2026’s Best Recommended Reads by Kinokuniya Group Staff Unveiled

Introduction

Kinokuniya Co., Ltd., led by President Masashi Takai, recently revealed its list of best 30 books called "Kinobes! 2026", enthusiastically recommended by the staff of the Kinokuniya Group. Since its inception in 2003, "Kinobes!" has served as a platform for staff to select and recommend new publications from the past year, excluding paperback editions. This initiative aims to highlight books that the staff genuinely enjoyed reading and believe their customers should also experience.

The Selection Process

This year, a panel of 20 judges was responsible for finalizing the list, utilizing suggestion comments from Kinokuniya’s store staff across various locations. It's a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff, ensuring that only the most interesting and compelling titles are chosen.

The Best 30 Books for 2026

1. World 99 [Vol. 1 & 2] by Sayaka Murata (Shueisha)
2. Books Worth Selling by Aoi Kojima (KADOKAWA)
3. In the Mega Church by Ryo Asai (Nikkei BP)
4. I Can Understand Birds' Language by Toshiki Suzuki (Shogakukan)
5. Epicurus' Prescription by Kosuke Nakagawa (Mizurusha)
6. Sales Tactics for Assassins by Yu Nomiya (Kodansha)
7. The Lost Face by Tomoya Sakurada (Shinchousha)
8. Goodbye Jabberwock by Kotaro Isaka (Futabasha)
9. Detective Koishi Doesn’t Fall in Love by Basil Mori (Shogakukan)
10. A Mysterious Scent from the Bakery by Usagi Tsuchiya (Takarajimasha)
11. Sky, The Endless Blue [Vol. 1 & 2] by Melissa de Costa (Translated by Tomoko Yamamoto, Kodansha)
12. How’s Life in Heaven? by Yukari Nakayama (KADOKAWA)
13. The Trajectory of Break Shot by Touma Aisaka (Hayakawa Shobo)
14. Novel Thinking to Express Yourself by Tetsu Ogawa (Kodansha)
15. The Last Color [Vol. 1 & 2] by Ryu Wada (Shogakukan)
16. The Empress' Green by Tomoharu Abe (Shinchousha)
17. One-Dimensional Cuttings by Ryunosuke Matsushita (Takarajimasha)
18. Before Dawn, Someone Will by Holly Jackson (Translated by Kyoko Hattori, Tokyo Sogensha)
19. PRIZE by Yuka Murayama (Bungeishunju)
20. Box of Tears by Han Kang (Translated by Kim Puna, Hyoronsha)
21. Whereabouts by Maiko Seo (Mizurusha)
22. The Basics of Democracy by Eito Mori (KADOKAWA)
23. YABUNONAKA by Hitomi Kanbara (Bungeishunju)
24. Go for It! Heianbu by Mina Miyajima (Shogakukan)
25. Question. Read the following text and answer how family happiness is shaped by Kazuma Hayami (Asahi Newspaper Publishing)
26. Weird Map by Amane Amano (Futabasha)
27. Housemaid by Frida McFadden (Translated by Tomoko Takahashi, Hayakawa Shobo)
28. Ribon-chan by Haruna Terachi (Bungeishunju)
29. Because I Don’t Know Your April by Eri Aoyama (Asahi Newspaper Publishing)
30. Tired from Dancing by Takeshi Shiota (Bungeishunju)

Fair Announcement

The "Kinobes! 2026" fair will be taking place starting February 1, 2026, at all Kinokuniya Group stores and online. Customers will find a small booklet at the stores featuring comments from the staff about each recommended book.

For more information: Kinokuniya Best Books Awards.