Book Publication of Mariko Asabuki's Popular 'GINZA' Essay Serial: 'Signal Flag K' to be Released July 9, 2026
Magazine House will release 'Signal Flag K,' an essay collection by Akutagawa Prize-winning author Mariko Asabuki, on July 9, 2026. Based on her serial in GINZA magazine, the book compiles 32 records of visits and conversations with various guests, including Haruomi Hosono and Sayaka Murata. Featuring photography by Takehiko Niitsubo, the book also focuses on elaborate binding.
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Magazine House Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Shuichi Tetsuo) will release 'Signal Flag K,' an essay collection by author Mariko Asabuki, at bookstores nationwide and online on July 9, 2026.
The book, titled after the international signal flag 'K,' which means 'I wish to communicate with you,' compiles essays previously serialized in GINZA magazine. It documents conversations and visits with a wide variety of guests, including musician Haruomi Hosono, author Sayaka Murata, artist Yuko Mohri, and fashion designer Maiko Kurogouchi. For the book version, a new essay based on a visit with musician Ichiko Aoba has also been added.
The book includes color photography by Takehiko Niitsubo, who accompanied the author on all the interviews. The binding is designed by rising graphic designer Mariko Okazaki based on these photographs.
[Bibliographic Information]
Title: Signal Flag K
Author: Mariko Asabuki
Release Date: July 9, 2026
Price: 3,300 yen (tax included)
Specifications: 46 size, hardcover, 332 pages
ISBN: 978-4-8387-3394-1
Publisher: Magazine House Co., Ltd.
URL: https://magazineworld.jp/books/paper/3394/
The book, titled after the international signal flag 'K,' which means 'I wish to communicate with you,' compiles essays previously serialized in GINZA magazine. It documents conversations and visits with a wide variety of guests, including musician Haruomi Hosono, author Sayaka Murata, artist Yuko Mohri, and fashion designer Maiko Kurogouchi. For the book version, a new essay based on a visit with musician Ichiko Aoba has also been added.
The book includes color photography by Takehiko Niitsubo, who accompanied the author on all the interviews. The binding is designed by rising graphic designer Mariko Okazaki based on these photographs.
[Bibliographic Information]
Title: Signal Flag K
Author: Mariko Asabuki
Release Date: July 9, 2026
Price: 3,300 yen (tax included)
Specifications: 46 size, hardcover, 332 pages
ISBN: 978-4-8387-3394-1
Publisher: Magazine House Co., Ltd.
URL: https://magazineworld.jp/books/paper/3394/
FAQ
Where can I purchase 'Signal Flag K'?
It will be available at bookstores nationwide and online bookstores starting July 9, 2026.
What are Mariko Asabuki's notable awards?
She won the Bunkamura Deux Magots Literary Award for 'Ryuseki' in 2010 and the Akutagawa Prize for 'Kikotowa' in 2011.
What are the features of the book's design?
It is designed by up-and-coming graphic designer Mariko Okazaki based on photography by Takehiko Niitsubo, focusing on a tactile experience that makes turning pages a delight.