Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. will release the novel "God's Stand-in: HBD Investigation and Appraisal Office" (Author: Ruka Inui) on July 1, 2026.

This work is a special setting mystery depicting a world where a fictional disease called "HBD (Heart-Breaking Death)," which leads to death upon feeling despair or sadness, is prevalent. Is this "despair" a disease, or murder intentionally caused? This is an entertainment novel where the protagonist, Miyu Ichinose, a new graduate assigned to the HBD Investigation and Appraisal Office, investigates the "despair" that caused death while dealing with various cases alongside a cast of colorful members.

A woman who suddenly collapsed at an "oshi-katsu" (fan activity) gathering, a lonely elderly person who suddenly died in a bustling shopping mall, a junior high school boy who was being bullied... You will be moved by the overwhelming human drama that intertwines the darkness of modern society with the complexity of the human heart.

Bookstore employees who read this work before its release have generated a huge buzz with comments such as "I read it in one sitting!" and "I want a sequel!" Due to the overwhelming response, an emergency reprint has been decided!

[Message from Author Ruka Inui]

Sadness is invisible.

That's why we tend to take others' sadness lightly, or conversely, have our own sadness dismissed. But if the phenomenon of dying from sadness existed, wouldn't it be clear to everyone that at least that person was sad enough to die? That's what inspired me to write this story. People die from sadness. This is a story that investigates sadness as a cause of death in such a world.

We are receiving rave reviews even before its release!

This will undoubtedly become a popular mystery series. (Omitted)

Each short story has an unexpected truth and is poignant.

-- Tomoyo Takii (Writer)

I want to draw attention to this unique attempt to explore what drives people to despair, along with the unexpectedness of a mystery.

-- Masayuki Chigaya (Mystery Critic)

While it is a mystery, it pursues the emotional trajectory leading up to death. I couldn't take my eyes off the pages until the very end, wondering how the truth would be approached and what kind of conclusion it would reach.

-- Toyonaga Dai, Kinokuniya Bookstore Grand Front Osaka Store

Precisely because we cannot fully understand each other, the kindness of empathizing with others' feelings can be a salvation. It captured my heart.

-- Megumi Inoue, Mizushima Shoten Kuzuhamosu Store

"Even just a little, you are influencing someone."

I want these words to reach modern times, where shallow relationships that easily dismiss things as "not my problem" are becoming common.

-- Masashi Nakazawa, Kumazawa Bookstore Nishiarai Store

Scheduled to be featured on TBS TV's "Ousama no Brunch" on 7/4 (Sat)!

On the July 4, 2026 (Sat) broadcast of TBS TV's "Ousama no Brunch" BOOK corner, an interview with Ruka Inui, where she discusses the content of "God's Stand-in: HBD Investigation and Appraisal Office" and her thoughts behind the book, is scheduled to be aired. Please look forward to it!

Author Profile

Ruka Inui (Inui Ruka)

Born in Hokkaido in 1970. In 2006, won the All-Yomiuri Newcomer Award for "Natsuhikari." In 2010, was a finalist for the 143rd Naoki Prize for "Ano Hi ni Kaeritai" and a finalist for the 13th Yasuaki Mizuho Award for "Meguru." Her works include "Tefutefu-so e Youkoso," which was adapted into a drama, as well as "Koikoware," "Asu no Boku ni Kaze ga Fuku," "Omae Nanka ni Aitakunai," "Mizusoko no Spica," "Hanazakari o Matanzu," "Soshiki Dousoukai," "Babel no Kyoushitsu," and many others.

Book Information

Title: "God's Stand-in: HBD Investigation and Appraisal Office"

Author: Ruka Inui

Release Date: July 2026

Price: 1,980 yen (10% tax included)

Book Page >> https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/8008555.html

Amazon >> https://amzn.to/4xN80sj

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 書籍発売