The translation of Juuni kokuki newsletter by Shinchōsha.

   Today, December 12th, that’s “The day of Twelve Kingdoms”, we are happy to announce we have the first manuscript of the novel.
   The new novel that we waited for many years has become a very long one whose length is about 2,500 sheets in 400-character-manuscript-paper. The stage of the story is Tai(戴国).
   We take pleasure in having one of her masterpieces this year when Ono sensei marked the thirtieth anniversary of her writer life, and would like to thank the readers who kept waiting.

   From now on, we’ll start some rewriting manuscripts and preparation of illustrations. So we’ve not decided on the released date yet. But we promise it is published in 2019.
   We were telling to announce the first report on this official site, and delivered it to “The day of Twelve Kingdoms”.
   We will work toward telling you more detailed information from now.

   We appreciate your continuous support and your waiting our report.

   From Twelve Kingdoms staff on 2018.12.12

   The Twelve Kingdoms tells deep and magnificent human dramas. The illustrator Yamada Akihiro draws the beautiful illustrations, which further expands its world view, and we finally turn his illustrations into art books! Your enjoying his illustrations only in the paperback size so far, but you can enjoy them in the impressive size close to the originals after this! When we decide the release date and start reservations, we will inform you of the details.

● The books are published in two volumes! So you can enjoy twice.
   The title of the first collection is “The Garden of eternity“.
   The first includes Yamada Akihiro’s illustrations from 1991 to 2006, which are collected from “Demon’s Child(魔性の子)” of first Shinchōsha edition and other series books of Kōdansha Bunko X White Hart. It also includes other less-known illustrations of the related products and new illustrations!!

   The title of the second collection is “Music of Blue Sun”.
   The second includes his illustrations after 2012, from Shinchōsha entire edition.
   The release date has not been determined yet. We will inform you the release date as soon as we decide it. Don’t miss it!

   There is the exhibition of Yamada Akihiro’s original illustrations at Tanizaki Junichiro Memorial Museum of Literature, Ashiya. About the illustrations of The Twelve Kingdoms the duplicate originals are on display (May/28 – Jun/29).
>> 山田章博～挿画の世界展～

   “Tonan no Tsubasa (図南の翼)”, one of the most popular stories in the sireis, is released on Sep. 28.
   I read it again and again, and Shushō(珠晶)’s charm of energy, attitude, and language overwhelms me.
   She is wise and saucy, but then, she is so adorable. You have just a bit more days until you can read the book through at one go. Please be patient!

   We have finished sending off the Summer Greeting Card of the book “Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥)” release gift.   Autumn is already come, but we have the lingering summer heat again, so we are happy the card shows our concern for you belatedly.
   A cool illustration by Yamada and a handwritten message by Ono on the card, both of them are so valuable.

   We show you the cover illustration of the book “Tonan no Tsubasa (図南の翼)”.

   Finally, we publish one of the most popular stories in the series.
   Shushō(珠晶) is just a 12-year-old girl, bright and a little sassy.
   But, she gave up on adults around her because they had no courage, and she herself aimed at the Ruler―daring and fearlessness in her good attitude surely win readers’ heart.

   Smile of the girl tramples down a tiger is admirable!
   On one of illustrations you can see that handsome.

   Shushō(珠晶)’s charm in fully open condition! Don’t miss it.

   This book is a short story collection, and each story has an illustration as a title page. Four stories in the book all describe men who dedicate themselves to their work and try to establish it completely.

   The leading characters of stories are almost comparative aged men, but an admirable young girl appears in the story “Fūshin (風信)”. If you read the story, in the illustration you will feel a deep sense in girl’s expression and her background.

   Each title page of “Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥)”, “Rakushō no Goku (落照の獄)” and “Seijō no Ran (青条の蘭)” also has an illustration that recalls the story world. Please enjoy it!

   You might have a “Summer Greeting Card (暑中見舞い)”, which has Ono Fuyumi’s message and Yamada Akihiro’s illustration.

   We plan to send “Summer Greeting Cards (暑中見舞い)” to ten thousand readers as a memorial of the first book in twelve years.

