Unveiling a Rare Literary Gem: 'The Stolen 10,000 Yen'
In a remarkable effort to preserve the literary legacy of Ango Sakaguchi, a prominent Japanese author,
Shinsuisha Corp. has announced the exclusive pre-order of his previously unpublished short story,
'The Stolen 10,000 Yen.' This release marks a significant contribution to the understanding of Sakaguchi's early work and is set to be available via
Shosen Online from
December 26, 2025, through
January 25, 2026. The launch is timely, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of his death in 2025 and 120th anniversary of his birth in 2026.
About the Publication
The
'Sou Library,' the publishing arm of Shinsuisha, is committed to uncovering and editing unpublished works of notable authors as part of their initiative under
'Sou Archive.' 'The Stolen 10,000 Yen' represents an exciting addition to the literary canon, derived from a newspaper piece written by Sakaguchi at the youthful age of 26 in
1933.
This specific text is not included in any of Sakaguchi's collected works, making it a sought-after piece for both scholars and fans alike. The book features the following works:
- - 'The Stolen 10,000 Yen' (Not previously published in collected works)
- - 'A Song for My Hometown'
- - 'Kurotani Village'
- - 'A Heart That Wants to Escape'
In addition, the book is accompanied by commentary from
Yuji Ohara, a professor at
Jissen Women’s University, providing further insights into Sakaguchi's literary context and significance.
Limited Availability
This novel is extremely limited, with only
100 copies available for pre-order through Shosen Online, priced at
5,995 yen (5,450 yen before tax). The book will be officially released on
October 20, 2025, and features high-quality production including
136 pages in a durable format. This special online pre-order is a rare opportunity, as the
'Sou Library' typically does not engage in online sales.
Those interested in this unique opportunity can visit the
Shosen Online reservation page for further information.
Celebrating a Literary Legacy
The upcoming pre-order follows shortly after the
'Ango Sakaguchi Exhibition' held at the Kanagawa Modern Literature Museum, which took place to commemorate the 70th anniversary of his passing. The book resonates well with the memory of Sakaguchi, a writer whose work profoundly influenced Japanese literature.
Shinsuisha Corp. is dedicated to collaborating with literary researchers, local governments, and literary institutions to facilitate the discovery, preservation, and publication of other unpublished works across Japan.
In addition, through collaborations with local authorities and bookstores, Shinsuisha aims to promote cultural initiatives rooted in literature within local communities. This endeavor not only serves to honor Sakaguchi's memory but also enriches the cultural landscape of Japan.
Company Overview
Shinsuisha Corp. is located at
3-2-14 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, with
Fuyuki Fukaya serving as the representative director. Established with the mission to preserve and champion literary works, the corporation also manages the membership site
'Sou Archive' and publishes various books through the
'Sou Library.' For inquiries, you can reach them at
[email protected] or visit their website at
Shinsuisha.
Conclusion
The release of 'The Stolen 10,000 Yen' not only reintroduces a significant piece of literature from Ango Sakaguchi but also represents a larger movement toward the recognition and conservation of lost works. Those interested should seize the rare chance to add this remarkable book to their collection, thereby honoring one of Japan's literary greats.