Akina's Fumiaki Yamana's First Essay "Happiness Comes Trotting Along," Featuring Walks with Rescue Shiba Inu Omame, to Be Released!

This time, our affiliated comedian, Fumiaki Yamana of Akina, will release his essay "Happiness Comes Trotting Along" from Yoshimoto Books on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Reservations will begin nationwide at bookstores and Amazon from Monday, April 27. This book is Fumiaki Yamana's first essay, written about his feelings through his life and daily walks with his rescue Shiba Inu, Omame, while active as part of the comedy duo "Akina." Through his time with Omame, he realized his life gradually changed. He met someone important, his family grew, and perhaps, unknowingly, happiness was always by his side. It's a book that carefully captures such moments, where nothing is resolved, yet somehow he feels a little lighter. Trying to live gently, it didn't go well. What led me out was a rescue dog.

- A sense of gradually changing in daily life In a daily life where he faces the times he couldn't live well and his clumsy self, he gradually feels his senses changing through walks with Omame, the changing seasons, and casual moments. This book meticulously depicts that process.

- Life with Omame, the rescue dog Omame, a Shiba Inu who rarely barks or plays. The time spent with her quiet presence gradually changes Yamana's own life and way of thinking. The "discoveries" in daily life, beyond just a relationship between a person and a dog, form the core of this book.

- Change that begins with "stopping" Instead of forcefully trying to change things that aren't going well, by stopping and letting go, he gradually becomes lighter. This book quietly depicts such "changes in the way of living."

"Happiness Comes Trotting Along" Release Date: June 9, 2026 (Tuesday) Publisher: Yoshimoto Books Seller: Wani Books Co., Ltd. Price: 1,600 yen (excluding tax) Specifications: Sizhio-ban (12.8 x 18.2 cm), 192 pages Amazon Purchase Page▼ https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4847076710

"I never knew that my mood and tension, which change daily, could influence the writing of an essay so much. It was like bread."

Author Profile Fumiaki Yamana (やまながふみかず) ● Born July 3, 1980, from Osaka Prefecture. 26th generation of NSC Osaka. Active as part of the comedy duo "Akina." Has advanced to the finals of King of Conte 3 times and M-1 Grand Prix 2 times. Currently lives with his wife, two sons, and Omame.

<Commemorative Release Event Held> "Yamana Family Talk" with his wife, Maki Utsunomiya (Yoshimoto Shinkigeki)! Talk & Autograph & Photo Session Date: June 7 (Sunday) 13:00~ Location: HMV&BOOKS NAMBA Application Start: May 1 (Friday)~ Details here▶https://www.hmv.co.jp/store/event/55335/