■ Application method:
   Write your zip code, address, name, and age, and paste [8], [2] on the postcard.
   Send it to the following address.

   The book jacket of “Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥)” has [8], and the book jacket of “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #1 (月の影 影の海[上])” has [2].

   Ten thousand winners selected in a drawing will receive a “Summer Greeting Card (暑中見舞い)” from Ono sensei. Winners will receive the prize without prior announcement.

■ Address:
   To “Juuni Kokuki” Editorial Department of Shinchōsha
   71 Yarai-chō Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8711 Japan

■ Closing date for application:
   The application must be postmarked by August 31 (in Japan).

   Now, Ono sensei is writing the first complete new novel after “The Shore at Twilight, The Sky at Daybreak (黄昏の岸 暁の天)” published on 2001. Her writing goes well.

   We are going to give another big surprise gift to you when we release it.

   There was a man who believed in “hope” from “despair”. New Ruler of Kei (慶) ascended the throne. Taisha (大射) is a ceremony of the coronation in which the ceramic targets that represent birds were shot at. Hisho (丕緒) was a potter and was struggling to the burden of the responsibility to represent the country’s ideals. The birds pinned hopes on, could fly to the big sky or not. — At “Hisho no Tori (丕緒)” and the other three, each story has an honest and ordinary man who struggles and tries to fulfill his role.

【Contained stories】
“Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥)”
“Rakushō no Goku (落照の獄)”
“Seijō no Ran (青条の蘭)” or “Aosuji no Ran (青条の蘭)” (Edit:2013.06.28)
“Fūshin (風信)”

   Four new illustrations by Yamada Akihiro.

   We show you the cover illustration of the book “Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥)”.

   This new book contains four short stories which include two new short stories long-awaited.
   You can see the cover illustration which is from the name piece “Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥)”.

   All short stories has a man as a leading person who is dedicated to his role.
   Each story has a magnificent illustration that is reminiscent of the life of each person.

   Besides, for Yamada Akihiro, it is the first time to draw these characters in illustrations.
   With depth of the stories, please enjoy them!

   Not only the three girls have the anguish of life, but also other people have the anguish of life. We can see the difficulty of living in quiet in the story of volume 2.

   The undefeated way they live in spite of difficulty gives the courage to all of us.

   This release has two volumes, and each has five new illustrations.

   Yōko(陽子), who takes over the throne of Kei(慶国).
   Shōkei(祥瓊), who lost her position as the princess of Hō(芳国).
   Suzu(鈴), who reaches Sai(才国) as a Kaikyaku(海客).

   These three girls never give up their lives, while each of them cannot escape the anguish of life and sheds tears.
   The illustration from volume 1 also tells the very strong survival power of them to us.

   One year has passed since we announced to publish the full version “Juuni kokuki”.
   The publication goes smoothly, and on July 1st we will release the new short stories.
   The book title is “The Birds of Hisho (丕緒の鳥)”! It contains four stories, two of which are complete new stories. You can read them before too long!

   We already have the last manuscript! All of the stories are very compelling and very inspiring.
   As informed by the leaflet of “A Thousand Miles of Wind, The Sky at Dawn #1 (風の万里 黎明の空)”, we will plan a surprise gift for customers and give its detail by the leaflet of the new book. Look forward to it!

   People believe the Ruler (王) is their only and they rise up together.
   People who groan under tyranny, a child who lost his life under it.
   — They swear to get happiness and well-being of the country by themselves.

   【The new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro!】
   The attitude of people, who do not succumb to any tribulations and who take another forward step, gives you the courage not to give up your lives.

   Facing hardship, all are crying in their fate.

   Yōko(陽子) is mentally conflicted about her role as the Ruler (王), the two girls are in envy and jealousy to her.
   — Though they set out on their trip to hope.

   【The new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro!】
   Yōko(陽子), Shōkei(祥瓊), and Suzu(鈴) stand face to face, each suffering of the three moves us very much. That suffering might seem to be none of your business, but actually it provokes you into thinking your own agonies of life deeply.

