New Release Information 100 years from now, humans live on planets in space! What did author Tomoyuki Hoshino want to convey in his first picture book? “Let’s Become an Alien” (100 Years Later Picture Book Series 2) is now on sale!

[New Book Information] 100 years from now, humans live on a planet in space! What did author Hoshino Tomoyuki want to convey with his first picture book? “Let’s Become an Alien” (100 Years Later Picture Book Series 2) Now on Sale! ​
Iwasaki Shoten Co., Ltd. Press release: October 17, 2025 To Members of the Press [New Book Information] 100 years from now, humans live on a planet in space! What was the message that author Tomoyuki Hoshino wanted to convey with his first picture book? “Let’s Become an Alien” (100 Years Later Picture Book Series 2) Now on Sale! Children’s book publisher Iwasaki Shoten Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Keiko Komatsuzaki; Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) will release the picture book “Let’s Become an Alien” (written by Tomoyuki Hoshino, illustrated by nakaban) on October 21, 2025.
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The second volume in the 100 Years Later Picture Book series! Author Tomoyuki Hoshino’s first picture book! A picture book set 100 years in the future. Introducing the second volume in the 100 Years Later Picture Book series. What kind of future does Tomoyuki Hoshino’s “Homura” (Tanizaki Junichiro Prize) and nakaban’s “Hito no Namida” (30th Japan Picture Book Award) depict 100 years from now?! 100 years from now, humans will be living on a planet in space!? About the “100 Years Later Picture Book” Series There was once a time when imagining the future was exciting and thrilling. Pandemic, endless war, a divided society… With so much negative news flying around every day, what kind of future do you imagine? The theme of this “100 Years Later Picture Book” series is, quite simply, the future 100 years from now. It was conceived with the hope that, especially in times like these, by facing and depicting the future once again, we can convey the hope that lies within to children and once again feel excited and thrilled about the future. Creators active in various genres use their imaginations to imagine the future 100 years from now, asking themselves, “I wish it was like this,” “I hope it will be like this,” or “It will surely be like this.” What will it be like? This is a series we encourage you to read together with your loved ones, such as parents, children, or friends, while imagining the future. ●Content introduction 100 years from now, in the 22nd century. Humans live on an alien planet. A sparrow living on an alien planet eats a “nut that turns you into an alien.” Feeling itchy, he goes outside and finds that all the creatures around him begin to appear human. What on earth will become of the sparrow?
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/35751/411/35751-411-22c2ba701143a7f1e016677a68afa7b1-1500×1000.jpg Inside This book boldly depicts a future where we transcend the boundaries between people and other people, and between people and living things, and “we all become aliens and live together.” The story is written by author Hoshino Tomoyuki, known for works such as “The Night Never Ends” and “Homura.” The illustrations are by nakaban, a painter who has attracted attention for his unique colors and brushstrokes. The mysterious and philosophical story and the colorful, warm illustrations resonate with each other, gently asking the question of what it means to “live freely.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/35751/411/35751-411-a5f5096a58864ec7152dbf50dabae31b-1500×1984.jpg Cover Title: Becoming an Alien Author: Tomoyuki Hoshino Illustration: nakaban Publisher: Iwasaki Shoten Co., Ltd. Price: ¥1,870 (¥1,700 tax) Format: A4 variant Distribution date: October 17, 2025 Release date: October 21, 2025 ISBN: 978-4-265-07988-9 Iwasaki Shoten product page: https://www.iwasakishoten.co.jp/book/b10145070.html Product introduction video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/meXaMY3S8TM ●Author introduction Tomoyuki Hoshino Born in the United States in 1965. He made his debut in 1997 with “Saigo no Toiki” (The Last Breath), which won the Bungeishunju Literary Prize. In 2000, he won the Mishima Yukio Prize for “Awaken, the Mermaid Sings,” in 2003 the Noma Literary Newcomer Prize for “Fantasista,” in 2011 the Oe Kenzaburo Prize for “I, I,” in 2014 the Yomiuri Literature Prize for “The Night Never Ends,” in 2018 the Tanizaki Junichiro Prize for “Flames,” and in 2013 the Soccer Book Grand Prize for “None.” His other works include “Plant’s Prayers” and “The Deceived.” nakaban (Nakaban) Born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1974. Currently residing in Hiroshima Prefecture. His paintings explore the themes of travel and memory. While primarily creating illustrations for print publications, picture books, and video works, he also formed the group “Lantern Musica” with musician Takeo Toyama, traveling around the country with music and magic lanterns. In 2013, he created the logo for Shinchosha’s “Tonbo no Hon” (Dragonfly Books). His major works include the picture books “Me and the Sun Boat” (BL Publishing), “Dalana Day” (Kaiseisha), and “Torata’s Apple” (Iwanami Shoten). He won the 30th Japan Picture Book Award for “People’s Tears” (text by Uchida Kyotaro, Doshinsha). In 2020, he was responsible for the illustrations for the novel “The Deceived Shop” (written by Hoshino Tomoyuki, Chuo Hyoron Shinsha). 100 Years Later Picture Book Series Lineup (4 volumes)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/35751/411/35751-411-09a8511e5332cff7c1f1461f28690f7c-1500×1984.jpg (Now on sale!) 1. “100 Years Later, Tomorrow” Written by Maiko Seo Illustrated by Takashi Kurihara In class, students decided to imagine the world 100 years from now. Everyone drew their own futures. Then, a child they didn’t know appeared… Maiko Seo’s first picture book. [Shogakukan Children’s Publishing Culture Award Candidate] 2. “I Want to Become an Alien” Written by Tomoyuki Hoshino / Illustrated by nakaban 3. “Silver-Colored Spirit” Written by Kaori Fujino / Illustrated by Hinako Goto (Scheduled for publication in February 2026) 4. “If You Step Apart” Written by Shusuke Michio Written by Shiriagari Kotobuki (Publication scheduled for 2026 or later) *Release dates may vary by store depending on product availability. Sales locations: Bookstores nationwide, online bookstores, etc.