How Students Published 46 Books: Medical Student Explains 'Curses,' High School Girl Chronicles Life in India

'Explaining Curses, Scientifically' and 'A Japanese High School Girl Breaks All Norms in India'—these seemingly eccentric titles are books born from proposals by students with no prior commercial publishing experience. How did students without connections in the publishing industry manage to publish with major publishers? Tracing their journey reveals the mechanism of Shuppan Koshien, a platform that connects student ideas to actual book publications.

'JK, Breaking All Norms in India' by Haruka Kumagai (Kawade Shobo Shinsha), 'Explaining Curses, Scientifically' by Asako Nakagawa (Discover Twenty-One)

The Real Stories Behind the Two Books

'Explaining Curses, Scientifically' originated as a proposal by Asako Nakagawa during her student days at Shuppan Koshien. After participating in the competition, she received an offer from Discover Twenty-One and published the book in July 2022. 'A Japanese High School Girl Breaks All Norms in India' was Haruka Kumagai’s proposal, published by Kawade Shobo Shinsha in December 2021. The book received significant public response and has undergone multiple reprints.

How Do Proposals Reach Editors?

Shuppan Koshien is operated by a student organization based at Waseda University and the University of Tokyo. Proposals that pass the second round of screening are distributed via email to over 1,000 editors through Picaso, an NPO co-hosting the event. Additionally, finalists who pass the third screening present their proposals in person to over twenty professional editors at the final event. If an editor extends an offer, the publication process begins immediately. For proposals passing the second screening, one to two team members from the organizing group are assigned to assist with refining the concept and preparing presentation materials.

Photo: Final event of the 21st Shuppan Koshien

46 Books Published Since 2005

Since its launch in 2005, Shuppan Koshien has facilitated the commercial publication of 46 books through this system. The 22nd edition is currently open for submissions, with a deadline of August 6, 2026. Eligibility is limited to students without prior commercial publishing experience, and participation is free. Acceptable proposal categories include study guides, practical books, essays, and entertainment. Applications can be submitted via the official website (https://spk.picaso.jp/).

22nd Shuppan Koshien Overview

Eligibility: Students without prior commercial publishing experience (elementary, middle, high school, university, graduate school, vocational school students, etc.)

* Group submissions allowed

* Multiple submissions permitted

Submission Period: March 21, 2026 – August 6, 2026

Application Guidelines: https://spk.picaso.jp/22taikai/application/

* First-round applications require approximately 1,000 characters

Sponsored by: Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education, Gunma Prefectural Board of Education, Tochigi Prefectural Board of Education

Contact:

Shuppan Koshien Executive Committee, Representative: Shuta Koshimori

Email: [email protected]

Official X: https://x.com/shuppankoushien

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuppan_koushien/

Official Website: https://spk.picaso.jp/