91-year-old Takashi Atoda Releases Preview of Final Short Story Collection 'With Love from the Palm'

Takashi Atoda, a master of short stories who has authored over 900 works in his lifetime, will publish his final short story collection, 'Tenohira yori Ai wo Komete: Takashi Atoda's Final Stories,' on Wednesday, May 27, through Shincho-sha. This 91-year-old Naoki Prize-winning author presents a collection of 36 'short-short' stories, each under ten manuscript pages. Due to high demand, a pre-release reprint has already been ordered, and a preview is being released today. Since his debut, Mr. Atoda has consistently maintained a writing style using only manuscript paper and pencils. Regarding this publication, he states: 'I have always felt that my hands themselves hold the ideas for my stories. However, as I've grown older, good ideas don't spring forth as they once did. Still, my desire to deliver stories that reach a standard I am satisfied with remains unchanged. So, I decided to put forth my final strength and mark a milestone here.' While the news of his 'final' work may bring a sense of sadness to long-time readers, Mr. Atoda shares a positive outlook: 'I like the concept of an "end," so I have no negative feelings about this being the "final" one. While I don't plan to write any more fiction, I hope to continue working on essays. At 91, this will be the final collection I deliver with gratitude at this turning point in my creative life. I would be happy if readers could pick it up with a cheerful spirit.' 'With Love from the Palm' features 36 stories written between 1993 and last year, when he turned 90. These brief narratives, spanning only a few pages, offer vivid storytelling and unexpected twists, showcasing the skill and wit of a true master. Ahead of the May 27 launch, the short-short story 'Beware of Swapping' from the collection is now available for reading, offering a taste of the 'Atoda World.' In September last year, Atoda published '90-sai, Otoko no Hitori-gurashi,' an essay collection sharing wisdom and tips for elderly men living alone. It has been featured by NHK and major national newspapers, as well as media in South Korea, and has now reached its 8th printing with over 37,000 copies sold. Since his wife entered a care facility a few years ago, Atoda has lived alone, embracing the mottoes: 'It's fine if things are just "so-so"' and 'Humor is essential in old age.' [Author Profile: Takashi Atoda] Born in Tokyo in 1935. Graduated from Waseda University. He debuted in 1978 and won the Mystery Writers of Japan Award for 'The Visitor' (1979) and the Naoki Prize for 'Napoleon Crazy.' In 1995, he received the Eiji Yoshikawa Literary Award for 'New Trojan Tale.' He is a former president of the Japan PEN Club and a Person of Cultural Merit.