The novel "Pension Wakeatte" (Author: Satoshi Yagisawa), published in February 2026 by Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President: Hiroki Kato), has been selected for the "1st Usagiya Yaita Store Reading Club Award," held at the Usagiya Yaita store, a complex bookstore.

The Usagiya Yaita Store Reading Club is a book club that has been running for over two years. It is held at the store on the second Sunday of every month, where participants bring and introduce books they recommend, including literary works, picture books, and comics. This time, regarding "Pension Wakeatte," enthusiastic voices arose among the participants, saying, "It's rare for all participants to genuinely feel 'this is great!' after reading a book, so we definitely want to make it the Reading Club Award," leading to its selection as the grand prize winner.

In response to this award, the book is scheduled to be featured in stores at Usagiya locations throughout Tochigi Prefecture.

Display of "Pension Wakeatte" at Usagiya Yaita Store

<Usagiya Yaita Store Reading Club Event Outline>

- Schedule: Second Sunday of every month (2:00 PM - 3:45 PM)

- Location: Inside Usagiya Yaita Store (20-1 Suehirocho, Yaita City, Tochigi Prefecture, 329-2162)

- How to Participate: Reserve your spot by phone or at the register (Phone: 0287-43-3885)

Author Satoshi Yagisawa's Award Comment

I sincerely thank everyone at Usagiya Yaita Store for this Reading Club Award. I feel a special connection to being chosen by the people of Yaita, which is not far from the novel's setting, Nasu Kogen. As an author, there would be no greater happiness than if a story about "sharing" life's sorrows and joys could gently resonate with the hearts of the local community. Thank you very much! I'm sure the taxi driver Kikuchi-san from the story is also happy (laughs).

Comment from the Person in Charge of the Usagiya Yaita Store Reading Club Award

Even though I participate in the Honya Taisho (Bookstore Award) every year, I was excited about the "Reading Club Book Award," an idea from the participants, and I'm happy that it was announced on social media and reached author Satoshi Yagisawa.

"Pension Wakeatte" is set in Nasu Kogen, close to Usagiya Yaita Store, and a warm breeze blows from its heartwarming story. I hope this book becomes a source of comfort for many people, both in Japan and abroad.

Now a Global Sensation! What is "Pension Wakeatte," the First Complete New Work in 10 Years by a Master of "Healing Novels"?

In recent years, "healing novels" that soothe the soul upon reading have become a global trend, with many Japanese novels being translated and read worldwide. Among these, the English version of "Hibi Rock" (Shogakukan) by Satoshi Yagisawa, the author of this work, was nominated for the 2024 British Book Awards in the UK and ranked 5th in the UK's translated fiction sales rankings that same year. It is currently being translated in 40 countries and has surpassed 1 million copies in cumulative sales, making him a globally recognized author as a "master of healing novels."

"Pension Wakeatte," Satoshi Yagisawa's first complete new work in 10 years, is set in a pension rumored to be run by an owner with a "hidden past." Various people with different circumstances visit the pension, including an OL who had her engagement broken off, an elderly woman who stormed out of a nursing home in anger, and a writer experiencing a slump. They arrive burdened with negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, and impatience... However, at "Pension Wakeatte," by eating meals with the owner couple and interacting with them, their hearts gradually soften, and they begin to look forward.

This is a collection of warm, interconnected short stories that makes you want to escape from your hectic daily life for a moment and savor the importance of living in the "now."

Enthusiastic Praise Pouring in from Editors Worldwide!

Image of New Obi Design for "Pension Wakeatte"

To commemorate the author's cumulative global sales of 1 million copies, new obi bands featuring comments from editors worldwide will be shipped in the future! (Scheduled to ship sequentially from July 7th)

Here are the full comments from editors in various countries.

"A book that reminds us of the importance of living in the moment." "A novel like a warm refuge. It gently, wisely, and quietly encourages the soul."

-- Julia Lerope (Hauterville, France)

Satoshi Yagisawa has once again delivered a wonderful work with "Pension Wakeatte." This novel tells a heartwarming story about the importance of living in the present, the wounds we carry, and accepting when it's time to let go. Yagisawa's unique writing style kept me engrossed from beginning to end, and after finishing it, I couldn't help but be reminded of how books can change a person's life. "Pension Wakeatte" is truly one of those special books that will become a modern classic.

-- Leo Teti (Urano World, Spain)

Like a quiet inn nestled in gentle nature, this warm and healing story offers a place of solace where one can gently escape from the hurried and stressful daily life. As we turn the pages, we can take a breath with the characters, compose ourselves, and regain our energy.

-- Juliana Tan (Gramedia, Indonesia)

We are delighted to introduce the latest work from the author of the international bestseller "Hibi Rock" to our readers in Vietnam. The six stories in "Pension Wakeatte" are simple and leisurely paced, yet full of warmth, weaving together elements like the scent of a deep forest, the comfort of homemade meals, and the rediscovery of forgotten joys... transforming the hidden sorrows in our hearts into the courage to move towards a hopeful tomorrow.

-- Editorial Team (Azura Books, Vietnam)

As with all of Satoshi Yagisawa's beautiful novels, "Pension Wakeatte" reminds us to find joy, hope, and connection in the landscapes and conversations we encounter daily. Readers will feel as if they have visited this inn and find comfort and healing within its pages.

-- Zoe Yang (Bonniers Books UK, United Kingdom)

I am a huge fan of Satoshi Yagisawa's work, having published two books from the "Morisaki Shoten" series and two from the nearby "Jun Kissa Torunka" series. The reason I was drawn to "Pension Wakeatte" is exactly the same as the reason I loved the previous four works. Yagisawa is a master of character portrayal; even characters who are eccentric and not necessarily likable feel real, making us empathize with them and want to support them. I am also strongly attracted to the subtle humor in these works, which makes the stories much deeper than they initially appear, and it's clear that this is also a major draw for many English-speaking readers.

-- Sarah Nelson (HarperCollins US, United States)

Author Profile

Satoshi Yagisawa

Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1977. Graduated from Nihon University College of Art. Debuted with "Hibi Rock" (Shogakukan). The work was adapted into a film, and "Zoku Hibi Rock" was also published. The series is currently being translated in 40 countries, and the English version was nominated for the 2024 British Book Awards. Other works include the "Jun Kissa Torunka" series, "Kimi to Kuraseba" (both published by Tokuma Shoten), and "Manekiyu: The Counter Cat Who Brings Happiness" (HarperCollins Japan).

Book Information

Title: "Pension Wakeatte"

Author: Satoshi Yagisawa

Price: 1,980 yen (tax included)

Release: February 2026

Book Page >> https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/8008537.html

Amazon >> https://amzn.to/4aoeeUA

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 受賞