The annual summer bookstore fair "100 Books Selected by Shincho Bunko" celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. To commemorate this milestone, we commissioned seven leading contemporary authors to write original short stories on the theme of "summer." The collection, "Present," featuring these exclusive short stories, has already gone into its second and third printings just two and five days after its release, respectively! The initially limited first edition cover, which was planned as a limited run, will also be continued for the second and third printings due to overwhelming demand!

A Miraculous Book with All Original Stories

All the short stories included in this volume are original works that can only be read here. This book is packed with various genres, including mystery, romance, horror, coming-of-age, and fantasy, making it enjoyable for anyone of any generation. We encourage you to visit your local bookstore to pick up a copy for yourself, as a gift for a loved one, or as an entry point into the world of reading.

First Edition Limited Cover with Foil Stamping to Continue!

The first edition limited cover is designed with the 1976 booklet for "100 Books Selected by Shincho Bunko" as its motif. Using thicker, high-quality paper with a different texture from the standard Shincho Bunko covers, and featuring foil stamping on the title, we've created a book that you'll want to hold in your hands. (Left) "Present" First Edition Limited Cover (Right) 1976 Edition "100 Books Selected by Shincho Bunko" Booklet

The regular edition cover is designed with "Present," the title of the book, as its motif. It features a cute ribbon and a sealing stamp with the English text "50th Anniversary of “100 Books Selected by Shincho Bunko”," making it a design perfect for gifting. We will announce any changes to the regular edition cover on Shincho Bunko's social media channels.

Special Cover Unique to This 50th Anniversary Book

The book's cover, beneath the dust jacket, also features a special design. Like the first edition limited cover, it is inspired by the 1976 "100 Books Selected by Shincho Bunko" booklet. This is the only time in Shincho Bunko's long history that the book's cover has been changed from the standard design. Please remove the dust jacket to see it.

*This special cover design is common to both the first edition limited cover and the regular edition cover.

Front and Back

Comments from 7 Authors Arrive!

We have received comments from the seven authors who wrote short stories on the theme of "summer"!

Kotaro Isaka

I originally wrote this as a full-length novel, but due to various circumstances, it wasn't completed. I decided to rework it as a short story. I hope you enjoy the exploits of the great detective Yofune Shirakawa.

Kaori Ekuni

I intended to write a coming-of-age story after a long time, but I feel like it turned into a story about the elderly. However, I think it captures that hazy summer atmosphere.

Riku Onda

In 1992, I wrote about Akiko Sekine in "The Sixth Night." In 2002, I wrote about Natsu Sekine in "The Sea in the Library." And now, a quarter of a century (!) later, I've finally been able to write about the high school days of Haru Sekine, the third Sekine sibling. It brings back nostalgic and slightlyドキドキ feelings, and I feel relieved now.

Kaho Nashi

During the period I was writing this novel, the phrase "A stylish black fence, pine trees reaching high" kept repeating in my mind, day and night. While a bit perplexing, I found myself living in a state of blurred awareness of what era I was in. However, the novel itself is set in modern times. It has nothing to do with Otomi-san. I hope you enjoy it.

Sonoko Machida

I wrote a story about one summer, like strawberry ice cream or the sparkling drops of fireworks. Welcome to Tenderness.

Miyuki Miyabe

This short story's premise will be familiar to those who frequently read online horror and sci-fi fiction. Yes, I myself am a huge fan of the many episodes within the vast shared world featuring that "Foundation." I had always dreamed of participating once. However, it was incredibly difficult to write while staying true to those settings, and I had to give up. I am grateful to have been able to write this modest short story, paying homage to the world of that "Foundation," for this special anthology celebrating the long history of Shincho Bunko.

Honobu Yonezawa

I think the meaning of summer has changed. While going on trips, enjoying the sea and mountains is great, reading a paperback in a cool, breezy room is also a pleasure—I believe the era when summer was considered such a season is ending, or perhaps it has already ended. So, what season is summer now? Thinking about that led to this novel.

Table of Contents & Synopsis (in order of appearance)

Kotaro Isaka, "The Woodpecker Villa Incident"

I have published five difficult cases solved by Yofune Shirakawa in book form. However, I am hesitant about publishing the sixth case. Here's why—A mystery that intertwines surprise and poignancy.

Kaori Ekuni, "Two Universes"

An extremely shy and particular grandmother. She was going to meet my slightly unusual girlfriend, Marika... On a summer evening in my first year of university, an eternity unfolded there.

Miyuki Miyabe, "The Trunk of Truth"

In my early twenties, while working at a bar. An encounter with a man from a certain foundation and a small trunk that shows the truth of humanity. The heat brings back memories of that summer's events.

