Takuma Takasaki's Youth Novel 'Auto Reverse' Now Available

Creative Director Takuma Takasaki's novel " Auto Reverse " (published by Chuo Koron Shinsha) was released on September 9.

 

This coming-of-age novel was written after Takasaki heard actress Kyoko Koizumi recount her interactions with teenage boys who formed an idol fan club in the 1980s, and then interviewed other individuals involved. It depicts the protagonist, who feels out of place at school and home, finding a sense of belonging within the fan club after meeting rising idol Kyoko Koizumi. The story follows his journey through love, friendship, and aspiration as he races through his youth.

 

Regarding this work, Takasaki commented, "While unearthing the story, I became captivated not so much by nostalgia for the 80s myself, but by their almost painful purity. I hope their breath reaches not only people of my generation, but also today's teenagers who don't know the background of that time."

Trim size: B6, softcover, 240 pages, ¥1,400 + tax ISBN 978-4120052279

Synopsis
Transfer student Nao Hashimoto from Fukuoka meets fellow transfer student Takashina at his new middle school in Chiba. Finding no place to belong in a school plagued by violence or at home, he encounters rising idol Kyoko Koizumi. Joining her fan club, Nao and Takashina finally find their "place."
 

"We'll make Koizumi number one with our own hands!"
 

However, as the fan club grows, Nao feels uneasy about its increasingly biker gang-like behavior. A deep rift gradually forms between him and Takashina, who aims to become the club's leader...

【Profile】
Takasaki Takuma
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1969. Graduated from Waseda University's Faculty of Law. Creative Director / CM Planner. Winner of numerous domestic and international awards, including twice being named JAAA Creator of the Year. Recent work includes JR East Japan's "Let's Go, Tohoku," Suntory Orangina's "Monsieur Has It Tough," and Mitsui Rehouse. Also writes screenplays and produces films, including Honoka'a Boy, and writes drama scripts. Author of books including Far-Fetched Fragments, The Art of Expression, and Takuma Takasaki's Creative Clinic: There's No Such Thing as an Uninteresting Project.