Ishikawa Kotaro's Latest Novel 'Sayonara Jabberwock' Unveils Limited-Edition Cover Featuring a Newly Written Essay on a 'Fateful Encounter'! Cover Design by Kojima Ao, Creator of 'Hon nara Uruseru Hodo'!

The limited-edition cover features Kojima Ao's manga on one side and Ishikawa Kotaro's newly written essay on the other!

Ishikawa Kotaro's latest novel 'Sayonara Jabberwock,' nominated for the 2026 'Booksellers Award' and creating buzz across social media and book reviews for its 'unimaginable ending,' will be available in a limited, special double-sided cover edition starting June 18 (Thu) at bookstores nationwide!

The front cover showcases a manga-style summary of the story by Kojima Ao, who ranked No. 1 in the men's category of 'This Manga is Amazing! 2026' with 'Hon nara Uruseru Hodo.' The back cover features a newly written essay by Ishikawa himself, reflecting on his own 'fateful encounter.'

Readers have shared passionate responses such as 'I was moved to tears by that one line' and 'This work truly reminds me of the power of novels.' Don't miss the chance to pick up this special edition at your local bookstore.

As a special preview, we are now releasing the opening section of the newly written essay featured on the back cover!

[Essay by Ishikawa Kotaro]

An Event That Happened After 'Sayonara Jabberwock' Was Released

The week after 'Sayonara Jabberwock' hit bookstore shelves, I traveled to Canada. I was invited to the Toronto International Festival of Authors. Though I'm not fond of traveling and struggle with English—making overseas trips particularly difficult for me—I decided it might be meaningful to experience something different during the 25th anniversary of my literary debut.

Many things happened during my stay, but due to space limitations, I'll focus on one special event that occurred toward the end (as for embarrassing failures—like not getting breakfast on the plane due to my poor English, or nervously entering a Starbucks alone only to panic in line and leave—I'll save those for another time).

Toronto University is──

──The rest can be read in the limited-edition cover!

For fans who have already purchased and read 'Sayonara Jabberwock'

If you're thinking, 'I really want to read the newly written essay, but I already own the hardcover…'—don't worry, you don't need to buy another copy!

On the official website below, enter the 'password'—something only readers of the book would know—and you can read the full essay for free. Enjoy it alongside the novel.

◆ Special Website for Ishikawa Kotaro's 'Sayonara Jabberwock'

For readers who have finished the book

Click here to access the full essay:

(Contains spoilers—please be cautious if you haven't read the book)

https://fr.futabasha.co.jp/special/sayonara_Jabberwock/