New Label "Kirarips☆" for Elementary School Mid-Grade Stories Launched

Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President & CEO: Yukihiro Kato) is launching the story label "Kirarips☆" for elementary school mid-grade readers. The first title in this series, "Sakura and the Magic Pen (1) Cinderella is the Beginning of Destiny" (illustrated by Pom), written by Fumi Yamamoto, was released on July 8, 2026. Fumi Yamamoto is a popular author who has published hit works in the children's fiction genre, including "Utahime wa Sekai o Horobosu ka? #1 Himitsu no Utahime, Kiken na Haishin!?" (Will the Songstress Destroy the World? #1 Secret Diva, Dangerous Streaming!?).

Intent and Features of the New "Kirarips☆" Label

"Kirarips☆" is a story label for elementary school mid-grade readers. We will publish a colorful array of works that gather children's "favorite things!" such as thrilling developments, cute characters, mysterious magic, and exciting encounters.

The label name was created by combining "kirari" (a sparkling sound) with "lip," a word referring to lips or cosmetics.

The name embodies our wish to deliver special excitement that makes children's hearts sparkle like "kirari☆" and makes the world they see shine, while also creating a label where they can chat with others and get excited together.

A reversible cover is adopted, allowing readers to enjoy different designs depending on the occasion or their mood. The inside of the cover, featuring charming patterns that appeal to readers' sense of style, is one of the label's features.

Furthermore, to foster familiarity with the label as a whole, rather than just individual works, we are producing insert flyers with content similar to bonus materials. The first issue includes a Q&A with the protagonist of "Sakura and the Magic Pen (1) Cinderella is the Beginning of Destiny," and an essay-style reading that details recent events in the author's life.

The official label character, created by Pik, an illustrator active on LINE stickers and other platforms, also appears, reflecting a focus on communication with readers.

The First Title is "Sakura and the Magic Pen (1) Cinderella is the Beginning of Destiny"

A cute and educational series themed around words and Japanese language knowledge.

The text includes mini-game corners utilizing Japanese language knowledge and fun footnotes where the protagonist Sakura's word mistakes are corrected or supplemented. With abundant cute illustrations by emerging illustrator Pom, and substantial bonus pages at the beginning and end, this is a book that will delight readers down to the finest details.

Synopsis

Sakura is an ordinary fourth-grader who is cheerful but not very good at studying. One day, she follows her best friend after an argument into a suspicious library, where she encounters a mysterious pen and is transported to another world! It turns out to be inside a book...!? The destiny of a girl who has become a "word witch," correcting mistakes in stories with the power of a pen, begins now --.

Author Information

Story: Fumi Yamamoto

Debut children's author, winner of the 8th Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko Novel Award Gold Prize. The "Rika no Okashina Jiken-shitsu" (Rika's Strange Laboratory) series (Kadokawa Tsubasa Bunko) has been a long-running hit with 13 volumes. She has also published many fun and educational entertainment works, including the "Hatsukoi Time Limit" (First Love Time Limit) series, "Utahime wa Sekai o Horobosu ka? #1 Himitsu no Utahime, Kiken na Haishin!?" (both Poplar Kimino Novel), and the "Sakurai-kun wa Oishasan!!" (Sakurai-kun is a Doctor!!) series (Shueisha Mirai Bunko). Favorite fairy tale: "The Little Mermaid."

Illustration: Pom

An illustrator popular for her gentle and charming illustrations drawn with delicate watercolor-style colors. Her works for children's books include the "C・SCHOOL Picchi" series (Asahi Shimbun Publishing). Favorite fairy tale: "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

Bibliographic Information

"Sakura and the Magic Pen (1) Cinderella is the Beginning of Destiny"

Story / Fumi Yamamoto

Illustration / Pom

Release Date: July 2026

Price: 1,540 yen (10% tax included)

Bibliographic Page: https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/4191001.html

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4591190250/