Manga 'Hon nara Uru hodo' Collaborates with Shincho Bunko: Limited Edition Bands for 'Night Flight' and 'Lovers' Forest'

A dream collaboration transcending publisher boundaries has been realized between the manga 'Hon nara Uru hodo' (by Ao Kojima, published by KADOKAWA)—winner of the 'Manga Taisho 2026' and ranked #1 in 'Kono Manga ga Sugoi! 2026' (Male category)—and Shincho Bunko (Shinchosha).

Special limited-time book bands (obi) featuring panels from the comic have been created for 'Night Flight' (by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, translated by Daigaku Horiguchi) and 'Lovers' Forest' (by Mari Mori), both of which appear within the story of 'Hon nara Uru hodo'. These volumes are now being released sequentially at bookstores nationwide.

### About 'Hon nara Uru hodo' (Ao Kojima / KADOKAWA)
Set in a used bookstore called 'Jyotsudo' run by a listless young man with tied-back hair, the story follows the various customers who visit, drawn by the owner's personality and the wonderful selection of books. A regular book lover, a high school girl wanting to act mature, a man discarding unwanted books, and a widow selling her late husband's collection. A single book held in hand connects unexpected fates. This is a story for everyone who loves books and whose lives have been changed by them.

### Collaboration Titles

#### 1. 'Lovers' Forest' (by Mari Mori)
Featured in 'Hon nara Uru hodo' Vol. 1. Includes four stories, including the titular work that depicts the sensual fires of love woven with decadence and innocence.
- Author: Mari Mori (1903–1987). The eldest daughter of Mori Ogai. She established a literary style characterized by glamorous and delicate fantasy worlds.
- Data: Released May 2, 1975; Price 781 yen (tax incl.); ISBN 978-4-10-117401-3

#### 2. 'Night Flight' (by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, trans. Daigaku Horiguchi)
Featured in 'Hon nara Uru hodo' Vol. 3. A masterpiece depicting the noble courage of people engaged in night flights during the dangerous early days of the airmail industry.
- Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944). French pilot and writer, known for 'The Little Prince'.
- Data: Released Feb 22, 1956; Price 605 yen (tax incl.); ISBN 978-4-10-212201-3

This collaboration was made possible through the partnership of publishers KADOKAWA and Shinchosha, providing an opportunity to rediscover the charm of classic literature through manga.