‘Hostage Abduction: When Japan’s Special Forces Were Born’ by a Former Special Forces Member Based on Firsthand Experience to Be Released June 17. The Prequel to the 70,000-Copy Bestseller ‘Hostage Rescue’!

Chase the abduction vessel! The 'Noto Peninsula suspicious vessel incident' occurred just before the establishment of Japan's first special forces unit, the Special Boarding Unit. The author, who served as navigator aboard the Aegis destroyer 'Myōkō' during the pursuit, became deeply involved in the creation of this elite unit. This powerful novel delivers the raw truth of the frontline experience.

A new book by Ito Sueyasu, former special forces operator and author of 'Hostage Rescue'—which has surpassed 70,000 copies in cumulative sales—is now being published. Following 'Hostage Rescue,' a serious simulation of rescuing abducted Japanese citizens, this new work reveals the meticulously planned reality of North Korea's abductions that preceded it, along with the 'truth' the author witnessed firsthand. 'Hostage Abduction: When Japan’s Special Forces Were Born,' this year’s most provocative release, will be published on Wednesday, June 17, by Shinchosha! The cover artwork is a powerful piece by Yūko Ōta (supervised by the author).

The intense pursuit by the destroyer 'Myōkō,' launched in emergency response to the incident off Noto; the direct confrontation with and escape of operatives; and the covert struggle to defend the oil reserve facility from re-infiltrating agents—only someone who helped create Japan’s special forces could write with such overwhelming realism. Here lies the true horror of North Korea’s abduction issue, a story never covered by the news.

■ From the Author

"I may never be able to write a work like this again. I hope readers will read it and reflect on what it truly means to protect our nation."

Ito Sueyasu during his active service

■ Book Description

The intense pursuit by the destroyer 'Myōkō,' launched in emergency response to the incident off Noto; the direct confrontation with and escape of operatives; and the covert struggle to defend the oil reserve facility from re-infiltrating agents—only someone who helped create Japan’s special forces could write with such overwhelming realism. Here lies the true horror of North Korea’s abduction issue, a story never covered by the news.

■ Author Profile: Ito Sueyasu (Ito Sueyasu)

Born in Tokyo in 1964 (Showa 39). Graduated from Nippon Sport Science University, then joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. Served as an instructor at the National Defense Academy and gunnery officer aboard the destroyer 'Tachikaze,' among other posts. While serving as navigator on the Aegis destroyer 'Myōkō,' he encountered the suspicious vessel incident off the Noto Peninsula, which led him to participate in the founding of the Special Boarding Unit—the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ first special operations unit. He served as the unit’s senior platoon leader for six years after its establishment. After retiring mid-career in 2007 (Heisei 19) at the rank of 2nd Lieutenant Commander, he relocated overseas and has since conducted training instruction for police and military forces in various countries. His previous works include 'Can You Die for Your Country?', 'Self-Defense Forces: Disqualified,' 'Hostage Rescue,' and 'Hostage Abduction.'

■ Book Details

[Title] Hostage Abduction: When Japan’s Special Forces Were Born

[Author] Ito Sueyasu

[Release Date] June 17

[Format] Irregular B6 size

[Price] ¥2,200 (tax included)

[ISBN] 978-4-10-351993-5

[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/351993/