[Magazine House Co., Ltd.] The much-anticipated paperback edition of “Everything is a Message: A Novel by Yuming,” a much-talked-about novel depicting the origins of Japan’s biggest female pop star, Yumi Matsutoya (Yumi Matsutoya). On sale from November 6th (Thursday)
Magazine House, Inc. Press release: October 1, 2025 To Members of the Press The highly anticipated paperback edition of “Everything is a Message: A Novel by Yuming,” a much-anticipated novel depicting the origins of Japan’s biggest female pop star, Yumi Matsutoya (also known as Yuming). On sale from Thursday, November 6th Magazine House Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shuichi Tetsuo) is pleased to announce that Mariko Yamauchi’s “Everything Is a Message: A Yuming Novel” will be available in bookstores and online bookstores nationwide on Thursday, November 6th.
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Author Mariko Yamauchi’s nonfiction novel depicts the childhood of singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, who has been a driving force in the Japanese music scene since her debut as a composer at the age of 17—her Arai Yumi days. This work, written by Mariko Yamauchi, caused a great stir upon its publication, with Yumi Matsutoya commenting, “Yamauchi’s great curiosity reminded me of the love I myself had completely forgotten. I am truly glad I was given this opportunity. I finished reading this novel with a feeling of happiness that is neither resignation nor determination, realizing that I could never have become anything other than ‘Yumiming.'” This paperback edition will include an introduction by Junko Sakai. The book design is by Itia Oshima, and the cover illustrations are by Yoshimi Hatori. The full comment from Yumi Matsutoya is as follows: This may be closer to reportage than nonfiction. Mariko Yamauchi’s ferocious research skills and interviews clicked the memory buttons one after another, I spent my childhood and youth surfing. It was dizzying and fun. This is the exact opposite of the success stories that many people love, so it’s understandable if you don’t sympathize with it at all. It’s true, “truth is stranger than fiction.” A story about a unique girl who experiences the 50s, 60s, and 70s. A story about a unique girl who grows into adulthood, immersed in Tokyo culture and counterculture. Yamauchi’s great curiosity reminded me of a love I had completely forgotten. I’m truly grateful for being given this opportunity. I truly realized that I could never become anything other than “Yumi.” I finished reading this novel with a feeling of happiness that’s neither resignation nor resolve. ――Yumi Matsutoya Table of Contents Chapter 1: Yumi-chan from Hachioji Chapter 2: Piano, Kiyomoto, and Saudade Chapter 3: Rikkyo Jogakuin and the Pipe Organ Chapter 4: Maggie and Tachikawa Air Base Chapter 5: The House with the Spiral Staircase Chapter 6: Fingers Days Chapter 7 1969 Chapter 8 Ochanomizu in the Latin Quarter Chapter 9 Seventeen! Chapter 10: Hello, Caramel Mama Synopsis Born into a wealthy kimono shop in Hachioji, Yumi Arai learned piano, studied Kiyomoto, and enjoyed life at a mission school for girls. She traveled freely around Tokyo during the period of rapid economic growth, blossomed into a talented singer-songwriter, and made her debut as a teenager. How did this brilliant talent, which would later become Japan’s biggest female pop star, Yumi Matsutoya (aka Yuming), emerge? This nonfiction novel traces her origins and journey. Author profile Mariko Yamauchi Born in Toyama Prefecture in 1980. In 2008, she won the Reader’s Award at the R-18 Literature Award for Women by Women. In 2012, she published her first book, “It’s Boring Here, Come Pick Me Up.” Her other works include “Anoko wa Kizoku,” which was made into a film in 2021, as well as “Ichishin to Utaitai Datta,” “Marilyn Told Me,” and “Fugitive Girl.”
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/30125/557/30125-557-ce760f02ec72805c2220261837bef0cb-906×1292.jpg Title: Everything is a Message, Novel by Yuming Author: Mariko Yamauchi Release Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025 Price: 990 yen (tax included) Specifications: Paperback, 432 pages ISBN: 978-4-8387-7115-8 : Magazine House, Inc. URL:
https://magazineworld.jp/books/paper/7115
