Ryo Asai’s 15th anniversary work as a writer, “In the Megachurch,” will be released on September 5th! A pre-release reprint has also been confirmed!

Ryo Asai’s 15th anniversary work as a writer, “In the Megachurch,” goes on sale September 5th! A pre-release reprint has also been announced! ​
Nikkei BP Co., Ltd. Press release: September 5, 2025 Ryo Asai’s 15th anniversary work, “In the Megachurch,” will be released on September 5th! A pre-release reprint has also been announced!
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“In the Megachurch” (Nikkei Publishing) Nikkei BP Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tetsuya Iguchi) will release “In the Megachurch,” a work commemorating Ryo Asai’s 15th anniversary as a writer, on September 5, 2025. View details ​ Amid the sinking archipelago, the “neighborhood” is on fire. The novel “In the Megachurch” is narrated by three people of different generations and backgrounds. This work, set in the world of fandom, explores “what motivates people in this day and age,” and commemorates the 15th anniversary of Ryo Asai’s debut as a writer. The work has received rave reviews from booksellers across the country, with comments such as, “There’s no more shocking work this year.” It has generated significant buzz even before its release, leading to a pre-release reprint of 20,000 copies.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/41279/214/41279-214-a7121d96e91a159a1b9ebed8846c6582-970×600.jpg A man living far from his family becomes involved in the management of an idol group. An introverted and sensitive college student seeks relief from the stresses that have built up over time. A woman happily supports a stage actor with her friends, but her life changes dramatically after receiving a report. From the perspectives of those who drive the fandom economy, those who are obsessed, and those who were once obsessed, this film explores the merits and demerits of moving stories. “The best way to manipulate people in this Godless country is through stories.” The special website features comments from various fields and the opinions of bookstore employees. Comments from all walks of life are pouring in!
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/41279/214/41279-214-d85289488bc02baea331ae5409f2ba77-3714×2475.png • Mitsuyo Kakuta (Author) Although set in the present day, this novel depicts both the past and the future. Prayers and curses, salvation and combat, offerings and exploitation, liberation and curses all coexist without contradiction in our hearts of faith. Perhaps it is this heart that can be called a megachurch. • Tanaka Hidaka (Author of “Otaku Culture and Feminism,” Professor at the University of Tokyo) Two “Sumi-chans” are reversing their roles over their love for their idols. What awaits us at the end of our boring daily lives? The thrilling plot twists me to the very end, keeping me turning the pages! • Yuki Shasendo (Author) To be fanned by the wind of a story and become fuel for the flames. Who said that’s a misfortune? Surely, along with the joy that comes from loving, we also seek the pain that comes from loving. • Akira Iriyama (Business Scholar, Professor at Waseda University) This book is incredibly interesting, terrifying, and captures the true and false aspects of “fandom” in modern society with overwhelming realism and resolution. The acceleration from Chapter 7 onwards is especially amazing. I learned a lot. Definitely a must-read for business people!
Author Profile Ryo Asai Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1989. Made his debut in 2009 with “Kirishima, Bukatsu Yamerutteyo” (Kirishima, Bukatsu Yamerutteyo), winning the Subaru Prize for Newcomers. He won the Naoki Prize for “Nanimono” (Who is That Person?), the Tsubota Joji Literary Award for “Sekai Chizu no Shakaki” (Draft of the World Map), and the Shibata Renzaburo Prize for “Shokuyoku” (Right Desire). His other works include “Star,” “And Then No One Leisures Anymore,” and “Reproduction Record.” Book information
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/41279/214/41279-214-0beda0e57160b6d6ecd2e699e86d8066-3900×2600.jpg “In the Megachurch” (Nikkei Publishing) “In the Megachurch” Author: Ryo Asai Release date: Friday, September 5, 2025 Price: ¥2,200 (tax included) : Nikkei BP, Nikkei Publishing Special site: