[Kawade Shobo Shinsha] “The novel that’s like my business card” Nakamura Fumino’s latest novel in two years, “His Left Hand is a Snake,” is finally on sale! [Author interview video released]
Kawade Shobo Shinsha Press release: October 30, 2025 To Members of the Press “The novel that’s like my business card” – Nakamura Fumino’s latest novel in two years, “His Left Hand is a Snake,” is finally on sale! [Author interview video released] I’ve written a novel that’s like my business card. I’d be happy if you read it. — Fuminori Nakamura
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Nakamura Fumino’s new masterpiece, “His Left Hand is a Snake” Three months ago, this “man” quit his job, broke up with his girlfriend, and came to this land of snake worship, lost throughout the world—this land where the Heike clan is said to have fled. And he is writing “this writing.” This diary that no one will read. A strange memory from his childhood when he thought he wasn’t human; a group of volunteers hunting poisonous snakes on Mount Q; a shrine dedicated to white snakes and its chief priest; a woman seeking a snake; the death of a certain politician and the detective from Q Police Station investigating it; a businessman named Law K; and… Apep. Now, the man sets out alone for a certain purpose. “In other words, this is a book of terrorism. No one should read it—” The author’s latest novel in two years is the birth of a new masterpiece! The author, whose work continues to fascinate readers both at home and abroad while constantly evolving, has for the first time depicted “solo terrorism” using the “snake” motif that has appeared throughout his previous works.The author himself describes this work as “so much like me.” Since its serialization in the quarterly magazine “Spin” (Issues 5-12), it has received numerous praises, such as “It’s one of a kind and entertaining” and “I can’t wait for the next issue,” making it one of the most eagerly anticipated books to be published. An interview video has been released to commemorate the publication of “His Left Hand is a Snake”!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9z32642jeY ■[Author Interview] Fumino Nakamura Talks About His New Work, “His Left Hand is a Snake” https://youtu.be/L9z32642jeY To commemorate the publication of “His Left Hand is a Snake,” a video interview with Nakamura Fumino was released today on the Kawade Shobo Shinsha YouTube channel
(@kawadeshobo). In this interview, Nakamura discusses the thoughts he put into this book, from what inspired him to write it, to his childhood imaginary friends, stories about the book’s design and illustrations, and even his message to readers (running time: 6 minutes 22 seconds). Text of part of the publication commemorative interview now available! ■What kind of work does this book mean to you, Fumino Nakamura? Nakamura: I think it’s a novel that’s very much like me, or like it’s written right at the heart of who I am. I think readers will feel the same way. I often hear from readers that they’re “really glad I found this book” or “I love it so much I carry it around with me,” so I was particularly conscious of those kinds of comments this time. I wrote this book with the intention of providing more encouragement to such people and making them feel glad that they came across it. ■ Differences between this book and the serialization in the quarterly magazine “Spin” Nakamura:It’s changed a lot since I was writing “Spin.” The magazine version has its own ending, but the story changes quite a bit in the book, so I’ve rewritten it quite a bit. ■Please give a message to our readers Nakamura: I think it’s a pretty difficult society to live in. And it’s a society where it’s hard to even call it “difficult to live in.” Everyone’s like, “Don’t even complain.” I think that’s the kind of society we live in, but I think it’s important to let go and be kind to yourself, at least when you’re reading a book. We’ve shared a small excerpt from the interview video. Please watch the video to find out more. Hot recommendations from booksellers across the country!