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"Just About Love" – A Collection of Poetry and Letters

In an age where direct communication often takes precedence, Shohei Koyama's new poetry collection, "Just About Love" (Japanese: なんだ愛か), invites readers to re-embrace the art of thoughtful correspondence. Released on March 27, 2026, and available at both offline and online stores in Tokyo's Kuramae district, this collection is more than just a poetry book; it offers a means for personal expression through letters.

Koyama's beautifully crafted poems explore the notion of love not as an abstract concept to debate, but as a daily reality to cherish. Each of the 16 poems is presented in both Japanese and English, bridging cultural divides and allowing a wider audience to connect with the themes of friendship, affection, and the miraculous moments we often overlook.

A Closer Look at the Content

The collection includes the following pieces:
1. LOVE IN IT (あいま)
2. Love Letter (とっておきの手紙)
3. Just About Love (なんだ愛か)
4. Bringing Flowers (花の便り)
5. Beyond Words (信じすぎている)
6. Grace (願望)
7. Right As Rain (雨音)
8. Breath (束の間の詩)
9. Nova (新星)
10. Be There (ここにいる)
11. To Smile (笑顔)
12. Certain (愛をひとつ)
13. Darling (宝探しの詩)
14. To You (手紙を書いた)
15. Appreciation (朝が来て)
16. Smile and Wink (優柔)

Each poem is complemented by postcard-sized pages that readers can cut out and send to loved ones. The design encourages interaction, allowing readers to fill in their thoughts on lined pages, making each book a personal keepsake.

The Concept Behind the Collection

Koyama initiated this project not just to compile poems but to foster an emotional connection between the reader and the act of writing. The elegant typography and thoughtful illustrations enhance the reader's experience, transforming simple poems into tangible messages of affection.

This initiative is part of Koyama's broader campaign titled "Poetry x (Collaboration)," which aims to liberate poetic language from the confines of printed pages and make it accessible in various interactive forms. The aim is to provide opportunities for personal reflection and honest emotional exploration through poetry.

Author's Background

Koyama, who hails from Katsushika, Tokyo, has made a name for himself not only as a poet but also as an owner of two establishments in Kuramae, "Jiyu-Chō" and "Fūtō." His initiative to encourage people to write letters to their future selves has turned into a cultural movement, promoting self-reflection through written communication. His philosophy emphasizes savoring simple feelings and daily experiences, exemplified through various events and workshops at his stores, including expressive readings and collaborative art projects.

His previous works, including various poetry collections, highlight his keen understanding of human emotions and relationships, making him a noteworthy voice in contemporary poetry.

Accessing the Collection

"Just About Love" is priced at ¥1,980 (including tax) and is available in stores as well as online. The book's compact size (105mm x 150mm) makes it easy to carry, inviting readers to keep it close as a source of inspiration and connection.

For poetry lovers and those seeking to deepen their relationships, Koyama’s "Just About Love" offers a unique blend of literary art and heartfelt correspondence, encouraging us to celebrate the love that surrounds us in everyday life.