【One-of-a-Kind Heartbreak Novel】Sayoko Kobayashi's New Book 'Minna, Suki ga Heta' to be Released on May 20! "Incredibly Resonant" and Gaining Buzz!

Sayoko Kobayashi, an author whose sharp expressions in 'To You, Who Was an Idol' and 'Maybe We'll Be the Strongest Forever' have resonated deeply with readers, is set to release her one-of-a-kind heartbreak novel 'Minna, Suki ga Heta' on May 20th. This new work features university students living in the Reiwa era as its protagonists.

*Cover image may differ from the actual product

Sayoko Kobayashi, who debuted in 2015 with "Kutabare Chika Idol" (later retitled 'To You, Who Was an Idol' and released in paperback) after winning the Readers' Prize in the "R-18 Literary Award for Women by Women," and whose second work 'Maybe We'll Be the Strongest Forever' also garnered widespread reader empathy and became a hot topic, is now one of the most talked-about authors for her "incredibly resonant" writing.

Her third new book, 'Minna, Suki ga Heta,' is a unique "heartbreak novel" that explores the lives of university students in the Reiwa era and the theme of SNS. It has already generated buzz for its high relatability, with enthusiastic comments such as "You'll definitely want to talk about it after reading," "Full of relatable moments, like listening to a friend's love story at a family restaurant," and "It's like watching a reality dating show." Please look forward to it.

Character Introduction

Author's Comment

I've always wanted to write a novel with the theme of "youth and the internet." I remember that since I was in junior high school, it was normal to post my daily life online, and friendships were formed by combining real-life and online personas (at that time, having a personal homepage was popular). I hope you enjoy the ordinary yet earnest youth of university students who live with the internet.

Book Content Description

Saying "I love you" to her is harder than getting 1000 "likes"! Jin-ta, a first-year university student born in Tokyo, raised on subscriptions, who hasn't yet found anything he loves enough to stake his life on. He grew up without any inconveniences, surrounded by loving parents, an honor student sister, and an overly affectionate but lovable childhood friend, and he has good friends at university. But for some reason, romance just doesn't go well for him. What could be the cause of this? A painful yet fresh, one-of-a-kind heartbreak novel!

Author Profile: Sayoko Kobayashi

©Shinchosha

Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1992 (Heisei 4). Graduated from Waseda University, Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences. In 2015, she won the Readers' Prize in the "R-18 Literary Award for Women by Women" for "Kutabare Chika Idol," and debuted with the eponymous single volume (later retitled 'To You, Who Was an Idol' and released in paperback). Her other works include 'Maybe We'll Be the Strongest Forever.'

Book Data

【Title】Minna, Suki ga Heta

【Author】Sayoko Kobayashi

【Release Date】May 20, 2026

【Binding】Four-six size softcover

【Price】1,760 yen (tax included)

【ISBN】978-4-10-351763-4

【URL】https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/351763/