[Quick Book Review] Literary Critic Miyaake Kaho, Rapper ZORN, and Others Featured in "Haruki Murakami's 'Kaho - The Tale of KAHO -' Read by Young Artists" Published in the August Issue of 'Shincho' Today!

This issue also features Yoko Tawada's new serialization "Phantom Rainforest," whose movements are closely watched worldwide alongside Murakami's; the first part of Yusei Suzuki's new work "Bingo!" (100,000 copies sold in Korea), author of "Goethe Said It All"; and an exchange of letters between director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, including behind-the-scenes stories of the film "Suddenly Sick," and Eiko Ishibashi.

"I've been on dates with all sorts of women," the man said. "Honestly, you're the first one I've found this ugly."

Haruki Murakami's latest work, "Kaho - The Tale of KAHO -," begins with this shocking passage. The novel, released on July 3rd and generating much buzz, is featured in "Shincho," its first publication medium, with essays contributed by artists in their 20s and 30s, who can be considered peers of the 26-year-old protagonist.

It felt like a custom-made novel Haruki Murakami wrote just for me!

-- Rie Kudan (Novelist)

It exudes the author's affection for the trials she has faced and the stories she has created.

-- ZORN (Rapper)

For me, it made a stronger impression as sound than as text.

-- Martha Nakamura (Poet)

"Kaho" will likely be considered a novel that has acquired a new theme within Murakami's works.

-- Kaho Miyake (Literary Critic)

These are just some of the readings. While some evaluations are critical, the discussions that arise with each new release are perhaps unique to Murakami's works.

We hope you will pick this up as a companion piece, perhaps like a book club after finishing "Kaho," or as a guide for those about to dive into the work.

Message from Haruki Murakami

Introduction to "Kaho - The Tale of KAHO - "

"Honestly, you're the first one I've found this ugly."

Kaho, a 26-year-old picture book author, is told this out of the blue by a man she's just met.

Not exceptionally beautiful or intelligent, but merely a little curious, she is purely surprised, more than angry or shocked. -- What is this man trying to tell me? But then, a series of strange events begin to unfold around her.

Chapter 1: Kaho and the Man on the Motorcycle Chapter 2: The Anteater of Musashisakai

Chapter 3: Kaho and the Termite Queen

Chapter 4: Guardian Angel, Elephant Egg, and Scarlett Johansson

Click here for a preview of the beginning

Book Data

[Title] "Shincho" August 2026 Issue

[Release Date] July 7, 2026 (Tue)

[Format] A5 Size

[Price] 1,200 yen (tax included)

[JAN Code] 4912049010864

[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/shincho/

[Title] Kaho The Tale of KAHO

[Author] Haruki Murakami

[Release Date] July 3, 2026

[Format] Hardcover with dust jacket

[Price] 2,860 yen (tax included)

[ISBN] 978-4-10-353440-2

[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/special/kaho/