[New Subscription Service 'Shincho QUE'] Read Unlimited Works by Shozo Natsuka, a Leading Author of the Showa Era, Including the Original of 'Grave of the Fireflies,' Featured on Netflix!

At 'Shincho QUE,' an online media service for information and education launched by Shincho-sha in May, four related works by Shozo Natsuka will be available for unlimited reading starting today.

Image of Shozo Natsuka's 'America Hijiki / Grave of the Fireflies' (Shincho Bunko)

'Grave of the Fireflies,' by Natsuka, which won the Naoki Prize for its depiction of the tragic death of his young sister due to war, was adapted into an animated film by Studio Ghibli (directed by Isao Takahata) and is an indispensable work for Japanese people to pass down and share the horrors of war. In 2024, it was streamed worldwide (excluding Japan) on Netflix, evoking deep emotion in over 190 countries. Starting in 2025, limited streaming will finally begin in Japan, only during the summer. This year, it will be streamed from July 15th. In addition to 'America Hijiki / Grave of the Fireflies,' which contains the aforementioned work, his debut novel 'Erogoto-shi-tachi,' highly praised by Yukio Mishima; 'Zetsuhi,' a collection of his late-life diaries and essays where he asserted, 'Euthanasia is the best elderly welfare'; and 'Uso-tsuki: Otto, Shozo Natsuka to no 53-nen,' in which his wife, Yoko Natsuka, depicts their tumultuous married life, will be offered to paid members.

About Shozo Natsuka

A leading novelist and essayist of post-war Japan. Born in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, he was adopted into the Harumatsu family in Kobe shortly after birth due to the early death of his biological mother. His experience of losing his home in the Kobe air raids of 1945 and his younger sister dying of malnutrition at his evacuation site forms the core of his literature. He dropped out of Waseda University's French Literature department and was active as a scriptwriter and lyricist for commercials while still a student. He made his debut as a novelist with 'Erogoto-shi-tachi' (1963). In 1967, he received the Naoki Prize for 'America Hijiki,' which depicted the social conditions under the occupation, and 'Grave of the Fireflies,' written as atonement for his sister. He called himself a member of the 'Yakeato Yamikin-ha' (Scorched Earth Black Market School) and also engaged in critical activities based on his war experience, criticizing both the established right and left wings. He was known for his diverse activities that extended beyond the literary world, including serving as a member of the House of Councillors. He passed away in 2015.

[Shincho QUE] Unlimited E-book Reading Here!

[What is 'The Power to Question'? 5 Things You Can Do with Shincho QUE]

(1) Pocket the wisdom of professionals

— Naturally accumulate insights from articles by experts, from top figures in various fields to big names.

(2) Install intellectual habits

— Make learning a habit with editor-selected, trending e-books and easy-to-understand educational videos.

(3) Get inside information at top speed

— Obtain the electronic edition of 'Shukan Shincho' faster than anyone else, the day before its release.

(4) Enhance your intelligence

— Enjoy unlimited reading of 'Foresight,' a members-only site attracting attention from political, business, and government circles.

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— Organize your thinking with the 'My Notes' feature, where you can accumulate 'questions' as memos.

[Plan Details] Shincho QUE: Information and Education Subscription to Renew Our Lives

Premium Plan: ¥2,400 per month (tax included)

Premium+ Plan: ¥24,000 per year (tax included)

International+Foresight Plan: ¥800 per month (tax included)

*Those who sign up for the Premium+ Plan will receive a special tote bag (not for sale) featuring an unreleased work by Tadanori Yokoo.

*Corporate plans are also available for businesses.

Shincho QUE