Shufunotomo Co., Ltd. is launching a new literary and light novel label, 'Candlelight Books.' As its first release, the company will simultaneously publish two acclaimed works on Tuesday, June 30, 2026: 'Kawayoko Shokudo: A Meal of Memories Before Sleep' (by Matari Suzuharu), winner of the 12th Web Novel Prize, and 'To the Sea Where You Wait' (by Yui Sumire), winner of the 13th Web Novel Prize.

Background and Vision for the New Label 'Candlelight Books'

For modern individuals living busy lives, 'Candlelight Books' offers a reading experience that gently unwinds the heart at the end of a day—after work or school. Born from the concept of 'slightly mysterious, deeply gentle,' this new literary and light novel label aims to illuminate readers' hearts with small, comforting lights through the power of storytelling.

Having long supported people's lives and emotions through practical books, children's books, and picture books, Shufunotomo now turns to the 'power of stories' to offer healing. The label will feature works that thoughtfully depict small miracles just beside everyday life, warm human connections, and profound emotions that linger deep within the heart.

In addition to compelling narratives, the label will focus on discovering and nurturing stories with rich, captivating worlds and characters that can be cherished across different media—such as manga adaptations and visual media—for years to come.

Debut Lineup (Two Titles Released Simultaneously)

The two debut titles are both award winners of the 'Web Novel Prize,' which have garnered strong reader support online. For their book publication, the authors have carefully revised and expanded the texts, and the label has enlisted two highly popular illustrators—makaronK and Shie Nanahara—to beautifully enhance the works' unique atmospheres.

'Kawayoko Shokudo: A Meal of Memories Before Sleep' [Winner of the 12th Web Novel Prize]

'I'll prepare the meal that left the strongest memory in your life'—a gentle fantasy novel filled with tears and salvation, set at the threshold of the afterlife.

[Synopsis]

This is a small restaurant located on the way to the afterlife. 'Kawayoko Shokudo'—here, guests are served 'the meal that left the strongest memory in their life.' Those who visit are people who have left this world for various reasons. The meals they order are not luxurious final banquets, but rather a single dish shared with a loved one, or a meal tied to an unforgettable memory—something they experienced just once.

Why do people come to this restaurant? And what is the reason they are here? A story that is gentle, a little sad, yet deeply warm—one that gradually soothes the heart with every page.

★ The cover and interior illustrations are by makaronK, a beloved illustrator renowned on social media for their warm depictions of light. The book features numerous beautiful illustrations, including a stunning frontispiece.

Author: Matari Suzuharu

Illustrator: makaronK

Price: ¥1,760 (tax included)

Release Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Format and Pages: B6 size, 292 pages

ISBN: 978-4-07-463415-6

Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4074634155

Rakuten Books Product Page: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18632570/

'To the Sea Where You Wait' [Winner of the 13th Web Novel Prize]

'What did we see that summer, that sea?'—a beautifully melancholic suspense mystery novel exploring strange customs on a southern remote island and lost memories.

[Synopsis]

What truly happened that summer, at that sea… Himishima, a remote island in the south. The memories of visiting this place as a child remain strangely hazy, yet have lingered deep within the heart.

Saito, now a university student, returns to the island due to a sudden opportunity. The scenery feels nostalgic—yet something feels off. The behavior of the islanders, their strange customs, and the unmistakable sense of unease he feels from the sea.

Memories he shouldn't be able to recall begin to resurface, little by little. What did he see back then? And what is truly happening on this island?

A trip meant to be a simple homecoming quietly but surely transforms into something beyond the ordinary. What he eventually uncovers is a story of memory that transcends mere fear.

Winner of the 13th Web Novel Prize.

★ Cover and interior illustrations by Shie Nanahara, a highly acclaimed illustrator known for her intricate and fantastical world-building, praised both in Japan and internationally. Her artwork emotionally enhances the story's beauty and tension.

Author: Yui Sumire

Illustrator: Shie Nanahara

Price: ¥1,760 (tax included)

Release Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

ISBN: 978-4-07-463409-5

Format and Pages: B6 size, 324 pages

Amazon Product Page: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4074634090

Rakuten Books Product Page: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18632571/

Media Inquiries

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product