   We already have one of the two stories which are included in the new book released on July 1st (its hitting bookstores at the end of June).
   The book contains Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥), Rakushō no Goku (落照の獄), which were appeared in yom yom, and the two stories. The book is highly rewarding.
   Ono Sensei is writing another story for the book. Look forward to it!

   We’ve got Amazing illustrations and finished proofreading as scheduled.

   This release has two volumes. The story features three girls mainly, and other people lives.
   No one gives up the life in the story, we get the strength from the story.

   The story surely encourage you!

   We show you the cover illustration of the book “A Thousand Miles of Wind, The Sky at Dawn #2 (風の万里 黎明の空)”.

   The cover of the book #1 has three girls, and this does three men, Koshō (虎嘯), Sekki (夕喗), and Kantai (桓魋).
   This is the first time of their appearance on the cover illustration.

   Strength of their lives brim their fighting!

   Enjoy the contrast charm of “dynamic” and “static” illustrations, and the stories.

   We have under 1 month before “A Thousand Miles of Wind, The Sky at Dawn #1, #2 (風の万里 黎明の空)” are released, it goes on sale on Apr. 1st.
   Today, we show you the cover illustration of the book #1.

   Yōko(陽子), who is anointed Ruler (王) but still keeps on anguish.
   Other two girls, who live in suffering.

   The girls bear their burden and get on the path to the future of hope, which makes us move.

   They feel jealous and envious each other, know the weakness of their own, but still try to survive. Their never-ending story is a masterpiece. Please look forward to it!

   We’ll show you the cover illustration of the book #2 at a later date. Don’t miss it!

   Now, the Ruler (王) and the Kirin (麒麟) are two of the most popular characters in the series, who make an appearance.
   Carefree Shōryū (尚隆), Ruler of En (延王), is loafing on the affairs of state administration and gets an earful from his vassals. On the other hand, a brash attitude of Rokuta (六太), who is the Kirin (麒麟) and chose Shōryū (尚隆) as the Ruler (王) by himself. — Their perfect dialogue which we cannot see in other countries.
   In fact, this shows a strong bond between Shōryū (尚隆) and Rokuta (六太).

   This book includes new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro, too.
   In particular, the last one of them is very moving! Don’t miss it.

   The book contains “Hisho no Tori (丕緒の鳥)” (yom yom #6, 2008.Mar.), “Rakushō no Goku (落照の獄)” (yom yom #12, 2009.Oct.) and two new stories which are your long-awaited ones.

   Even if you already read “yom yom” #6 and #12, the new book are well worth reading for you!

   We will release “A Thousand Miles of Wind, The Sky at Dawn #1, #2 (風の万里 黎明の空)” on Apr. 1st.

   In 2013, we will continue “Twelve Kingdoms” publishing. You can’t keep your eyes off our entire edition. Don’t miss it!

   【The books that have been published】

1. Demon’s Child(魔性の子)
2. The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #1(月の影 影の海[上])
3. The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #2(月の影 影の海[下])
4. Sea of Wind, Shore of the Labyrinth(風の海 迷宮の岸)
5. Sea God in the East, Vast Sea in the West(東の海神 西の滄海)

   And the Ruler (王), who promises a happy place (Country) for his people, but –.
.
   At the moment Rokuta (六太) met Shōryū (尚隆), who believed Shōryū (尚隆) is the Ruler (王).
   But then, the Rebellion broke out at En (雁国).
   Which ideal, that the two men have, can save the people?

   【The new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro!】
   The popular two in the series, Shōryū (尚隆) and Rokuta (六太), maybe you can hear their fine talking when you see this illustration. Besides, the painful encounter of two boys, the struggle of two men love for their country, which shake your hearts. Please enjoy!

   This day, 2012/12/12, is the day of the “Juuni kokuki” we decided. We’ve begun the special event on the official site. You can get our special surprise gift from the page. It is available for a limited time until 2012/12/25 @20:00. Don’t miss it.

   >> The special event of the day of the “Juuni kokuki”

   We have only 22 days before “Sea God in the East, Vast Sea in the West (東の海神 西の滄海)” goes on sale. We finished proofreading as scheduled last week.

