Immediate Reprint Campaign! We're Donating 100 Copies of the 'Books & Comedy' Series to Middle School Libraries, Children's Cafeterias, and More – Perfect for Morning Reading!

Shufunotomo Co., Ltd. has launched a new series titled '5-Minute Fun: Books & Comedy,' perfectly suited for elementary and middle school 'asa-doku' (morning reading). The first three titles—'Maybe, My Jam,' 'The Book of Four-Character Spells,' and 'Bullet-Filled Romantic Tales'—were simultaneously released on Friday, June 19, 2026.

We are pleased to announce that 'The Book of Four-Character Spells,' written by City Hotel Room No. 3, has gone into reprint just one week after release.

Even before its release, the book generated significant buzz, achieving the No. 1 bestseller spot in Amazon's 'Children's Literature' category during the pre-order phase.

To commemorate the series' first reprint, we are launching the 'Books & Comedy Series: 100-Facility Book Donation Campaign,' donating a total of 100 copies—randomly selected from the first three titles—to middle school libraries, children's cafeterias, and similar facilities across Japan.

Reprinted in Just Two Weeks! Why Is It So Popular?

'The Book of Four-Character Spells' is a comedic short story collection written by the duo 'City Hotel Room No. 3.' In these stories, four-character idioms become magical spells that turn school life and after-school hours into hilarious chaos—all while boosting vocabulary.

1. The Perfect Fusion of 'Comedic Storytelling' and 'Four-Character Idioms'

By seamlessly weaving in themes of four-character idioms, the book appeals across generations—offering intellectual entertainment for adults and exciting adventures for children.

2. Authored by the Writers Themselves: Humorous Explanations That Make Learning Fun

The standout feature is the authors' own humorous explanations of the four-character idioms appearing in the stories—going far beyond dry dictionary definitions. By completely eliminating the stiffness of 'studying,' readers naturally build vocabulary and Japanese language skills while chuckling along.

Author Comments / City Hotel Room No. 3 (Ryota & Oshida)

Ryota

I'm truly in 'shock at the reprint'—a made-up idiom, but it perfectly captures how surprised we are at this reprint. We really hope many people get to read it.

Oshida

We're thrilled so many people have picked up our book. Thank you so much.

When I heard about the reprint, I happened to be listening to RADWIMPS' 'Zenzenzense.' I thought to myself, if we get reprinted two more times, it'll be 'triple-reprint'—'juujuu-juuban.'

'Books & Comedy' Series: 100-Facility Book Donation Campaign

To help more children discover joy through reading, we are offering free copies of this series to middle schools, welfare facilities, children's cafeterias, and similar institutions nationwide. Please review the details below and apply easily via the dedicated form.

Campaign Overview

【Campaign Name】'Books & Comedy' Series: 100-Facility Book Donation Campaign

【Donation Content】One randomly selected book from the series will be donated per school or facility.

※ Books will be randomly selected from the three titles ('The Book of Four-Character Spells,' 'Maybe, My Jam,' 'Bullet-Filled Romantic Tales'). Selection is not possible—please understand.

【Eligible Facilities】Middle schools (libraries, classroom collections, etc.), children's cafeterias, child welfare facilities, after-school childcare programs, and other child-focused institutions across Japan

【Total Recipients】100 facilities in total. In case of excess applications, recipients will be selected by lottery.

★ How to Apply ★

Access the 'Book Donation Campaign Application Form' below, fill in the required details, and submit.

Application Form

【Deadline】Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 23:59 (submissions received by this time)

【Delivery Schedule】After the deadline, winners will be selected through a fair lottery, and books will be shipped sequentially—serving as official notification of selection (planned for mid-July 2026 onward, aiming for delivery before summer break).

《Reference》

Details on all three 'Books & Comedy' series titles

Official 'Books & Comedy' Series Media: note (sample readings available) · X