#Japan #Setagaya #NovelRecital #HONjp

NovelRecital Festival: A New Experience in Literature

On September 19, 2026, Setagaya Literary Museum is set to host the inaugural NovelRecital Festival, a unique event that combines live readings by authors with the opportunity to purchase their works directly. This innovative festival is organized in collaboration with HON.jp, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering creators in the literary field.

Background and Concept

The genesis of the NovelRecital Festival stems from a call-to-action by renowned author Osamu Fujitani, who highlighted the need for an event where authors could personally read and sell their works. The response from HON.jp laid the groundwork for what aims to create a new literary experience in Japan. The festival merges traditional live readings, commonly practiced in Western countries, with a marketplace format, allowing audiences to engage with authors in a new and intimate setting.

The festival promises a rich experience, where attendees can immerse themselves in the voices of their favorite authors and enjoy their works through live performances. The first edition of this literary celebration, dubbed a 'reading festival,' will feature established and emerging authors, complemented by the support of Otobank Co., Ltd., the event's sponsor.

What to Expect

The inaugural event offers a spectacular opportunity for literature enthusiasts to enjoy works directly from their authors. Notable authors will take to the stage, reading segments from their own creations, and sharing insights into their narratives. Each author will present a reading lasting approximately ten minutes, providing audiences with a chance to delve deeper into the essence of their stories.

In addition to the readings, a dedicated area will allow participants to purchase books directly from authors, creating a unique environment for conversations and interactions. Attendees will also receive complimentary tote bags provided by Otobank, enhancing the overall experience.

Accessibility and Broadcast

For those unable to attend in person, the festival will be accessible through a live broadcast on YouTube, allowing an even wider audience to enjoy the readings. Later, highlights from the event will be available on HON.jp's YouTube channel, ensuring that the literary magic can be revisited. Here’s the link to the HON.jp YouTube channel.

Event Details

• - Event Name: NovelRecital Festival
• - Date: September 19, 2026 (Saturday)
• - Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• - Venue: Setagaya Literary Museum, Literary Salon

(1-10-10 Minami Karasuyama, Setagaya, Tokyo)

• - Organizers: Setagaya Literary Museum, NPO HON.jp
• - Sponsor: Otobank Co., Ltd.
• - Tickets: General admission tickets are available on the official website: NovelRecital Official Site.

Featured Authors and Works

The festival will showcase a variety of talented authors, each performing readings from their distinguished works. Here are some of the highlighted authors:

• - Osamu Fujitani - Reading from "The Most Beautiful in the World"
• - Meron Uminokozawa - Reading from "Koenji Gourmet Guide"
• - Daisuke Sasaki - Reading from "War Begins at the Bottom of the Lake"
• - Naoko Yamazaki - Reading from "The Magical Icicle Pen"
• - Fumiki Takahashi - Reading from "Aureliano Comes"
• - Koyuki - Reading from "The Sorcerer’s Staff"
• - Yuigo Chisoku - Reading from "The Witch’s Notebook"
• - Hitomi Yokoyama - Reading from "When Rain Clouds Gather"
• - Nyan Shi - Reading from "Kim's Style"
• - Yura Izumi - Reading from "Milch Ricarl"

About HON.jp

NPO HON.jp envisions a creative society empowered by those who make books. They organize various publishing events and manage the HON.jp News Blog, fostering an environment where literature can thrive. To learn more about the organization, visit their official site: HON.jp Organization.

As literature continues to evolve, the NovelRecital Festival seeks to create a space where authors and readers can connect more personally, paving the way for future literary innovations. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary debut event, and join the celebration of storytelling at the NovelRecital Festival!