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1089/12754-1089-be8bf1571b1b7a0f7fc32fb9ed58c493-3507×2480.jpg “His Left Hand is a Snake” Storefront Display The human impulse toward destruction and longing for rebirth take on the form of a snake, speaking to a man staring into the darkness of his own heart. The viewer is drawn into a worldview that seems to quietly walk the borderline between life and death, sanity and madness. –Harada Satoko (Marusan Bookstore Santo Moon Branch) A story in which the chaotic surface peels away, revealing a ferocious essence. The climax, in which a sinister poison seeps out, remains deeply etched in my mind. A spectacular work, as if burying itself in the depths of mystery and the unknown. –Atsuko Muneoka (Kinokuniya Fukuoka Main Branch) It was as if I felt in sync with the main character, fascinated by the snake, and as the plan progressed, I felt relieved when things didn’t go well, and broke out in a sweat when things went smoothly. In order to change the horrific past for the better, I intend to live my present and future with Nakamura Fumino’s works. –Yuri Nishida (Junkudo Bookstore, Nagoya Sakae Branch) The story is so gloomy that it makes you feel like you’re falling into the darkness of your own heart. But at the same time, the affirmation of life and guidance to hope are deeply moving. –Chinami Tokojima (TSUTAYA Yokohama Minato Mirai Store) After finishing the book, I couldn’t help but slap my knee at the title, “His Left Hand is a Snake.” I never expected this story to leave me with such a warm feeling after reading it. –Inami Hayata (Kumazawa Bookstore Asakusa Branch) I want to strike a blow against this twisted world filled with hatred, sadness, and anger. The intense thought makes me think of suicide, but I am alive, I am truly alive. There is a trembling hope beyond that. –Mari Yamanaka (Junkudo Bookstore, Shiga Kusatsu Branch) The story has such a powerful pull that it nearly swallows you up again and again. Its unique worldview, where fact and fiction, reality and hallucination intersect, is oppressive and suffocating, yet it’s connected to our own world by a thin line. I was overwhelmed by the unique story that only the author could have written. It was an incredibly amazing work! –Mayumi Ikejiri (Kinokuniya Kurume Branch) Author introduction
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1089/12754-1089-0e3f3ee7a0cdeed02dbde88976095e5c-1800×2700.jpg Nakamura Fuminori (Nakamura Fuminori) Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1977. He made his debut in 2002 with “The Gun,” winning the Shincho Newcomer Prize. In 2004, he won the Noma Literary Newcomer Prize for “Shakou,” the Akutagawa Prize for “Kodomo no Kodomo” (Children in the Earth), and in 2010, he won the Oe Kenzaburo Prize for “Pickpocket.” In 2012, the English translation of “Pickpocket” was selected as one of the Wall Street Journal’s top 10 novels of the year. In 2014, he won the David L. Goodis Award in the United States. He won the Dumago Literary Prize in 2016 for “My Disappearance,” the Chunichi Cultural Prize in 2020, and the Noma Literary Prize in 2012 for “Line.” His other works include “Everything is Gloomy on a Night,” “Last Winter, We Parted,” “Cult X,” and “R Empire.” His essay collection is “Free Thinking,” and his interview collection is “Free Conversations.” 【Nakamura Fuminori Official Website (New Book Information, etc.)】 http://www.nakamurafuminori.jp Bibliographic information
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1089/12754-1089-80569a6f878a0b49568dc5d73b83f149-1834×2700.jpg Book title: His left hand is a snake Author: Fuminori Nakamura Specifications: 46 format variant / hardcover / 196 pages Release date: October 30, 2025 Estimated price: ¥1,760 (¥1,600 excluding tax) ISBN: 978-4-309-03231-3 Book design: Seiichi Suzuki Design Office Illustration: Takeo Chikatsu URL:
https://www.kawade.co.jp/np/isbn/9784309032313/ ※An e-book version is scheduled for release soon. Please check with each e-book store for details.
Kawade Shobo Shinsha will celebrate its 140th anniversary in May 2026. Various projects have begun in preparation for the anniversary year!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12754/1089/12754-1089-0691ffeb8501110bd506e1324cf6e381-362×647.jpg Logo and character design: Bunpei Yorifuji (Bunpei Ginza) Kawade Shobo Shinsha will celebrate its 140th anniversary in May 2026. As we mark this milestone, under our catchphrase “Through the window of books, now and into the future,” we will once again strive to convey the joy of opening a book and the charm of reading, while fostering a closer and more intimate relationship between books and readers. Look forward to the various commemorative titles we will be releasing with “Fukurou-san,” our newly created character that “supports all books and all reading.” In addition to publications, information on campaigns and events commemorating our 140th anniversary will be posted on the special website below. Special site URL:
https://web.kawade.co.jp/sp140th/ For more information about this release