Series Surpasses 850,000 Copies: Ichi Sawamura’s 10th Anniversary Novel 'Zanduma no Kage' Released May 19, 2026

KADOKAWA Corporation released 'Zanduma no Kage' on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of author Ichi Sawamura's career.

This work is the latest entry in the popular 'Higa Sisters' series, which began with the 2015 debut novel 'Bogiwan ga Kuru' (winner of the 22nd Japan Horror Fiction Award and adapted into the film 'It Comes'). It serves as a prequel, exploring the origins of the spiritual lineage during the era of the grandmother, Katsuko Higa, before the Higa sisters (Kotoko and Makoto) were born. As of May 2026, the series has surpassed 850,000 copies in print and digital sales.

Key Highlights of 'Zanduma no Kage': 1. The Genesis of the Series: Set in 1980s Kanagawa, this story is designed to be accessible for new readers who have not yet started the series. 2. A Culmination of 10 Years: The novel represents a masterpiece of the author, balancing modern themes with the raw terror of the supernatural. It is an entertainment-rich story featuring horror, plot twists, despair, and emotional resonance.

Synopsis: In 1981, in a district of Kanagawa inhabited by Okinawan immigrants, a young man named Atsushi witnesses a drenched figure one night accompanied by a splashing sound. Soon after, residents begin to die mysteriously, appearing to have 'drowned in seawater while on land.' As the town descends into suspicion, Atsushi seeks help from an elderly woman known as Katsuko Higa.

Furthermore, the fourth short story collection in the series, 'Totohari Yashiki' (Kadokawa Horror Bunko), will be released directly in paperback on Monday, May 25, 2026. It delves into the tragic history of Kotoko Higa's siblings.

A digital trial campaign is currently running on the literary web magazine 'Kadobun' from May 16 to May 25.