Book Cover Design Revealed! Cover Illustration Newly Drawn by Yoshiki Imazu, Who Handled the PV Animation

The book cover design, like the hardcover edition, was handled by Masato Takayanagi, who has designed numerous bestsellers. The cover illustration has been newly drawn as an illustration for the paperback edition!

It was newly drawn by Yoshiki Imazu, who was in charge of the animation for the official PV of 'Nare no Hate.' The illustration is designed to create many ripples around a single person's thoughts, evoking a sense of spreading waves. It's an illustration that readers will want to look back at after finishing the book and savor once more.

The main tagline for the paperback is, "Promises eventually became prayers." The "170th Naoki Prize Nominee" is also displayed.

2. New Poster Unveiled!

A new visual poster of the author has also been released.

This poster will be signed by Kato and distributed to select bookstores!

Furthermore, posters featuring the visual released in the first announcement will also be distributed to some bookstores.

Both will be distributed around the paperback release date of 'Nare no Hate' on July 15 (Wed.), though distribution may vary by region. Please visit bookstores to find them.

4. Special 'Mini Book Cover' Sticker Enclosed! [First Print Run Limited Bonus]

To commemorate the paperback release of 'Nare no Hate,' a 'mini book cover' sticker, which is a miniature version of the paperback cover, will be enclosed with the book.

Look for the text on the obi: "[First Print Run Limited Bonus] Commemorating the Paperback Release! With Special Sticker." This is only included in the first print run and will end once supplies are depleted, so please purchase early.

5. Book Card Present Campaign to Be Held!

To celebrate the publication of the paperback 'Nare no Hate,' a book card present campaign will be held, offering a chance to win 1,000 yen worth of book cards to 100 people. The book cards feature a special design with the 'Nare no Hate' book cover. The application deadline is December 23, 2026 (Wed.) (postmark valid on that day). Please apply by following the application details listed on the obi.

<Book Information>

Title: 'Nare no Hate'

Author: Shigeaki Kato

Release Date: July 15, 2026 (Wed.)

Format: A6

Price: 1,210 yen (tax included)

Pages: 592 pages

Series: Kodansha Bunko

ISBN: 978-4-06-542513-8

<Official Website / Official X>

'Nare no Hate' Official HP: https://narenohate.kodansha.co.jp

'Nare no Hate' Official X Account: @narenohate_kds

*Photo Credits

Photography: Makoto Hada / Stylist: Hiroko Sogawa / Hair & Makeup: Masaki Ohira (Sublimation) / Art Direction: Kenta Takakura (GLYPH Inc.)

<Shigeaki Kato Profile>

Born in 1987 in Osaka Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Aoyama Gakuin University. Debuted as an author in January 2012 with 'Pink and Gray.' In 2021, received the 42nd Eiji Yoshikawa Newcomer Award and the 8th High School Naoki Prize for 'Alternate.' Was also selected as a Naoki Prize nominee for the same work and this current book. While active as a member of "NEWS," he continues to write energetically as an author. Other works include 'Senko Scramble,' 'Burn.', 'Ants Without Umbrellas,' 'Tuberose is Waiting AGE22/AGE32' (2 volumes), and '1 and 0 and Shigeaki Kato,' as well as the essay collection 'If Possible, on a Steed.' Participated as a initiator in the charity novel project for Noto Peninsula earthquake recovery support, 'Aenogatari.' His latest work is 'Miacis Symphony.'