   You will slap your knee and satisfy yourself again by detailed corrections, that is expression, diction, and the way of letters are used.

   This describes their way of life between the two men who fight for the seat of the Ruler (王) at the country En (延国), and this muscular story is about the bearers of the country’s future.
   On the other hand, the encounter of two boys might fill your heart with pain.

   We show you the attractive illustrations of Shōryū (尚隆) and Rokuta (六太) anytime soon.

   This year, “the full version” started, the calendar is lined with 12s miraculously.
   So, only this year the day (2012/12/12) is the day of the “Juuni kokuki” we decided.
   We have a surprise event on this site. From 2012/12/12 @12:00 to 2012/12/25 @20:00, Japan time.

   The details are secret until the day. Please visit here on the day!!

   We have under 1 month before “Sea God in the East, Vast Sea in the West (東の海神 西の滄海)” is released, it goes on sale on Dec. 26th.
   Today, we show you the cover illustration.
   Your wait is over. Look at the Ruler(王) and the Kirin(麒麟) who are very very popular with the series readers and viewers.
   The Ruler of En (延王), Shōryū (尚隆), who is going his way, and Enki(延麒), Rokuta (六太), who is a rambunctious boy.
   On the other hand, the story itself, which is told about the throne and politics of the country En (延国), is very muscular and very human.

   Yamada drew marvelous illustrations again. For emotional scenes, you have heartfelt moments absolutely sure.
   Please wait the book release!

   This time again, Yamada Akihiro drew five new illustrations for the book!
   We show one of them on which he draws the precious portraits of “Two Kirin(麒麟)”.
   Young Taiki(泰麒) is so lovely, and you can see Keiki(景麒)’s perplexity on his face, who looks at his young friend.
   If you already read the story, you can get this illustration is about the scene. If you first read this, we hope you enjoy both the story and the illustrations to pieces.
   You notice Taiki(泰麒)’s tiptoes, don’t you? He is adorable even as he is in distress deeply.

   Four other illustrations are also powerful and brilliant. Don’t miss it!

   To choose the Ruler(王) is his duty, but how? The boy has an inner struggle.

   After ten years he comes back to his home world by his fate. Can he, young Kirin(麒麟), make his decision correctly? — This impacting story brings a solution to the mystery of “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)”.

   【The new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro!】
   In this book, the adorableness of young Taiki(泰麒) and his painfully sad expression can seize hold of our heart immediately. Of course, other highlight scenes in it! Look out for it!

   We have only 15 days before “Sea of Wind, Shore of the Labyrinth (風の海 迷宮の岸)” is released.
   The second book of the new full version is this work that gives a solution to the mystery of “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)”.
   We show you the cover illustration!
   The adorableness of young Taiki(泰麒) and the image of Haku Sanshi(白汕子) who watches over him with her adoring eye, we can’t resist them!

   If you have read the WH version yet, you can feel that the new book in one volume is different from the old. If it is first reading for you, please enjoy the story and illustrations to the fullest.

   This time again, the illustration which has an important implication for the story is printed on the back cover.
   All illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful, of course! Don’t miss it.

   We have only 24 days before “Sea of Wind, Shore of the Labyrinth (風の海 迷宮の岸)” goes on sale. We’ve finished proofreading as scheduled.
   This time again, we reviewed it by the author’s detailed corrections. If you have the old edition, to compare it to the new one will be fun.
   WH version was in two volumes, our new “full version” is going to be published in one volume.
   The preparation of the cover design also progresses steadily. We will show you a new illustration next week. Don’t miss it!

   In Japan NHK rebroadcasts the Anime, and “Juuni kokuki” has big advantage.
   As for ep.6 – ep.10 were broadcasted from 2:00 a.m. on August 3, Yōko(陽子) is getting more stronger and greater.
   And Rakushun(楽俊) finally comes up and we cannot talk about Yōko(陽子)’s development without his existence. How many people hearts his words move!!! Besides, his puffy figure and his wobbly walking style heal us.
   However, in the Anime Rakushun(楽俊) seems bigger than expected……Don’t you think so?
   The original is more wonderful! We show Rakushun(楽俊)’s portrait from the new edition “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #2 (月の影 影の海〔下〕)” for you don’t have had the original books yet.
   His eyes, looking up Yōko(陽子), are so cute!!

