Gakken Inc. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and Representative Director: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and Representative Director: Hiroaki Miyahara), released "Idol Pushi-sare Note Vol. 2: To the Stage in the Light!" as part of the "Shortcake Books" series on July 2, 2026.

Volume 2 of a Growth Story About Girls You'll Want to Cheer For is Now Available!

The second volume of "Idol Pushi-sare Note," which depicts the growth of four girls forming an idol group as they overcome challenges, has been released soon after Volume 1 hit the shelves in March!

Meet Asuka, who is a bit airheaded and has terrible fashion sense but is a great singer; Kureha, a cool beauty and a reliable dancer; Sae, who is caring and loves fashion and being cute; and Nagomi, the mood-maker who makes everyone laugh with her unique personality... As you read the story of these four pursuing their dreams, you might find yourself picking a favorite!

▲ "Idol Pushi-sare Note Vol. 2: To the Stage in the Light!"

About the "Shortcake Books" Series

This series is aimed primarily at upper elementary school to junior high school girls. It aims to deliver moving stories and positive messages in genres such as "romance," "friendship," "animals," and "fashion" to contemporary elementary and junior high school girls with diverse interests.

Story

Asuka Tamamura, Kureha Mashimo, Sae Ikumi, and Nagomi Ooba, all members of the idol agency "2% Production," successfully passed their "pre-debut evaluation" from the president. Their group name was decided as "CRUSH," and they were about to take their first step towards a CD debut. With their own resolutions in mind, the four try to unite and work hard, but new challenges arise as they balance their entertainment activities with school, work and life in a new environment, and their future career paths... This second volume follows the four as they take further steps forward, supported by the people around them and their friends!

▲ Pay attention to the chapter titles that match the members' colors!

▲ Asuka and Nagomi compete over their test scores. Balancing studies and entertainment activities is tough!

▲ Costumes that perfectly match each member's image are completed for their first single release!

A Message from Author Yuzuki Hachihachi

Here is a message from the author, Yuzuki Hachihachi.

We are also available for author interviews, so please feel free to contact us.

The glittering world of idols. Within it lie much effort, conflict, and resolve. And the adults who support these idols also have their own feelings.

The air around entertainment always carries the scent of youth – dazzling, bittersweet, and poignant... Perhaps it is for this reason that people are drawn to this sweet scent and end up cheering for idols.

Furthermore, I have poured a certain sentiment into each of the four idols in this work. For the girls living in this era, to live with dignity and look forward. I would be happy if this story could convey such important things.

I hope to nurture this work into one that gently pushes the readers' backs forward, along with the growth of the four idols.

"3 Minutes of Love Magic: I Am the Protagonist of My Own Love Story." Also Released Simultaneously!

"3 Minutes of Love Magic: I Am the Protagonist of My Own Love Story." is also released on the same day, July 2, from the "Shortcake Books" series! It contains 14 short stories packed with the excitement of love, all in a length that can be read quickly. A must-check for love story fans!

▲ "3 Minutes of Love Magic: I Am the Protagonist of My Own Love Story."

▲ Also recommended for fans of shojo manga

[Product Details]

"Idol Pushi-sare Note Vol. 2: To the Stage in the Light!"

Author: Yuzuki Hachihachi Illustrator: Michiru Price: 1,320 yen (tax included) Release Date: July 2, 2026 Format: 46 size / 338 pages ISBN: 978-4-05-206367-1

[Details and Purchase Here]

・Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1020636700 ・Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4052063678/ ・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18591560/

"Idol Pushi-sare Note Vol. 1: Unfinished Us."

Author: Yuzuki Hachihachi Illustrator: Michiru Price: 1,320 yen (tax included) Release Date: March 23, 2026 Format: 46 size / 324 pages ISBN: 978-4-05-206331-2

[Details and Purchase Here]

・Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1020633100 ・Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4052063317/ ・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18494821/

<E-book Version>

・Kindle: https://www.amazon.co.jp/ebook/dp/B0GSVZJBWZ/ ・Rakuten Kobo: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rk/f5cbb0252cbc35f09ca842825d9e9bca/

"3 Minutes of Love Magic: I Am the Protagonist of My Own Love Story."

Author: Mosaki Fuyuki Illustrator: Mae Sasaki Price: 1,320 yen (tax included) Release Date: July 2, 2026 Format: 46 size / 296 pages ISBN: 978-4-05-206385-5

[Details and Purchase Here]

・Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1020638500 ・Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/4052063856/ ・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18590815/

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Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/ ・President and Representative Director: Tatsuya Nanjo ・Date of Incorporation: January 13, 2009 (Name change on October 1, 2022) ・Capital: 50 million yen ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416 ・Business Activities: Publishing and content business, global business, medical and nursing publication content business, business for kindergartens and schools, classroom-related business, EC and online business, advertising business

GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/ ・President and Representative Director: Hiroaki Miyahara ・Date of Incorporation: March 31, 1947 ・Capital: 19,817 million yen ・Sales: 199.1 billion yen, Consolidated Subsidiaries: 82 companies (Fiscal Year ending September 2025) Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Securities Code: 9470) ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510 ・Phone Number: 03-6431-1001 (Main) ・Business Activities: A holding company engaged in education and medical welfare-related businesses, founded in 1946 Education Field: Classroom and cram school business, including "Gakken Classrooms," Publishing and content business, including learning materials, Business for kindergartens and schools, including textbooks and childcare supplies, Medical Welfare Field: Housing for the elderly with services, Group homes for dementia patients, Childcare support businesses, such as nursery schools and after-school care, Global: Activities and business development in over 150 countries

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 製品発売