Life with Illness
2025-04-11 03:06:42

Mayumi Kurata's Essay Explores Life with a Terminal Illness

A Journey of Resilience: Mayumi Kurata's Inspiring Essay



In a remarkable feat, Mayumi Kurata's essay, titled "The Husband Who Did Not Use Chemotherapy: A Diary of Our Last Days with Pancreatic Cancer," has surpassed 10,000 copies in print just two months following its release. Published on February 14, 2025, by Kokushomitsuke (Kokusho Mtsuke Co., Ltd.), Kurata's poignant narrative dives deep into the emotional journey endured by her and her husband, Shuntaro Kanai.

The essay chronicles the couple's 1 year and 9 months of battle against cancer, shedding light not only on the pain but also on the strength found in love and support during such challenging times. The book's impactful message has resonated widely, leading it to achieve the top position in the cancer-related bestsellers list on Amazon and the non-fiction category on Rakuten Books.

Mayumi Kurata's Passion for Awareness


In her own words, Kurata emphasizes the importance of autonomy for patients facing terminal diagnoses. She believes that, "Everything that happens to your body must be accepted by you. What to do and what not to do is a decision that patients should make themselves. I want to widely convey this message, and I believe it is my mission moving forward." Her personal testimony not only inspires but also challenges the conventional perspectives surrounding cancer treatment, particularly concerning chemotherapy.

Upcoming Event: A Talk by Mayumi Kurata


To celebrate the success of her book, Kurata will host a lecture event at the Kinokuniya Umeda Main Store in Osaka on June 1, 2025, at 14:00. During this event, she will share insights into her life with Shuntaro and discuss the reasons behind his decision to forgo chemotherapy. This engagement promises to be an enlightening experience for attendees, offering a unique perspective on cancer, treatment choices, and emotional resilience.

Event details will be made available on Kinokuniya Umeda's official website starting April 17, 2025.

Book Information


  • - Title: The Husband Who Did Not Use Chemotherapy: A Diary of Our Last Days with Pancreatic Cancer
  • - ISBN: 978-4-9912997-3-5
  • - Release Date: February 14, 2025
  • - Format: 208 pages, 4-6 size
  • - Price: 1,650 yen (including tax)
  • - Publisher: Kokushomitsuke
  • - Distributor: Nippon IPS Co., Ltd.

About the Author


Mayumi Kurata, born in 1971 in Fukuoka, is a graduate of Hitotsubashi University’s School of Commerce. She made her debut as a manga artist after winning an award from 'Young Magazine.' Her notable works include the acclaimed "Damenズウォーカ〜" and her recent titles such as "Kyouhaha: The Truth Behind the Koganei Decapitation Case After 16 Years" and "I Will Clean Your Bottom!" Kurata's journey has not only made her a figure in literature but also a voice for those facing terminal illnesses.

About the Publisher


Nippon IPS Co., Ltd., headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has been a significant player in the publishing distribution industry since its establishment on December 21, 1994. With a capital of 100 million yen and 97 employees as of March 31, 2024, the company specializes in publishing distribution services, export wholesale, import wholesale, and supporting overseas employees through its "CLUB JAPAN" initiative.

The narrative conveyed in Kurata's essay serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the critical importance of making informed decisions in the face of adversity.


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Topics People & Culture)

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