#Chiyoda #Sakura #Asakura Takuya #HarperCollins

Unveiling the Magical Story of 'Waiting for Cherry Blossoms'

The anticipation builds for the upcoming novel Waiting for Cherry Blossoms, published by HarperCollins Japan in collaboration with HarperCollins UK. Scheduled to release on May 28, 2025, this enchanting story by renowned author Takuya Asakura promises to captivate readers across 14 countries.

A Collaborative Writing Venture

The idea for this unique narrative began with Charlotte Ledger, the publisher of HarperCollins UK's ONE MORE CHAPTER, who envisioned a story set in a mysterious bookstore appearing only during cherry blossom season. This aspiration merged beautifully with the talents of Takuya Asakura, a bestselling author known for his gripping storytelling and rich characters. Together, they have created a heartwarming collection of intertwined short stories that revolve around the themes of healing and rebirth through the magic of books.

The Story's Setting

Imagine a strange and enchanting bookstore, hidden away in an undisclosed location in the world. At the heart of this store lies a magnificent cherry tree, and within its walls, a girl and her fluffy calico cat await the arrival of customers, each carrying burdens of regret and sorrow. Such is the premise of Waiting for Cherry Blossoms. The only way to cross the threshold into this magical realm is through a book, whose pages must be turned during the cherry blossom season, thereby unlocking the door to transformation and miracles for those who enter.

Takuya Asakura, acclaimed for his bestselling novel Four Days’ Miracle, once again showcases his gift for storytelling. Early feedback from booksellers nationwide has been overwhelmingly positive, raising excitement for its launch.

International Release and Global Impact

Waiting for Cherry Blossoms will also be available in English by HarperCollins UK on August 28, 2025, marking a significant step in the international reach of Japanese literature. HarperCollins UK is recognized for its successful global ventures, such as the English version of Asako Yu's BUTTER, which sold over 400,000 copies in the UK. Now, this latest title will be translated and published in multiple languages, including French, Danish, Italian, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, and more, ensuring that Asakura’s magical tale reaches audiences far and wide.

Takuya Asakura's Journey

Born in 1966 in Sapporo, Takuya Asakura is not only an author but also a translator. A graduate of the University of Tokyo, his breakout work, Four Days’ Miracle, won the 1st Mystery is Amazing! Award and has since seen massive success, being adapted into a film. His literary prowess is reflected in his other works, including Your Remains. He has also translated multiple titles, contributing to the spread of diverse narratives in the Japanese literary landscape.

Comments from the Creators

Asakura expressed his astonishment upon realizing that his surname, which can be read as