This is the sort of thing that went through my head while I was writing. Without the help of a great many people, this novel would never have made into this world. It’s a dark story, with characters dying left and right, but I’m happy with how it turned out.
I’d like to thank Yoshitoshi Abe for so perfectly realizing the world of the novel in his illustrations; my chief editor, Miyuki Matsumoto, who went above and beyond the call of duty for the book; After Glow’s Takeshi Yamazaki for his wonderful design work; Jun Masuda and his incredible friends for their help checking all things military; and finally Chōhei Kambayashıi for his many insightful suggestions.
Oh, I nearly forgot. Thanks to all the good little boys and girls out there sending me those jet-black feeds.
—Hiroshi Sakurazaka
About The Author

Photo by Yoshihiro Hagiwara
Hiroshi Sakurazaka was born in 1970. After a career in information technology, he published his first novel, Wizard’s Web, in 2003. His 2004 short story, “Saitama Chainsaw Massacre,” won the 16th SF Magazine Reader’s Award. His other novels include Slum Online and Characters (co-written with Hiroki Azuma).
HAIKASORU—The Future Is Japanese
The Lord of the Sands of Time
Only the past can save the future as the cyborg O travels from the 26th century to ancient Japan and beyond. With the help of the princess Miyo and a ragtag troop of warriors from across history, O has a chance to save humanity and his own soul, but will it be at the cost of his life?
All You Need Is KILL
It’s battle armor versus aliens when the Mimics invade Earth. Private Kiriya dies in battle only to find himself reborn every day to fight again. Time is not on Kiriya’s side, but he does have one ally: the American super-soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch.
ZOO
A man receives a photo of his girlfriend every day in the mail...so that he can keep track of her body’s decomposition. A deathtrap that takes a week to kill its victims. Haunted parks and airplanes held in the sky by the power of belief. These are just a few of the stories by Otsuichi, Japan’s master of dark fantasy.
Usurper of the Sun
Schoolgirl Aki is one of the few witnesses to construction on the surface of Mercury. Soon an immense ring has been built around the sun and Earth has plunged into chaos. While the nations of the world prepare for war, Aki grows up with a thirst for knowledge and a hunger to make first contact with the enigmatic Builders. Winner of Japan’s prestigious Seiun Award!
Battle Royale: The Novel
The best-selling tour de force from Koushun Takami in a new edition, with an author’s afterword and bonus material.
Brave Story
The paperback edition of the Batchelder Award-winning fantasy novel by Miyuki Miyabe.
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