Shosetsu Gendai Long-form Newcomer Award
梅咲く頃にまた会おう
One summer night, college student Wakaume is called out to on his way home from a test of courage with friends. "Long time no see, Ume-chan" — it was the voice of his first love Koume, who was supposed to be dead, now inhabiting the body of his friend. Working part-time jobs, attending summer festivals, going on dates — Wakaume and Koume fulfill one small wish after another, as if making up for lost time. Knowing she must eventually return the body, yet unable to stop... The miracle born from a simple wish of "I want to see you again" is not just one. A pure time-limit love story.
Work Information
"I wonder how long I can borrow this body."
Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 19th Shosetsu Gendai Novel Newcomer Award. Jury member Nagi Ryu praised the work as having "the strength to convey that novels are fun, and a satisfying, tearful conclusion." This is the debut novel by Ukai Hinata, who wrote while working as an elementary school teacher. Using plum blossoms as a central motif, the story portrays a miraculous reunion with a first love who died in an unexpected accident, set within a fantasy where life and death intertwine. Published by Kodansha on February 12, 2026.
Review Summaries
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Many readers find this fantasy love story accessible and emotionally moving. Particular praise is directed at the ending and the final developments, though some readers note similarities to other works with the same premise. The overall reception is favorable.
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The unique premise of a first love ghost inhabiting a friend's body and the moving finale receive high praise. The work is well-received among readers.
Book Information
- Publisher
- 講談社
- Published
- 2026-02-12
- Pages
- 256 pages
- Language
- 日本語
- Size
- 13.4 x 2 x 18.9 cm
- ISBN-13
- 9784065421277
- ISBN-10
- 4065421276
- Price
- 2145 JPY
- Category
- 本/文学・評論
★★★第19回小説現代長編新人賞 選考委員特別賞受賞作★★★ 凪良ゆうさんの大プッシュで選ばれました! 「この物語は“小説は楽しい”ということを伝えられる強さがあり、 最後は気持ちの良い涙に着地する。」 「いつまでこの身体を借りられるのかな」 ある夏の夜。仲間と肝試しをした帰り道に、大学生の若梅は声をかけられる。 「ひさしぶり、梅ちゃん」。それは仲間の身体に乗り移った、死んだはずの初恋の人だった。 アルバイトに夏祭り、そしてデート。失った時間を取り戻すように、若梅は彼女とささやかな願いを一つひとつ叶えていく。いつかは身体を返さなくてはいけない、それでも――。 「もう一度会いたい」。真っ直ぐな願いが起こす奇跡は、一つじゃない。 純度100%のタイムリミット・ラブストーリー!。
1993年新潟県新潟市出身。鎌倉女子大学卒業。趣味は日記を書くこと、イラスト、LINEスタンプを作ること。2024年、『梅咲く頃にまた会おう』で第19回小説現代長編新人賞選考委員特別賞を受賞し、翌年同作でデビュー。
Reviews
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明日も頑張ろう
いま、精一杯生きようと思いました！
Related Literary Awards
- Shosetsu Gendai Long-form Newcomer Award Edition 19 (2024) ・selection committee special award