The immensely popular 'Shabake' series by Megumi Hatakenaka, which has surpassed 10 million copies in cumulative sales, will mark its 25th anniversary in 2026. To celebrate the release of the 25th volume, 'Onigawarau,' on July 29 by Shinchosha, a special survey is being conducted to collect readers' personal 'Shabake' stories.

A rich collection of five short stories, showcasing the sickly young master's increasingly sharp reasoning—be prepared to tremble at the eerie presence of yōkai!

Just as a strange rumor spreads through Edo and the fox spirit Akatsuki comes to the young master claiming to have been attacked by humans, Shu'ei, a disciple of the high-ranking monk Kanchō, suffers a serious injury—and a servant is found dead in a samurai residence in the chilling tale 'Teasobi.' This complete short story collection also includes 'Onigawarau,' in which a real oni appears in the disaster-stricken Tōmachi and declares, 'I shall rule Edo!'—five gripping tales in total.

In celebration of the 25th volume, we invite you to share your family's cherished 'Shabake' memories!

Reading the annual postcards from readers, we've discovered many families who have enjoyed 'Shabake' across three generations—parents, children, and even grandchildren. The entire 'Shabake' team is deeply moved. Surely, wonderful family stories lie behind this!

We are now collecting your most treasured family anecdotes involving 'Shabake.'

Survey response link here

Reader Giveaway

Win the first DVD volume of the TV anime 'Shabake' (©Megumi Hatakenaka/Shinchosha/Anime 'Shabake' Production Committee)!

This year's reader giveaway features the first DVD volume of the TV anime 'Shabake,' including an original short story by Megumi Hatakenaka titled 'Wakadanna.'

TV Anime 'Shabake' DVD Volume 1 (©Megumi Hatakenaka/Shinchosha/Anime 'Shabake' Production Committee)

Book Description

All recent disturbances are the foxes' fault—rumors swirl through Edo, and the fox spirit Akatsuki comes to the young master, claiming he was attacked. Then, Shu'ei, Kanchō's disciple, is severely injured, and a servant in a samurai household is found dead. Just as suspicion arises between the young master and the yōkai, a new visitor arrives... Could a real oni have appeared in the plagued Tōmachi, declaring, 'I shall rule Edo'!?

Author Biography

Megumi Hatakenaka

Born in Kochi Prefecture, raised in Nagoya. Graduated from Nagoya University of Arts and Design Junior College. Debuted as a manga artist after working as an assistant and a bookstore clerk. Later attended a novel-writing course by Michio Tsuzuki and won the Excellence Award in the Japan Fantasy Novel Award for 'Shabake.' In 2016 (Heisei 28), she received the 1st Yoshikawa Eiji Bunko Prize for the 'Shabake' series. Other works include the 'Mammakoto' series, 'Wakayōgumi' series, 'Tsukumogami' series, 'Sakura Sei no Jikenbo' series, 'Makoto no Hanahime' series, 'Kesakusha,' 'Uzura Daimyō,' 'Waga Tono,' 'Nekokun,' 'Gobō Hibi,' and 'Shinobi no Fukugyō.' She has also published an essay collection titled 'Tsukumo-kami-san, Ocha Kudasai.'

Book Details

[Title] Onigawarau

[Author] Megumi Hatakenaka

[Release Date] July 29, 2026

[Format] B6 size

[Price] ¥1,815 (tax included)

[ISBN] 978-4-10-450733-7

[URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/450733/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: キャンペーン