Award-Winning Masterpiece, Yusuke Miyauchi's 'In Search of Lauri Kusk' Paperback Released

## Paperback Release Announcement

The paperback edition of Yusuke Miyauchi's novel 'In Search of Lauri Kusk,' set in Soviet-era Estonia, was released by Asahi Bunko on June 5, 2026. Following the initial hardcover publication, it was featured in over 20 media outlets. It is a masterpiece that was nominated for the 170th Naoki Prize and the 40th Oda Sakunosuke Prize, and won the 11th High School Naoki Prize and the 4th Kaga Otohiko Memorial Special Literary Prize.

This novel is a long-seller set in Estonia during the Soviet era, receiving widespread critical acclaim.

## Praise from Various Fields

- "I will not forget the small lives swept away by the great waves." — Kanako Nishi, Author
- "It is a story about you and me." — Satoshi Ogawa, Author
- "I was convinced, 'Ah, this is my story.'" — Kazunari Yonemitsu, Game Writer/Writer
- "The nobility of preserving someone's memories as records is engraved in this book." — Soma Saito, Voice Actor
- "The image of humanity that emerges after pursuing scientific logic is beautiful." — Marai Mentline, Translator
- "Why is it so warm while looking straight at dreams and their frustrations?" — Yukiko Konosu, Translator/Literary Critic
- "It conveys to us the joy of connecting with the world and others." — Kaho Miyake, Literary Critic
- "A multi-faceted, fast-paced masterpiece." — Yuma (Skezane) Watanabe, Book Critic

## Synopsis

Lauri Kusk was born in Estonia, one of the Baltic states, during the Soviet era. With rare talent in computer programming, he aims to succeed in Moscow and meets a Russian friend named Ivan. However, the Soviet Union collapses, Estonia gains independence, and Lauri and his friends are tossed about by the waves of the era. Where is he now, and how is he living? The story traces his steps.

## Author Profile

Yusuke Miyauchi, born in Tokyo in 1979. Winner of numerous awards, including the Japan SF Grand Prize and the Yukio Mishima Prize.

## Bibliographic Information

- Title: 'In Search of Lauri Kusk'
- Label: Asahi Bunko (Asahi Shimbun Publications)
- Release Date: June 5, 2026
- Price: 957 yen (870 yen + tax)