Haruna Terachi, the novelist who most empathizes with readers' hearts now, sends cheers for 'the life ahead.' Her latest work 'If it Rains' to be released on May 25!

Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. will release the novel 'If it Rains' (by Haruna Terachi) on Monday, May 25, 2026. Ms. Terachi, who won the 4th Poplar Publishing Novel Newcomer Award in 2014 with 'Violeta' and debuted the following year, has a strong reputation for her meticulous depiction of the difficulties and subtle nuances of human relationships felt in daily life. She is an author who has steadily gained readers who describe her works as 'heart-warming' and 'gently comforting.' This work is a collection of linked short stories in which women in their 40s, living in various circumstances, find subtle hope for 'the life ahead' centered around a unique shop called 'Wakaba Umbrella Shop.' Women in their 40s often face worries and conflicts about their lives, including work, childcare, menopause, and the aging of their parents. The relatable portrayal of these women in this work is sure to bring deep empathy to troubled readers, encouraging them to think, 'I have various challenges, but I'll do my best too!' In society until now, women getting older has often been talked about with negative connotations. As for myself, whenever I was told 'It's good to be young' or 'This is your prime' when I was young, I used to be afraid that life wouldn't be as fun when I got older. But looking back now in my late forties, I realize that it wasn't like that at all, so I started thinking, 'I have to actively convey this!' I want to convey that this 'fun' is not just about success at work, having a wonderful family, a fulfilling life, or romance. Synopsis Hatsuka, 48, lives alone in an old apartment after divorcing due to her husband's affair. Her children are independent, and her income is by no means high. While she's not without worries about the future, her life, surrounded only by what she has chosen, is surprisingly happy. One day, caught in the rain, she enters 'Wakaba Umbrella Shop,' where the punk-dressed female owner, who appears to be in her 60s, lends her an umbrella with the words 'Use an umbrella if it rains' and the shop's name prominently displayed. The cover is reversible! Flip the cover over, and you'll find the words 'Wakaba Umbrella Shop,' which also appears in the story! You can use it reversibly, so please enjoy your favorite design. Book with special benefits also to be sold! A book with special benefits will be sold on Poplar Publishing's official online store 'kodo-mall'! The benefit is an original set of a signed book with Haruna Terachi's name and a clear file featuring the cover illustration of 'If it Rains.' Quantities are limited, so get yours early! Details and application method here↓ https://www.kodo-mall.jp/view/item/000000003510 Author Profile Photo: Kenta Yoshizawa Haruna Terachi Born in Saga in 1977. Resides in Osaka Prefecture. In 2014, she won the 4th Poplar Publishing Novel Newcomer Award with 'Violeta' and debuted the following year. In 2020, she received the Sakuya Konohana Award (Literature and Others category). In the same year, 'The Night Is Not Necessarily Dark' was nominated for the 33rd Yamamoto Shugoro Prize. In 2021, 'Sewing Water' was nominated for the 42nd Eiji Yoshikawa Literary Newcomer Prize. In the same year, she won the 9th Hayao Kawai Monogatari Prize for the same work. In 2023, 'Those Who Stand by the River' was nominated for the 20th Honya Taisho Award. In 2024, 'Hotaruishi Magical Land' won the 12th Osaka Honmahon Taisho Award. Other works include 'Fictional Dogs and Lying Cats,' which was adapted into a film, as well as 'In the Backyard of Minato Hotel,' 'Moon Grapes,' 'I Thought Adults Don't Cry,' 'The Night Is Not Necessarily Dark,' 'Those Who Stand by the River,' 'We Don't Need Wings,' 'If the Robins Sing,' 'One Moonlit Night,' 'Ribbon-chan,' 'The Thief,' and many others. Book Information Title: 'If it Rains' Author: Haruna Terachi Release Month: May 2026 Price: 1,980 yen (10% tax included) Book Page>>https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/8008551.html Amazon>>https://amzn.to/4th9kA