Something in This Ward Destroyed the Monk. Akisa Giko, Winner of Creative Award 2025, Debuts with Kadokawa Horror Bunko

Akisa Giko's work, which won the Kadokawa Horror Bunko Award at Japan's largest creation contest 'Creative Award 2025,' is being published as a book. The revised and retitled version, 'A Monk's Confession,' will be released by KADOKAWA on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Purchase here: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4041175232

Set in Europe around 1900, two monks visiting a certain psychiatric ward die under suspicious circumstances. The young monk Peter, sent as their successor, finds only one clue: a diary left behind by his predecessor. As he reads on, he uncovers demonic anomalies, an unidentified girl wandering the hospital grounds, and a record of the writer's gradual mental breakdown.

Why did the two monks die? What is lurking in the ward? This pitch-black gothic horror pits faith against madness in a closed-off space.

It's terrifying, yet you can't stop reading. Experience the sensation of slowly descending into darkness alongside the protagonist as he flips through the diary.

Author Akisa Giko's Comment

I believe the Creative Award is currently the most dynamic contest out there. Inspired by its energy, I decided last year to enter 'Creative Award 2025.' I wanted to freely write about the world I love. Though while writing, I constantly felt as if I were walking deeper into a labyrinth.

The story is set in Europe around 1900. Through the diary of a monk who met a mysterious end, I will guide you into a world of the uncanny. This is not a distant tale. I hope to convey through this story that the abyss is always close beside us.

▼ Award-winning work 'Memento Furor -Diary of Visitation to St. Basilio Psychiatric Ward-'

https://tales.note.com/par_rik/wb0meoywylbv0

Editor's Comment from Kadokawa Horror Bunko

I strongly felt that 'A Monk's Confession' (formerly 'Memento Furor -Diary of Visitation to St. Basilio Psychiatric Ward-') should be published as a book because of the creeping dread that erodes your sanity the further you read, and the powerful diary format that lets readers re-experience what the writer saw and felt.

Within the closed setting of the ward, faith, mystery, and madness intertwine in layers, quietly seeping into the depths of your mind. This 'slowly corroding fear' is the greatest charm of the work. During production, we worked closely with Akisa to meticulously refine every detail so that the unsettling atmosphere and narrative impact would resonate even more deeply.

After finishing the book, I hope readers experience a sensation where the story's darkness suddenly bleeds into reality.

Author Profile

Akisa Giko (Giko Akisa)

Won the Kadokawa Horror Bunko Award at the note×TALES co-hosted Creative Award 2025 with 'Memento Furor -Diary of Visitation to St. Basilio Psychiatric Ward-.' Makes her solo debut with this revised and retitled work.

note: https://note.com/par_rik X: https://x.com/gikou_akisa

'A Monk's Confession'

Author: Akisa Giko Publisher: KADOKAWA (Kadokawa Horror Bunko) Price: 990 yen (tax included) ISBN: 978-4041175231 Release Date: June 16, 2026 Format: Bunko Pages: 288

Purchase here: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4041175232

About Creative Award

Co-hosted by note and TALES, Creative Award is Japan's largest creation contest aimed at discovering creators who will become tomorrow's stars. Over the past four editions, it has received a total of 173,387 entries and achieved media adaptations for 34 works, including book publications, film/TV adaptations, serializations, and stage productions. It serves as a gateway to professional debut, bringing creators and media companies together.

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