KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO: Takeshi Natsuno) will release a new book by Ai Ueno, an instructor who has taught classical literature at prep schools and high schools, and who shares explanations and the appeal of Japanese literature on YouTube, titled 'Otona no Kokugo Binran: The Japanese Literature Education You Must Know' on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

This book is a definitive guide that allows adults to relearn the 1,200-year history of Japanese literature with the same feeling as opening the 'Kokugo Binran' (Japanese language handbook) that everyone used in high school. It carefully unravels the eras and human dramas behind the works, leading readers to a free and rich reading world freed from memorization for exams.

● From searching for correct answers on exams to a free and enjoyable reading experience

During school days, classical literature learning centered on memorizing vocabulary and grammar, and many people probably didn't have the leisure to savor the interesting aspects of the works. However, true literary appreciation has no test answers or single interpretation. The joy of reading lies in being able to read freely, such as deeply empathizing with characters or arguing with the author's ideas. This book removes the framework of exam preparation and teaches the profound enjoyment of human dramas and stories that we can truly appreciate now that we are adults.

● Works unraveled from their historical background and vivid, lifelike human portraits

The 1,200-year history of Japanese literature is organized into six eras from ancient times to the modern era, and explained in an easy-to-understand manner based on the social conditions and values of the time. By understanding the historical background, works that seemed difficult to understand come alive vividly as the breathing of people who, like us living today, worried, loved, and struggled. It covers a wide range of works, from famous works in textbooks to hidden masterpieces, approaching the depth of the stories from various perspectives.

● A structure that even beginners can enjoy learning with abundant diagrams and careful explanations

The author, who has gathered much response on the YouTube channel 'Otona no Kokugo Binran', unravels the appeal of the stories in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners based on extensive teaching experience. In addition to summaries, highlights, and author information for each work, recommended books for deeper appreciation and abundant diagrams and illustrations are also included. Even those who have had difficulty with classical literature or Japanese literature can read through without strain, and this book fully stimulates intellectual curiosity, making encounters with new books even more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Ancient Times

'Kojiki', 'Manyoshu'

Chapter 2: Heian Period

'Taketori Monogatari', 'Kokin Wakashu', 'Ise Monogatari', 'Tosa Nikki', 'Kagero Nikki', 'Makura no Soshi', 'Genji Monogatari', 'Sarashina Nikki', 'Okagami', 'Konjaku Monogatarishu'

Chapter 3: Medieval Period

'Shinkokin Wakashu', 'Hojoki', 'Uji Shui Monogatari', 'Ogura Hyakunin Isshu', 'Heike Monogatari', 'Towazugatari', 'Tsurezuregusa', 'Taiheiki', 'Fushi Kaden'

Chapter 4: Early Modern Period

'Koshoku Ichidai Otoko', 'Oku no Hosomichi', 'Sonezaki Shinju', 'Ugetsu Monogatari', 'Tokaidochu Hizakurige', 'Nanso Satomi Hakkenden', 'Oraga Haru'

Chapter 5: Modern Period

'Maihime', 'Takekurabe', 'Koya Hijiri', 'Midaregami', 'Hakai', 'Ichiaku no Suna', 'Kokoro'

Chapter 6: Contemporary Period

'Rashomon', 'Kino Sakini', 'Chumon no Ooi Ryoriten', 'Chijin no Ai', 'Kani Kosen', 'Yukiguni', 'Sangetsuki', 'Ningen Shikkaku', 'Kinkakuji'

Bibliographic Information

'Otona no Kokugo Binran: The Japanese Literature Education You Must Know'

Author: Ai Ueno

Release Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 *E-book available the same day

Price: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen + tax)

Format: A5 size

Pages: 240 pages

ISBN: 978-4-04-811931-3

Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation

KADOKAWA Official Bibliographic Details Page >>

Author Profile

Ai Ueno

Graduated from Doshisha University, Faculty of Law. While teaching as a prep school instructor for many years, she runs the YouTube channel 'Otona no Kokugo Binran' with the concept of 'making literature more familiar.' She creates videos that carefully analyze the lives of writers, the atmosphere of the era, and themes hidden in works, and is watched by a wide range of people, mainly adults. She also works on 'literary trips' to visit places associated with works, focusing on creating content that feels like walking through the world of literature with viewers. YouTube: @otonano-kokugo

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  • Source: PR TIMES
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