Kawade Shobo Shinsha Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Representative Director: Yu Onodera) will publish "Happy Mountain" by Matsuda Irino on July 8, 2026. This is the author's first work after their debut with the 61st Bungei Prize-winning novel "Hyper Taikutsu."

"Hyper Taikutsu," the previous work, delivered "shocking laughter" to the selection committee of the 61st Bungei Prize (Satoshi Ogawa, Mitsuyo Kakuta, Ko Machida, Sayaka Murata) and various fields. It garnered significant attention, an unusual feat for a debut work, receiving praise from creators across a wide range of genres, including actor Taiga Nakano and rapper TaiTan (Dos Monos / Podcast "Kikikikai" personality).

The highly anticipated second work, "Happy Mountain," has been featured in monthly and quarterly reviews of various publications since its serialization in "Bungei" Spring 2026 issue. Hailed for its "mind-blowing imagination" and "unique individuality," it is a "bizarre prophecy literature" that guarantees explosive laughter.

This cutting-edge masterpiece is highly recommended by Nobuyuki Sakuma, a leading connoisseur of comedy and TV producer, and Harajuku, the second editor-in-chief of OMOKORRO.

We hope you will pick up and enjoy this bizarre, strange, and extraordinary shock of a novel.

I dove into a crazy world, laughing hysterically.

I forgot all my troubles while reading.

It overcomes the world's absurdity with my own absurdity.

Matsuda Irino is a deliberate offender.

-- Nobuyuki Sakuma

A tempestuous tale of being lost!

Seeking happiness, they vanish into another realm.

You can't climb a mountain while keeping it pristine.

-- Harajuku (OMOKORRO)

Bizarre, Strange, and Extraordinary! "Happy Mountain" is Set at a "Camp"

It's May, the first year of university. "I," a university student dreaming of becoming an actor, am invited to a camping trip by Shizumi, the coolest girl in class. It's supposed to be the start of a cool campus life with the coolest people... but I forget to book a rental car, get excluded from the BBQ, am chased by a dog, and then, a mountain sprouts from my head.

A "bizarre prophecy literature" that guarantees explosive laughter is coming!

This work has already generated buzz online and on social media. Prior to its release, the book cover (designed by Jun Kawanami), featuring a bold design by artist bones gilmore, based in Ridgewood, Queens, New York, was unveiled, further exciting readers and garnering a significant response.

"Happy Mountain" Book Cover (Design: Jun Kawanami / Illustration: bones gilmore)

Explosive Laughter and Confusion Sweep Through Bookstore Employees Nationwide!

I understand not being able to stop turning the pages because it's so funny, but I recommend reading it in a room by yourself as much as possible.

-- Kazuha Yamahara (Sanyodo Bookstore, Sakurai Branch)

Once a year, I get to encounter a novel that's "incomprehensible but hilariously funny," and this year, "Happy Mountain" has claimed that spot early on.

Just by reading it, I feel an uplifted mood, as if I'm doing a spontaneous, natural high-tension, pants-only original dance while sober.

-- Kazuya Saito (Kinokuniya Bookstore, Sendai Branch)

Are you sane??? No, you're definitely not sane, are you??? I felt like I was going to throw up from the storm of empathetic shame, but then I was taken somewhere nonsensical, had tea poured on my head, and thought, "Wait, do I smell?"

I don't know what I just read, but the realistic sense of discomfort clings to me. I want more victims, so please read it everyone!!!!

-- Nozomi Murakami (Tamura Bookstore, Suita Sankyu Branch)

It's funny, but a profound sadness also strikes.

Is it okay to go on a camp like this? Was it good that I ended up going? But I think I should have gone.

Her mind races forward with unique creativity. A genius!

-- Mari Yamanaka (Junkudo Bookstore, Shiga Kusatsu Branch)

What on earth am I reading?

The protagonist, who has a strong desire for self-display, has an amazing choice of words and the power to push forward with their assumptions. From the gaps between the sentences that stimulate the senses, I can smell filth. It's incomprehensible. But it was interesting.

-- Tomoko Yamaguchi (Sanyodo Bookstore, Shinkai-bashi Branch)

A psychedelic nightmare experience, like one you'd have while sick with a high fever.

The sense of speed is outstanding, and the madness and incomprehensibility are top-class this year.

-- Satoshi Ono (Fukuoka Kinbun-do, Meinohama Minami Branch)

As usual, it's punchy and amazing...!

I want to read it while singing along with a rap (even though I can't rap).

I think only Matsuda Irino can express this worldview and captivate readers with these sentences.

-- Moeka Murase (Ougaki Bookstore, Aeon Mall KYOTO Branch)

In a new environment, failure in interpersonal relationships is not an option.

Is it funny or not funny? It's a survival situation.

Readers watching from the scene of utter chaos must be beside themselves.

Even if it gets that bad, I remained on her side until the end, thinking it might somehow work out.

-- Kazuha Ishizaka (Mireiya Bookstore, Dainichi Branch)

And so on, a flood of astonished and admiring voices are pouring in!

"Kawade Shoten" Event 2: Matsuda Irino x Harajuku (OMOKORRO) Talk Event!

The second event in the "Kawade Shoten" 140th Anniversary Commemorative Project, a talk event titled "Where Does the Fun in Novels Come From?" featuring Matsuda Irino and Harajuku (OMOKORRO), will be held on Saturday, August 8th.

Matsuda Irino, who has brought words to life on stage, and Harajuku, who delivers words through cutting-edge web media, will explore the sources of their respective expressions using the various "fun elements" packed into "Happy Mountain" as clues. They will discuss creation, camaraderie, humor, expression, and the future of literature in this premium event. Don't miss it.

〈Matsuda Irino x Harajuku Talk Event "Where Does the Fun in Novels Come From?"〉

Date and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 2:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)

Venue: Kawade Shobo Shinsha Co., Ltd. (2-13 Higashi-Gokencho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)

Ticket Sales Start: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at noon

On-site Viewing Tickets Ticket Price: 4,950 yen (tax included) *Includes book + bonus Capacity: 15 people *Reservation required. A lottery will be held if reservations exceed capacity.

Streaming + Selected Book Set Ticket Ticket Price: 4,730 yen (tax included) *Includes book + bonus (shipping included)

Streaming Only Ticket Ticket Price: 1,650 yen (tax included) *Allows viewing of live and archived streams.

For event details and participation methods, please check the following page:

https://kawade.zaiko.io/e/kawadeshoten2

Author Introduction

Matsuda Irino (Matsuda Irino)

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1991. Won the 61st Bungei Prize in 2024 for "Hyper Taikutsu." Published "Happy Mountain," her first work after winning the prize, in 2026.

Bibliographic Information

Title: Happy Mountain

Author: Matsuda Irino

Specifications: B6 size / Hardcover / 160 pages

Release Date: July 8, 2026

Price: 1,815 yen (1,650 yen excluding tax)

ISBN: 978-4-309-03276-4

Book Design: Jun Kawanami

Book Illustration: bones gilmore

Bibliographic URL:

https://www.kawade.co.jp/np/isbn/9784309032764/

*E-books will also be released soon.

Please check each e-book store for details.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 出版
  • Organizations: Dos Monos