Hajimete no (はじめての, lit. 'The First Time') is a 2022 Japanese collaborative literary project consisting of four original short stories written by Naoki Prize-winning authors Rio Shimamoto, Mizuki Tsujimura, Miyuki Miyabe, and Eto Mori, each exploring themes of personal "first experiences" such as falling in love, running away from home, making a confession, and becoming a suspect.[1] The stories were collected in a single volume published by Suirinsha on February 16, 2022, spanning 224 pages and priced at 1,760 yen (tax included).[2] In partnership with the music duo YOASOBI, known for their "novel into music" concept, the project adapts each narrative into an original song, with releases occurring sequentially from February 2022 to March 2023, culminating in a compilation EP titled Hajimete no on May 10, 2023.[1]The individual stories delve into poignant and speculative scenarios tied to the motif of "hajimete" (first time). Shimamoto's "Watashi Dake no Shoyusha" (My Only Protagonist) portrays an android composing letters to its owner, reflecting on emergent emotions akin to first love.[1] Tsujimura's "Yurei" (Ghost) follows a runaway teenager encountering a enigmatic girl in a nocturnal urban setting, symbolizing the first venture away from home.[1] Miyabe's "Iro Chigai no Trump" (Trump of a Different Color) depicts a father entering a parallel world to rescue his daughter, marking the first brush with suspicion in a surreal investigation.[1] Finally, Mori's "Hikari no Tane" (Seed of Light) centers on a high school student attempting to undo previous romantic confessions, capturing the awkwardness of first admissions of affection.[1]YOASOBI's contributions transform these tales into pop tracks: "Mister" for Shimamoto's story (released February 16, 2022), "Sukida" for Mori's (May 30, 2022), "Umi no Manimani" for Tsujimura's (November 18, 2022), and "Seventeen" for Miyabe's (March 27, 2023), the latter featuring an animated music video produced by studio MAPPA.[1][3] Physical editions of the EP include the corresponding novels, available as a complete set or individually, enhancing accessibility to the source material.[3] The project extends to live events, including reading theaters held in January 2023 and 2024, where the stories are performed alongside musical elements.[1] In October 2025, YOASOBI released 100 promotional videos for the project on a limited-time basis.[4] Overall, Hajimete no exemplifies a multimedia fusion of literature and music, highlighting YOASOBI's innovative approach while showcasing the authors' explorations of transitional life moments.[3]
Development and publication
Announcement and collaboration
The project Hajimete no was announced on December 1, 2021, by the publisher Suirinsha in partnership with the music duo YOASOBI, marking the initiation of a collaborative endeavor to fuse literature and music around the theme of "first experiences."[5][6]Suirinsha selected four acclaimed Japanese authors, all recipients of the Naoki Prize, to contribute original short stories: Rio Shimamoto, Mizuki Tsujimura, Miyuki Miyabe, and Eto Mori, with each writer tasked to craft a narrative centered on a unique "first" moment in life.[7][5]The collaboration entailed YOASOBI composing and releasing one song inspired by each story, with the tracks scheduled for sequential digital distribution starting in 2022, either alongside or following the book's publication to enhance the thematic interplay between prose and melody.[6][5]This initiative originated as an effort by Suirinsha and YOASOBI to bridge contemporary literature with popular music, wherein the authors developed their stories independently based on the "hajimete no" motif before the musical adaptations were created, emphasizing creative autonomy in the storytelling phase.[7][2]
Editions and release
Hajimete no was initially released in Japan on February 16, 2022, by the publisher Suirinsha as a single-volume hardcover book in the standard 四六判 (yotsu roku ban) size, measuring approximately 19.7 cm in height.[8] The edition features 224 pages and carries the ISBN 978-4-16-401004-4, with an initial list price of ¥1,760 (including tax).[9] This physical format adheres to the upper binding style with a dust jacket, typical for literary anthologies in Japan.[2]An electronic edition of the book became available shortly after the physical release, distributed through major Japanese e-book platforms to complement the print version.[10] No specific initial print run figures for the Japanese edition have been publicly disclosed by the publisher, though it achieved multiple reprints within weeks of launch, indicating strong early demand.[11]Internationally, a Traditional Chinese edition titled Dì yī cì de... (第一次的…) was published in Taiwan on July 10, 2023, by Crown Publishing (皇冠文化出版有限公司), with the ISBN 978-957-33-4040-9.[12] This 272-page paperback volume, priced at NT$380, translates the original four short stories while preserving the thematic focus on "first experiences."[13] As of 2025, no other international editions have been announced or released.[2]
Contents
Story summaries
Hajimete no is an anthology of four original short stories, each written by a prominent Japanese author who has received the Naoki Prize, centered on the theme of "first experiences" in life. The stories are of approximately equal length, exploring personal milestones such as falling in love, running away from home, becoming a suspect, and confessing feelings. These narratives inspired songs by the music duo YOASOBI, which were released as part of the Hajimete no – EP.[2][1]The first story, "Watashi Dake no Shoyūsha" (My Only Owner) by Rio Shimamoto, depicts the first experience of falling in love through the perspective of a humanoid android who writes letters to a specialist, recounting its life with its original owner, Mr. Naruse. The narrative unfolds via seven letters detailing the android's emerging emotions—such as anger, pity, and fear of loneliness—stemming from a deep, intense bond that transcends typical romance during their shared experiences, including a pivotal small trip.[14][15]In "Yūrei" (Ghost) by Mizuki Tsujimura, the protagonist encounters the first time running away from home, buying a train ticket with all their savings and meeting a mysterious girl in a white dress holding a bouquet at a nighttime beach. This chance meeting leads to an ambiguous conversation where the girl hints at being a ghost, forging an unexpected connection that marks a turning point in the protagonist's life.[14][2]Miyuki Miyabe's "Iro Chigai no Trump" (Trump of Different Colors) explores the first time becoming a suspect in a suspenseful scenario set in a world with a parallel mirror dimension. The story follows Sōichi, a father who discovers his daughter Natsuho's involvement in a bombing in this alternate Japan and enters the mirror world to rescue her, only to face detention as authorities suspect his intentions.[14][2]The final tale, "Hikari no Tane" (Seed of Light) by Eto Mori, centers on the first confession, following high school senior Yuma who uses time travel to revisit and refine three previous failed attempts to express her feelings for her crush, Shiita, in pursuit of a perfect emotional declaration. Through this process, the story reveals deeper layers of both characters' inner worlds and a transcendent, unrequited love spanning time and space.[14][16]
Themes and structure
Hajimete no is an anthology that centers on the theme of "first experiences," capturing pivotal moments in youth such as first love, independence through running away from home, mystery involving becoming a suspect, and confession of emotions.[2] Each of the four short stories delves into these "firsts" as transformative events, designed to resonate with readers encountering such milestones, while also serving as an entry point for those new to novels.[17] The collection emphasizes emotional depth, portraying these experiences as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery, often blending everyday realism with subtle speculative elements to evoke introspection and wonder.[1]Structurally, the book comprises four standalone short stories compiled into a single 224-page hardcover volume in B6 format, published by Suirinsya on February 16, 2022.[2] The stories are organized to reflect a natural emotional progression, starting from more personal and internal "firsts" and evolving toward relational and outward-facing ones, creating a cohesive arc that builds from solitude to connection across the anthology.[1] This arrangement allows each narrative to stand independently while contributing to an overarching sense of journey, with the sequence mirroring the phased release of accompanying YOASOBI songs inspired by the tales.[6]The collaborative nature highlights the complementary styles of the four Naoki Prize-winning authors: Rio Shimamoto, Mizuki Tsujimura, Miyuki Miyabe, and Eto Mori. Shimamoto's contribution employs an introspective approach, using formats like book-letters to explore human emotions through an android's perspective in a science fiction-tinged romance, focusing on nuanced relationships and questions of humanity.[17] In contrast, Miyabe infuses suspense and mystery into her story, adding tension to the theme of unexpected culpability, while Tsujimura examines life-altering independence with psychological depth, and Mori delves into timeless emotional confessions with a focus on love's seeds.[2] This diversity enriches the anthology, as the authors' varied voices—ranging from introspective and speculative to suspenseful and heartfelt—interweave to offer multifaceted views on "firsts," enhancing the collection's appeal as a "luxurious" ensemble for young adult readers.[17]The stories are crafted in accessible prose, with each estimated at 50-100 pages to maintain brevity and engagement, featuring large print and furigana (ruby characters) to lower barriers for novice readers while preserving literary nuance.[2] This style prioritizes emotional resonance over complexity, ensuring the narratives feel intimate and relatable, much like stories one might wish to have read during their own formative "firsts."[17]
Reception
Critical response
Critics have praised Hajimete no for its diverse array of styles contributed by the four Naoki Prize-winning authors—Rio Shimamoto, Mizuki Tsujimura, Miyuki Miyabe, and Eto Mori—creating an engaging anthology that balances accessibility with literary substance.[18] The collection's thematic focus on "first experiences" is rendered through varied genres, from science fiction to fantasy and emotional realism, allowing readers to encounter multiple facets of storytelling in one volume.[19]Particular acclaim has been given to Tsujimura's "Yūrei," which delves into the emotional fragility of adolescence through a ghostly summer night narrative, capturing the anxiety and introspection of a runaway teen with poignant depth.[18] Similarly, Miyabe's "Iro Chigai no Torampu" has been highlighted for its innovative fantasy elements, weaving a thrilling adventure across mirrored parallel worlds within a concise 50-page structure that compresses complex ideas without losing narrative weight.[18][19]Japanese literary outlets such as Real Sound and Kadobun have noted the anthology's successful synergy between the authors' prose and YOASOBI's musical adaptations, blending traditional literature with contemporary pop appeal to revitalize interest in short fiction.[18][19] This collaboration is credited with providing a substantial yet approachable entry point into novels, described as "normal" difficulty rather than overly simplistic, appealing to those new to reading.[19]The overall consensus among reviewers positions Hajimete no as a positive milestone for introducing themes of personal "firsts"—often painful yet tender—to younger audiences via its multimedia format, fostering broader engagement with Japanese literature.[18][19]
Commercial performance
Hajimete no debuted at number eight on the Oricon weekly Books Chart for the week of February 28, 2022, with first-week sales of 13,379 copies. This initial performance reflected the anticipation surrounding the collaborative project among prominent Naoki Prize-winning authors. The tie-in with Yoasobi, which later adapted the short stories into songs for their 2023 EP, contributed to heightened visibility and sustained interest in the book beyond its launch.Total sales figures for Hajimete no remain limited in public records, but the project's multimedia extensions, including the Yoasobi EP, amplified its market presence in Japan. The book's commercial success underscored the appeal of literature-music crossovers in attracting diverse audiences.
Adaptations and legacy
Theater adaptations
The first theater adaptation of Hajimete no was presented as a readers' theater production titled Hajimete no (front part), staged from January 7 to 9, 2023, at Yomiuri Ōtemachi Hall in Tokyo, Japan.[20] This event adapted select stories from the anthology, specifically "Watashi Dake no Shoyūsha" by Rio Shimamoto and "Hikari no Tane" by Eto Mori, delivered through scripted readings accompanied by original songs composed by YOASOBI based on the narratives.[21] The format emphasized narrative delivery with minimal staging, relying on voice actors to convey the emotional depth of the tales without elaborate sets or costumes. Script and direction were by Sachiko Ishimaru.[21]The production featured a cast of prominent Japanese voice actors, including Mamoru Miyano (all performances), Shota Aoi and Maaya Uchida (January 7–8), and Marina Inoue and Yukiyo Fujii (January 9), who brought the characters to life in an intimate performance setting.[21] Produced by Room NB Co., Ltd. in collaboration with the Hajimete no project, the event highlighted the synergy between literature and music, with YOASOBI's involvement extending to promotional activities that underscored the adaptations' ties to the original songs.[22]A second readers' theater production, Hajimete no (back part), followed from January 6 to 8, 2024, at Theater 1010 in Tokyo, adapting the anthology's remaining stories: "Yūrei" by Mizuki Tsujimura and "Irochigai no Trump" by Miyuki Miyabe.[23] Like the first, it employed a scripted reading format focused on vocal performance and YOASOBI's accompanying tracks, maintaining the minimalistic approach to prioritize the stories' thematic resonance. Script and direction were by Sachiko Ishimaru.[23] The cast included Kenjirō Tsuda (January 6), Daisuke Namikawa (January 7), Tsubasa Sakiyama (January 8), Erika Toyohara, Ayaka Umeda (January 6–7), and Aya Hirano (January 8), with promotions again involving YOASOBI representatives to connect the live event to the project's musical elements.[23]
Sequel project
Following the success of the original anthology Hajimete no, which featured collaborations between the music duo YOASOBI and four Naoki Prize-winning authors, a sequel project titled Hajimete no Bungei-bu was launched in September 2022 to foster emerging talent in Japanese literature.[24] This initiative, organized by YOASOBI (under Sony Music Entertainment), the publisher Suirinsha, and the creative writing platform Monogatary.com, aims to discover and nurture new writers capable of producing entertainment-focused stories, particularly those exploring themes of "first experiences" across genres.[25]The program's core purpose is to bridge literature, music, and media by providing professional support to aspiring authors, enabling them to develop original novels for potential publication and multimedia adaptations, such as YOASOBI-composed songs.[26] Activities include open writing contests with no restrictions on prior experience or genre, followed by editorial guidance from Suirinsha's team to refine submissions into full manuscripts.[25] Selected participants, referred to as "club members," receive mentorship to complete their works, which are then evaluated for single-volume book releases by Suirinsha and possible cross-media expansions.[24]The first recruitment period ran from September 21, 2022, to March 31, 2023 (extended from an initial January 10 deadline), attracting 634 entries consisting of synopses (3,000–4,000 characters) and story openings (6,000–8,000 characters).[26] In July 2023, four members were announced: Ayane Kozumu (entry: Kono Rokudemonai Yatsu Shika Inai Sekai de, "In This World with Only Useless People"), Hachikawa Rei (Restart), Hazuki Naruse (Shiawase no Katachi, "The Shape of Happiness"), and Mabyo Yoa (Senpai o Koroshitai node Josou suru, "I'll Cross-Dress to Kill My Senpai").[26] These writers were selected by Suirinsha editors including President Ichiro Shinohara and Editorial Advisor Naoko Yoshida, along with Sony Music Entertainment representative Yohei Yashiro.[26] They are actively developing their novels under program guidance.[27]As of 2025, the project remains ongoing without a full sequel anthology published, though the selected members' completed works are slated for individual releases by Suirinsha, with opportunities for YOASOBI adaptations to expand their reach.[26] Future phases may include additional contests and workshops to continue promoting "first experience"-themed narratives, sustaining the initiative's role in revitalizing contemporary Japanese entertainment literature.[25]
"Watashi Dake no Shoyūsha" by Rio Shimamoto[29][31])
Production and credits
The Hajimete no – EP was produced by Ayase of Yoasobi, who served as the primary composer, lyricist, and arranger for all four tracks, while ikura provided vocals throughout.[1] The EP was released digitally and in physical formats on May 10, 2023, under Sony Music Labels Inc., with the complete edition featuring a CD, a Blu-ray disc of live performances from the "Hajimete no" project showcase, and accompanying novels by the contributing authors.[32][33]The tracks originated as standalone singles tied to the "Hajimete no" novel-to-music collaboration project. "Mr." was released on February 16, 2022, with Ayase composing and writing the lyrics based on Rio Shimamoto's short story "Watashi Dake no Shoyūsha."[1] "Suki da" followed on May 30, 2022, similarly credited to Ayase for composition and lyrics, inspired by Eto Mori's "Hikari no Tane."[1] "Umi no Manimani" debuted as a single on November 18, 2022, with Ayase handling all musical and lyrical elements, drawn from Mizuki Tsujimura's "Yurei."[1] The final track, "Seventeen," was issued on March 27, 2023, composed and written by Ayase and adapted from Miyuki Miyabe's "Iro Chigai no Trump."[1]Additional instrumentation credits include Takakeru on guitar for "Mr." and Zaquro Misohagi providing chorus vocals on "Seventeen.") The EP's production emphasized Yoasobi's signature blend of electronic and pop elements, maintaining consistency in Ayase's production style across the project.[32]
Chart performance
The EP debuted and peaked at number 9 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart for the week dated May 22, 2023, with first-week physical sales of 9,692 copies.[34]No specific chart positions were reported for the EP on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart, and no RIAJ certifications for physical or digital sales/streams have been awarded as of November 2025.
Release details
The Hajimete no – EP was released on May 10, 2023, by Sony Music Labels Inc. in Japan.[35] This extended play compiles four tracks previously issued as singles, serving as the musical companion to the Hajimete noanthology of short stories by acclaimed Japanese authors.[1]The EP was offered in multiple formats to cater to different audiences, including standard digital downloads and physical singles available via compact disc.[28] A complete limited edition provided an enhanced package, featuring the audio tracks alongside four accompanying novels and a Blu-ray disc containing live performance footage from YOASOBI's appearance at the 2022 Rock in Japan Festival, including renditions of related songs such as "Philadelphia Daisy."[36][37]Distribution encompassed both physical retail outlets in Japan and widespread digital access, with the EP made available on major streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify shortly after launch.[38] International availability was facilitated through these global services, enabling listeners outside Japan to stream or purchase the content digitally without regional restrictions.[39]