Fuyumi Ono's "The Twelve Kingdoms" Series: Latest Work in 7 Years Titled "The Shore of the Netherworld" to be Released September 17th!

Shincho Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that the latest book in Fuyumi Ono's fantasy series "The Twelve Kingdoms," which has sold over 13 million copies, will be released on Thursday, September 17, 2026, by Shincho Bunko. There are only three months left until the release. The title has been decided as "The Shore of the Netherworld" (Yūmei no Kishi).

*This is not the actual cover design.

The short story "The Shore of the Netherworld," which was delivered as part of a "Read One Chapter First" gift campaign at the time of the publication of "The Silver Citadel, The Black Moon," has become the title story of this short story collection. This collection includes the title story "The Shore of the Netherworld" plus three completely new, original short stories, for a total of four stories.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of "The Twelve Kingdoms." We are delighted to be able to deliver a new work after 7 years in this milestone year. We would like to express our sincere gratitude once again to all the readers who have been waiting. Further details about the short story collection will be announced on the "The Twelve Kingdoms Official Website."

*The release date is Thursday, September 17, 2026.

*The release will be nationwide simultaneously (excluding some regions).

*Please note that this is different from the usual release date for new books from Shincho Bunko.

Details of the new book "The Shore of the Netherworld," released after 7 years, can be found here.
Click here for the "The Twelve Kingdoms" special site.

■ What is "The Twelve Kingdoms"?

Fuyumi Ono's "The Moon Shadow, The Sea's Shadow [Part 1] The Twelve Kingdoms" and "The Moon Shadow, The Sea's Shadow [Part 2] The Twelve Kingdoms"

This is Fuyumi Ono's representative work, read since 1991. A grand story that has shocked the Japanese fantasy world!

A magnificent fantasy set in our world and another world that does not exist on Earth. The two worlds are separated by a vast sea called the Void Sea and are connected only by a phenomenon called "Eclipse." In the other world, twelve countries—Kei, Sō, Han, Ryū, Gan, Kyō, Sai, Kō, Tai, Shun, Hō, and Ren—surround the Yellow Sea, crowned by the Five Sacred Mountains where gods reside, in a geometric pattern. In each country, a "Kirin," a divine beast blessed by Heaven's will, finds a king and establishes them on the throne after making a "Pact." The king possesses eternal life as long as Heaven's mandate lasts, ruling the country, and the Kirin serves by his side as the chief minister. The profound human dramas unfolding in each country can be called epic novels that question us about "the meaning of life" and "the strength to believe." It also gained attention through its anime adaptation by NHK (2002-2003).

In December 2025, the musical "The Twelve Kingdoms" starring Hikaru Yuzuka was a great success, drawing renewed attention.

What is "The Twelve Kingdoms"?

"The Twelve Kingdoms" Series: Work Introduction

■ To Know "The Twelve Kingdoms" Better

【How to Navigate "The Twelve Kingdoms"】

Fuyumi Ono's "The Twelve Kingdoms" series features various countries and characters. The story, where time and space intertwine to unfold a profound and grand human drama, spans 10 titles and 15 volumes in the Shincho Bunko edition. Many people may wonder where to start reading. For you, we asked critic Kazuya Asamiya to share tips for enjoying the world of "The Twelve Kingdoms" in its "Complete Edition."

For New Readers! How to Navigate "The Twelve Kingdoms"

【Recommendation for Shincho Bunko's "The Twelve Kingdoms"】

"The Child of Magic," published in 1991, is the very origin of "The Twelve Kingdoms." Following this, the "Complete Edition" of the entire "The Twelve Kingdoms" series, which presents all subsequent stories and the long-awaited new works as "one story," has been sequentially published by Shincho Bunko since 2012. In addition, cover art and illustrations have been newly created for all volumes by artist Akihiro Yamada! The back cover and spine are also special designs for the "Complete Edition" series. Please see the link below for details.

Recommendation for Shincho Bunko's "The Twelve Kingdoms"

■ Author Introduction: Fuyumi Ono

Born in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture. While attending Otani University, she was a member of the Kyoto University Mystery Writers Club. She debuted as an author in 1988. The "The Twelve Kingdoms" series, starting with "The Moon Shadow, The Sea's Shadow" published in 1991, shocked the fantasy novel world and became her representative work. In 1993, "Tokyo Strange" was a finalist for the Japan Fantasy Novel Award, generating buzz. In 2013, she won the Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize for "The Residual Evil." In 2020, she won the Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Prize for "The Twelve Kingdoms" series. Her other works include the "Ghost Hunt" series, "Shiki," "Island of Black Spirits," "A Hundred Tales of Ghost Stories," and "The Ghost Stories of Kariyaka."

■ Book Data

【Title】The Shore of the Netherworld

【Author】Fuyumi Ono

【Release Date】September 17, 2026 (Thursday) Nationwide Simultaneous Release *Excluding some regions

【Format】Shincho Bunko

【Price】750 yen + tax

【ISBN】978-4-10-124066-4

【URL】https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/124066/