STU48's Kokoa Kai 2nd Photobook 'Welcome Back Sun' Cover and Title Revealed, Released July 1

The cover and title of the second photobook by Kokoa Kai, known as the 'Genki Mark of Setouchi,' have finally been revealed. The photobook will be released on Wednesday, July 1.

The title is 'Welcome Back Sun.' This title is fitting to welcome her back, as she recently returned to her original group STU48 in March after finishing her activities with KLP48 in February of this year. The cover features a photo that radiates her brilliant smile and sunshine-like glow.

The shooting locations were Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, the 'Land of Smiles,' and Phuket, one of Thailand's premier resort destinations. The book includes daring and surprising shots not seen in her first photobook or previous gravure work. It is filled with photos capturing 'Kokoa Kai now,' from her characteristic energetic smile to her mature, grown-up side.

Comment from Kokoa Kai

The weather was perfect for all four days of shooting in Thailand. The photo taken in front of a Bangkok station on the day with the most sunshine was chosen for the cover. I think it's a very 'Kokoa-like' photo.

Since the release coincides with my return from Malaysia (KLP48) to STU48, Mr. Akimoto gave me a wonderful title that perfectly suits me now. I've said 'I'm home' dozens of times, but I want to say it hundreds of times. And I want to be everyone's sun!

Right before checking the contents of the photobook for the first time, I looked at my first photobook. Comparing them, it's completely different. I've grown up in these two years, and since the location was overseas, my reactions were more natural than usual, and the range of my expressions is wider. Actually, the shooting team was the same staff as for the first photobook. Because they knew the first shoot, I think this second photobook shows the change. I get excited and absorbed with every page turn, and I think everyone will take a long time looking at it!

Event Information

Release Commemorative Online Autograph Session

Friday, July 3, 19:00~

Details and applications on the 'wi2win' website (first-come, first-served)

https://win2win-shop.com/goods/70

Release Commemorative Handover Event @ Shosen Book Tower

Saturday, July 4, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~

Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)

https://t.livepocket.jp/e/2_8tn

Release Commemorative Handover Event @ HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA

Sunday, July 5, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~

Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)

https://www.hmv.co.jp/store/event/55333/

Release Commemorative Handover Event @ Tower Records Hiroshima

Saturday, July 11, Part 1 13:00~ / Part 2 15:00~

Details and applications on the official website (first-come, first-served)

https://teket.jp/186/68813

Profile

Kokoa Kai

Born November 28, 2003. From Hiroshima Prefecture.

Started activities as a first-generation member of STU48 in March 2017. Transferred to KLP48 in June 2024 and was active until February 2026. Subsequently returned to STU48 in March 2026 and resumed activities.

A 9th-anniversary concert for STU48 is scheduled for Saturday, May 30 at Kanadevia Hall in Tokyo.

STU48's 13th single 'I Cry Because I Love You Too Much' is currently on sale.

Official X: @k_cocoa1128

Official Instagram: @k_cocoa1128

Official TikTok: @k_cocoa1128

Photobook Information

Title: Kokoa Kai 2nd Photobook 'Welcome Back Sun'

Release Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Publisher: Akita Shoten

Format: A4 / 128 pages

Price: 3,300 yen (tax included)

Photography: Ryoma Kanou

Original Chain Purchase Bonus List

・Seven Net Shopping (1 photo)

・Yodobashi Camera (1 photo)

・Rakuten Books (1 photo)

・Surugaya (1 photo)

【Contact for Product Inquiries】

Akita Shoten Co., Ltd. Sales Department

Tel: 03-3264-7248 / Fax: 03-3265-9076

Akita Shoten Co., Ltd.

Representative: President Tokuji Yamaguchi Address: 2-28-8 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021 Bunkyo Green Court Center Office 18F Established: August 10, 1948 Business: Magazines, books, comics, paperbacks, children's books, media mix, etc. Number of Employees: Approximately 160 https://www.akitashoten.co.jp/