Abstract

The author expands on the serial "You Can't Return to Where the Sheep Are" published in the magazine "YuuYuu" over five years, currently ongoing, and compiles it into a single volume in chronological order. While continuing her writing activities, the author reveals her true self in a book, sharing insights into the changes in her health as she enters her 50s, her unwavering curiosity about travel and gourmet experiences, how her lifestyle at home has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her relationship with her parents. This book offers a glimpse into the author's true identity, which goes beyond what can be experienced in fiction. It's not only for fans of Nakajima but also for those in their 40s and above whose hearts may be easily swayed. The title "Kohinata" refers to the place name in Bunkyo Ward where the author lived during this serialization. Even if there are physical or mental discomforts, it provides an opportunity to "face the brighter side of the sun, even if it's small, and live."

Author’s Information

Born in 1964 in Tokyo. Graduated from the Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Tokyo Women's University. After working for a publishing company and freelancing, she went to the United States. She made her debut in 2003 with "FUTON" (Kodansha) upon her return to Japan. In 2010, she received the 143rd Naoki Prize for "Small House" (Bungeishunju). In 2014, she received the 42nd Izumi Kyoka Literary Award for "When My Wife Was a Mushroom" (Kodansha). In 2015, she received the 3rd Kawai Hayao Story Prize, the 4th Historical Era Writers Club Award for Works, and the 28th Shibata Renzaburo Award for "Katazu no!" (Shueisha). In the same year, she received the 10th Chuo Koron Literature Prize for "Long Farewell" (Bungeishunju), and in the following year, 2016, she received the 5th Japan Medical Novel Award for the same work. In 2020, she received the 30th Murasaki Shikibu Literary Award for "Dreaming Empire Library" (Bungeishunju). In 2022, she received the 72nd Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for the Arts (Literary Division) for "Moonlight Inn" (KADOKAWA) and "Yasashii Neko" (Chuko Shinsho). In the same year, she received the 56th Yoshikawa Eiji Literature Award for "Yasashii Neko." She has numerous other works and awards.