   One of FAQ about the full version is “What differences are the old version and the new full version? Does it have any addition or alternation?”. We give you its answer here.
   “There are no addition and alternation which might influence the stories. But, about scene description and expression, about diction and the way of letters are used, they are changed a little by proofreading of the author herself.
   If you have the old version, please compare the both and we think you can find something interesting.

   Yesterday, the new “Juuni kokuki” was released.
   Some book stores began to sell the day before yesterday, so, last night we had a lot of enthusiastic messages with “!!!!!”, “I got it!!”, “What beautiful installations!”, etc.

   We heard many people did pre-publication order. We appreciate your actions. Thank you very much in advance for your support.

   Today, we show you one of five illustrations for “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #1 (月の影 影の海〔上〕).
   He draws the very moment of Yōko(陽子) who escapes to another world.
   Rest four of them. The new illustrations are beautiful and powerful. Please enjoy more full and more rich mood of them!

   In the July issue, our information magazine “Waves(波)” runs a cover story on “Juuni kokuki”, the 3 pages interview with Ono Fuyumi.

   Our interviewer questioned her about various point of views, for example, her world-view about Juuni koku that “In the world each country has the Ruler(王) who runs there and Kirin(麒麟) who elects the Ruler. Kirin is a very special character. Why did you create them?” or, “What do you think about a fantasy novel, Ms. Ono?” and etc.

   In addition, it has a cover design and four illustrations by Akihiro Yamada. Please look at them!

   You can order the July issue of “Waves(波)” by this form, if you are in Japan.
   NOTE)   They do not ship the magazine abroad. This campaign ended.

   It remains another five days until the day of the new edition release! Your messages bring a lot of your expectation to us and make our tension higher.
   Today, we show the old and the new cover of “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)”　side by side.
   The old was published as the first edition on 1991 from “the fantasy Novel series” that is one of our paperback label.
   At first, there was no plan to announce as the series, so it had more impression as a modern horror story.
   This time, it might give very different impression between one who read it for the first time and the other who read it for the second time or more.
   The new edition has illustrations, and the world of the story spreads out more. Please feel it as “Episode 0” and enjoy it in your each way.

   All three books are the first publication of the entire series are included in the “新潮文庫の100冊” fair. Only you who buy two books get a gift, don’t miss it!

   The new edition “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)” has illustrations for the first time in 21 years.
   Takasato(高里), his noble, handsome figure and atmosphere …… indeed! Fresh impression.
   Rest four are also dramatic.

   We give the new marvelous binding design for the new releases of Shinchōsha’s paperbacks. If you have all books of our releases, you can find a series of decorations on their spines. It is our first attempt at the paperback’s spine. The color of the spine is the same as the books of Ono we published before. (i.e. 『東亰異聞』，『屍鬼』，『黒祠の島』)

   Yōko(陽子) has been betrayed and battling hardship, but she finally meets a friend believed. However, shortly after that, she has to make the serious ‘decision’. The impact of the story grows, when you see the girl being the sport of fate, and her nobility.

   【The new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro!】
   Rakushn(楽俊) and his personality give gentleness to the story. You can feel his warmth by the illustrations ……. Wait and expect your happiness when you open the book!

   A high school student, Yōko(陽子), is suddenly kidnapped to Alien world by a mysterious man. On the unknown land, she is betrayed again and again, but she struggles to keep alive under the such conditions. Now, the very exiting opening of the main story!

   【The new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro!】
   Many yōjū(妖獣) appear in the story around both real and alien world. The illustrations draw the strong human beings to survive open the world in the magnificent and overwhelming force.

   The boy, Takasato(高里), cuts himself off from the class in the school. And, what is the truth that is revealed to the ends of the tragedy……? The prologue of the horrors!

   【The new five illustrations by Yamada Akihiro!】
   For the first time, “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)” has illustrations since having been published 21 years ago. The leading character, Takasato(高里), his expression and gesture you witness at the first time, and you get really excited with the spectacular ending. It gives you very fresh emotions.

