A Dark and Unsettling Short Story Collection by Ayano Takeda, Author of 'I Don't Want to Be Loved' - 'Pitiful Fly' (Shinchosha Bunko) Released March 30th

Four stories unfold with 'pitiful' as the keyword – on social media, at work, and in friendships.

Commentary by Misato Ugaki (Freelance Announcer & Actress)!

The paperback edition of 'Pitiful Fly,' a collection of short stories by Ayano Takeda, who has produced many popular works such as the 'Sound! Euphonium' series and the Yoshikawa Eiji Prize for New Writers winner 'I Don't Want to Be Loved,' is released today.

The collection features women from various walks of life, with 'pitiful' as the keyword. Stories include a university student confronting a so-called 'anti' account that harasses her on social media, and a woman in her late twenties trying to save a friend who is a victim of domestic violence. The complex emotional arrows contained in the single word 'pitiful' – such as one-upmanship, sympathy, and self-defense – pierce not only the characters but also our hearts with the feeling, 'I recognize this feeling, but I didn't want to realize it!' The stories conclude with unexpected endings. Please pick up a copy and enjoy.

The striking cover art, featuring a poisonous yet beautiful carnivorous plant and an adorable kitten, is a new illustration by Misaki Kihara. Cats also appear several times within the stories, so please pay attention to them!

■Misato Ugaki's Commentary is a Must-Read!

The commentary was written by Misato Ugaki, active as a freelance announcer and actress.

She thoroughly explains the dark reading experience of this book, incorporating her own experiences!

■Book Content Introduction

'He's just an annoying fly.' Mei, a university student, decides to 'keep' a persistent account that started harassing her after her social media post went viral, within her smartphone... This collection includes the shocking title story, which depicts the anonymous malice prevalent in the online world, as well as stories that capture women confronting emotions they want to turn away from in various human relationships, including family, friends, and neighbors.

■Author Introduction: Ayano Takeda (Takeda Ayano)

Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1992. Debuted as an author in 2013 with 'Today, I Breathe With You,' which was a finalist for the Japan Love Story Award. Her 2013 novel 'Sound! Euphonium' was adapted into a popular anime series with numerous sequels. In 2021, she won the Yoshikawa Eiji Prize for New Writers for 'I Don't Want to Be Loved.' Other works include the 'You and I Rowing' series, 'Spring Won't Come to Ishiguro-kun,' 'Counting Blue Spring,' 'That Day, Akane Flew in the Sky,' 'Please Shout Your Love,' 'When the World Turned Blue,' 'The Lying Pair,' and 'Pitiful Fly.'

■Book Data

【Title】Pitiful Fly

【Author】Ayano Takeda

【Release Date】March 30, 2026

【Format】Paperback, E-book

【Price】693 yen (tax included)

【ISBN】978-4-10-106761-2

【URL】https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/1067