Mina Miyajima's 'Naruse Believes in the Path' to be Released in Bunko Format on June 24 (Wed)! Exclusive Purchase Bonus: Smartphone Wallpapers!

The series has surpassed 2.2 million copies in total sales! The sequel to 'Naruse Takes on the World' (by Mina Miyajima / Shinchosha Bunko), which won the 2024 Bookseller Award and received widespread acclaim, 'Naruse Believes in the Path,' will finally be released in bunko format this summer. The popular purchase bonus—smartphone wallpapers—returns this year, just as it did during last year's bunko release of 'Naruse Takes on the World'!

The smartphone wallpapers can be downloaded by scanning the QR code printed on the obi strip inside the book cover. Featuring three exclusive designs: Naruse Akari and Shinohara Karen as Biwako Otsu Tourism Ambassadors, and the Michigan train racing across Lake Biwa! These wallpapers are available only for a limited time! Download them before the deadline: December 24, 2026.

Wallpaper ① Tourism Ambassador: Naruse Akari ver.
Wallpaper ② Michigan ver.
Wallpaper ③ Tourism Ambassador: Shinohara Karen ver.

First edition exclusive: the color of the spin (ribbon bookmark) is "Biwako Cherry Blossom Pink"!

We’ve specially prepared the spin (ribbon bookmark)—a signature feature of Shinchosha Bunko—in an exclusive design just for this title! While the usual spin color is dark brown, the bunko edition of 'Naruse Believes in the Path' features a special pink color inspired by the cherry blossoms of Lake Biwa. This is an exclusive feature for the first edition only—get yours while supplies last!

Commentary by Manzai Boys' Takahiro Komaoka!

(Left) Takahiro Komaoka, Manzai Boys (Right) Takashi Uchiumi, Manzai Boys

'Naruse Believes in the Path' feels even more expansive than the previous work, portraying a wider range of people connected to Naruse. People who seem distant from Naruse at first glance end up interacting with her in unexpected ways. And Naruse subtly changes their futures. (…) It’s not some grandiose superhero fighting evil, but rather giving people a small spark that makes them go 'Oh!'—that atmosphere was really great. (From the commentary)

■Story Overview

Akari Naruse, who marches resolutely down her own path, crosses lives with others once again. North川 Mirai, an elementary schooler and fan of the comedy duo 'Zezekara'; Naruse Keihiko, a father supporting his daughter’s college entrance exams; Kurema Kotomi, a complainer who shows up at her part-time job; and Shinohara Karen, a university student born to be a tourism ambassador. As these colorful characters inscribe their names into a new chapter of Akari Naruse’s story, her childhood friend Shimaizaki returns to his hometown of Otsu City—only to find Naruse has vanished, leaving behind a note… The greatest protagonist returns! The sequel to the 2024 Bookseller Award-winning novel!

■Author Introduction: Mina Miyajima (Miyajima Mina)

Born in 1983 (Showa 58). Lives in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Letters, Kyoto University. In 2021 (Reiwa 3), won the Grand Prize, Reader’s Prize, and Tomochika Prize in the 'Women’s R-18 Literature Award by Women for Women' with 'Thank You, Seibu Otsu Store.' Debuted in 2023 with 'Naruse Takes on the World,' including the aforementioned work. Gained widespread attention by winning numerous awards, including the Shizuoka Shoten Grand Prize for Fiction, the Tsubota Joji Literary Award, and the Bookseller Award. The 'Naruse Akari Series' concludes as a trilogy with 'Naruse Believes in the Path' and 'Naruse Races Through the Capital.' Other works include 'Konkatsu Maestro' and 'Go! Heianbu.'

■Book Information

[Title] Naruse Takes on the World

[Author] Mina Miyajima

[Release Date] June 25, 2025

[Format] Bunko

[Price] 693 JPY (tax included)

[ISBN] 978-4-10-106141-2

[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/106141/

[Title] Naruse Believes in the Path

[Author] Mina Miyajima

[Release Date] June 24, 2026

[Format] Shinchosha Bunko

[Price] 693 JPY (tax included)

[ISBN] 978-4-10-106142-9

[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/106142/

Special website here!

Official series X (Twitter) here!