“I Tried Living in an Ultra-Luxury Retirement Home” by Yuu Hirano to be Released by Shueisha on July 17 (Fri)

The founder of Japan’s iconic live music venue 'Loft' moved into an ultra-luxury retirement home in Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, with an entry fee of 60 million yen. Residing on a high floor with ocean views, the facility boasts hotel-grade amenities including a cafeteria, bar, library, open-air bath, gym, karaoke, and billiards. With attentive staff and seamless medical support from partner hospitals, it seemed to promise a flawless retirement—yet the author left after just two years.

In this candid memoir, the author recounts, with both humor and sorrow, the full story of his entry and departure, revealing the hidden realities of wealthy residents in such elite facilities.

Table of Contents

Prologue: The Price of My Remaining Life is 60 Million Yen

Chapter One: In Search of the 'Village of Tranquility' Chapter Two: Is This Heaven? Chapter Three: The Sea, Loneliness, and Freedom Chapter Four: And Then, Leaving the Home

Epilogue

The sea flashed in my mind.

This is Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture—a rural town of nearly 30,000 people in the southern Boso region. The Pacific-facing coast of the Boso Peninsula offers an unobstructed view—endless horizons stretch as far as the eye can see. From the 18th-floor room I had just toured, the shimmering waves, the white surf rolling in and receding, and the clear birdsong against a blue sky unfolded before me.

I’ve always dreamed of spending my final days by the sea. Haven’t I always wished for that? (…)

Alright, I’ve decided! I’ll leave behind the Tokyo I’ve grown so accustomed to. From now on, I will live in an ultra-luxury retirement home with an ocean view. I have no regrets. The anxiety and gloom about the future that had clouded my mind for years suddenly lifted.

(From the text)

Author Biography

Yuu Hirano (Hirano Yu) Born in Tokyo in 1944. Founder of the live music venue 'Loft.' In 1971, after opening the jazz café 'Uyama Loft,' he successively launched rock and folk live houses in Shimokitazawa and Shinjuku. After years of backpacking abroad from 1984, he acquired citizenship in the Dominican Republic. He returned to Japan in 1992. In 1995, he opened 'Loft Plus One,' the first talk-focused live house, followed by Naked Loft and Asagaya Loft A. His previous works include 'Shinjuku Loft in 1976.'

Book Information

Title: I Tried Living in an Ultra-Luxury Retirement Home

Author: Yuu Hirano

Release Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 (e-book released simultaneously)

Price: 1,012 yen (including 10% tax)

Format: Shinsho (Japanese paperback)

Pages: 224

ISBN: 978-4-08-721421-5

Shueisha Shinsho

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About Shueisha Shinsho

Launched in December 1999 with the slogan 'Guides to Knowledge,' this imprint aims to provide 'true practical books'—wisdom grounded in knowledge—to help readers navigate the sea of information. Covering timely figures and topics while connecting entertainment with intellectual content, Shueisha Shinsho strives to create accessible paperbacks for a broad audience.