Sonoko Machida, "Surely the Same Light as That Day"

Summer of my first year of high school. My best friend got a girlfriend. Amidst complex emotions, I tried to have a summer romance and coincidentally met a junior high school classmate. A spin-off from the "Convenience Store Brothers" series, bursting with sweet and bitter youth.

Honobu Yonezawa, "Darkness"

August heatwave. 2 PM at Shinjuku Station. A woman walking through the concourse suddenly crouches down and strangles a crying baby. Why did she act that way? A social commentary mystery revolving around summer.

Kaho Nashi, "The Overlooking Pine"

Mamiko returns to her parents' home after her divorce. When the large mansion with a big pine tree across the street is demolished, a mysterious story gradually begins to unfold.

Riku Onda, "The Legendary Season"

"This year, I'm the 'Sayoko'"—Summer of my third year of high school, with exams approaching, Shun is appointed to carry on a notorious tradition rooted in the school. What is his fate? A prequel to the moving "The Sixth Night."

"100 Books Selected by Shincho Bunko" Celebrates 50 Years This Year

Started in 1976 (Showa 51) from the idea of two young employees, the bookstore fair "100 Books Selected by Shincho Bunko" celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. We have aimed to create a fair that brings together masterpieces from ancient and modern times, serving as an entry point to reading for junior high and high school students and beginner readers. This year, we have a spectacular new lineup including "Present" and "Naruse is Walking the Path He Believes In," along with limited-time premium covers for the summer, new editions, and bonus bookmarks. Please visit bookstores this summer and find books that catch your eye.

Book Synopsis

This is a gift for those who have loved novels until now, and for those who are about to step into the world of fiction. A story read casually, a line glimpsed unexpectedly, a single surprising word—any of these could profoundly change a life. This miraculous collection, written by seven leading contemporary authors on the theme of "summer," is packed with surprise and poignancy, fear and beauty, and above all, exceptional entertainment. Now, make the choice of novels a part of your life.

Author Profiles

Kotaro Isaka

Born 1971 (Heisei 3). Debuted in 2000 (Heisei 12) with the Shincho Mystery Club Award for "Audubon's Prayer." In '08, won the Yamamoto Shugoro Prize and the 5th Booksellers Award for "Golden Slumber."

Kaori Ekuni

Born 1964 (Showa 39). Won the "Little Fairy Tale" Grand Prize in '87 for "The Story of Kusano-no-sho," the Naoki Prize in 2004 (Heisei 16) for "The Courage to Cry," and the Kawabata Yasunari Literary Prize in '12 for "Dog and Harmonica."

Riku Onda

Born 1964 (Showa 39). Debuted in '92 (Heisei 4) with "The Sixth Night." Won the 2nd Booksellers Award in 2005 for "Night Picnic" and the Naoki Prize and 14th Booksellers Award in '17 for "Bee and Flower."

Kaho Nashi

Born 1959 (Showa 34). Debuted in '94 (Heisei 6) with "The Witch of the West Is Dead." Novels include "Winter Worm, Summer Grass" and "The Chronicle of Murata Effendi," and essays include "Light That Will Eventually Fill" and "Here Lies a Story."

Sonoko Machida

Born 1980 (Showa 55). Won the Grand Prize at the "R-18 Literature Award for Women by Women" in 2016 (Heisei 28) for "Blue Fish of Cameroon." Won the 18th Booksellers Award in '21 (Reiwa 3) for "The Whale That Sang at 52 Hz."

Miyuki Miyabe

Born 1960 (Showa 35). Debuted in '87 with the All-Reading Mystery Novel Newcomer Award for "The Crime of Our Neighbor." Won the Yamamoto Shugoro Prize in '93 (Heisei 5) for "Mopping Up" and the Naoki Prize in '99 for "Reason."

Honobu Yonezawa

Born 1978 (Showa 53). Debuted in 2001 (Heisei 13) with the Kadokawa Gakuen Novel Award Encouragement Prize (Young Mystery & Horror Division) for "The Last Ice Cream." Won the Naoki Prize in '22 (Reiwa 4) for "The Locked Room."

Book Data

[Title] Present

[Author] Kotaro Isaka / Kaori Ekuni / Riku Onda / Kaho Nashi / Sonoko Machida / Miyuki Miyabe / Honobu Yonezawa

[Release Date] June 24 (Wed)

[Format] Bunko

[Price] 825 yen (tax included)

[ISBN] 978-4-10-133257-4

[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/133257/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 書籍