   Thank you for your waiting. Now, we can show the cover illustration of “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #2 (月の影 影の海)” to you. Keiki(景麒) gets into the illustration finally!
   You must be eye-caught by the delicate decoration of the costumes and Suigūtō(水禺刀).

   The five new illustrations will be drawn for each book as we already noticed it to you.
   It’s the first time that the “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)” has illustrations, so it brings us a fresh impression.
   Takasato(高里)……that will increase our anticipation. The proofreading is in progress steadily. Please wait and expect!

   “Yōko(陽子) Week”, about “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #1 (月の影 影の海)”, ended yesterday and the pieces were filled with their reputation.
   Today, we show the full illustration as your enjoyment.
   We can see the strength of Yōko(陽子) who faces challenges alone courageously, and she is not only beautiful but noble dignity.
   The illustrator, Yamada Akihiro, draws her charm and it brings a deep breath of admiration to us.
   About “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #2 (月の影 影の海)”, we will release it next week. Don’t miss it!

   Today’s are Yōko(陽子)’s red hair and Hekisōju(碧双珠).
   Her iconic red hair is awesome!
   And Hekisōju(碧双珠) that heals disease and wounds. Delicate beauty of the green ball, you can feel its texture.

   The illustration releasing completes today. Now “Yōko(陽子) Week” has ended.
   Would you enjoy the beauty of the illustration by Yamada Akihiro and could you see its detail until now?

   For the week, we have received your request that you want to see all of the cover illustration, so we plan to show the whole cover you can also see its background though the image size is smaller. Please wait and expect!

   Today’s is a part of the uniform is torn in the fight against Yōma(妖魔).
   She while wounded keeps fighting by alone, which is too dignified dazzling.

   In order to show the beautiful colors and delicate strokes by Yamada Akihiro, in “Yōko(陽子) Week” we have published sequentially in large pieces.
   Three more pieces are remained. We will up all of them tomorrow. Don’t miss it!

   The second of “Yōko week”, is Suigūtō(水禺刀).
   Suigūtō(水禺刀) is given over to the heroine Yōko(陽子), and with it she fights with the constant demons.
   The breathtaking beauty of patterns is composed ​​to its hilt!
   Do enjoy it.

   Last weekend, we announced the cover of “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #1 (月の影 影の海)” to you.
   Today, we can show you the piece of Yōko(陽子)’s face.
   She continues her long quest alone, and she looks very noble, beautiful, and attractive.
   The original illustration brought us shaking with emotion.

   Tomorrow, other piece(s), please wait!

   From May 14, we’ll release a part of the cover illustration “The Shadow of the Moon, The Sea of Shadow #1 (月の影 影の海)”.
   We haven’t exposed all of them yet. But a magnificent illustration with full charm of Yōko(陽子) is a masterpiece even if you can’t see all of it.
   We plan to release a large size of image for your seeing its details. From Monday to Friday, we’ll expose one or two pieces per a day.
   Wait and expect “Yōko(陽子) week”!

   The logo of Juuni kokuki has been created! It has a subtle charm.
   As we thought it is too ordinary to use the clerical script of computer fonts, we recreated the new font from both the original Oracle bone script and the original Chinese Bronze script which are older the Chinese scripts than the original clerical script.
   We gave such a processing. By this, readers don’t set the era of the story and they can have a broad perspective from original script shape.
   “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)” gets this series logo and begins with this new edition as “a story of the series”.

   Do you have nice days for the May holidays (in Japan)?
   The fresh green season (in Japan), and, our release day of “十二国記” is approaching just about 2 months later.
   We mark up the galley proof and our job is steadily in progress.
   In the meetings of sales and publicity department, We have engaged in a heated debate about design and deployment method, etc.

   The new edition “Demon’s Child (魔性の子)” has a complete new cover after the old having been used for 21 years. We show you the cover illustration which Yamada Akihiro newly drew for the book.
   The overwhelming composition and color, which bring you the depth and impact of the work.
   Now, the binding designers of our team are working very hard. All of you, please also expect the novel binding design!