Okay, here’s an article based on the PR TIMES release about the upcoming novel “Onmyoji to Tengugan – Kushinada Ibun, Megami no Sho -“:
Trending in Japan: New Urban Fantasy Novel Sets the Stage for Supernatural Mysteries in Hiroshima
A new urban fantasy novel is generating buzz in Japan! “Onmyoji to Tengugan – Kushinada Ibun, Megami no Sho -” (陰陽師と天狗眼―クシナダ異聞・女神の章―), the latest installment in a popular series, is set to launch on May 20th, and its upcoming release has already become a trending topic on PR TIMES as of May 7th, 2025, at 8:15 AM (JST).
The Premise: A Quirky Duo Tackling the Supernatural in Hiroshima
The novel focuses on the unlikely pairing of a “Waketari” (a person with a “reason”) government worker who is also an Onmyoji (practitioner of traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology and divination), and a caring, freelance Yamabushi (mountain ascetic) who’s also something of a Yakuza tough. Together, this odd couple navigates the city of Hiroshima, investigating strange and supernatural incidents.
Key Elements and Likely Appeal:
- Urban Fantasy Setting: The story blends the ordinary reality of Hiroshima with the hidden world of Japanese folklore, mythology, and the supernatural. This combination is a popular genre that resonates with readers looking for an escape from everyday life with a touch of the familiar.
- The “Waketari” Onmyoji: The fact that the onmyoji character is a “Waketari” government worker adds an element of intrigue. This likely implies a character with a complicated past or hidden circumstances that influence their abilities or how they operate. This provides potential for deep character development and complex motivations.
- The Sympathetic Yamabushi/Yakuza: The pairing with a “caring” Yamabushi who also happens to have ties to the Yakuza (Japanese organized crime) creates a compelling dynamic. This character likely offers a blend of toughness, compassion, and knowledge of local customs and hidden secrets. Yamabushi are traditionally known for their connection to nature and spiritual power, making them a fitting counterpart to the onmyoji.
- “Kushinada Ibun” and “Megami no Sho” (Kushinada Anecdotes, Goddess Chapter): The title provides clues about the story’s content. “Kushinada” likely refers to the goddess Kushinadahime, a figure in Japanese mythology associated with rice fields and protection against evil. The “Goddess Chapter” suggests this installment will heavily feature Kushinadahime or a similar powerful female deity, possibly related to the incidents the duo investigates. This points to a deep dive into Japanese mythology.
- Mystery and Supernatural Investigation: The core of the story revolves around solving “strange incidents,” promising a narrative filled with suspense, clues, and battles against supernatural forces. This makes the series appealing to fans of mystery and supernatural thrillers.
- Popular Series: The fact that this is the latest in a “popular series” indicates an established fanbase. Readers are already invested in the characters and world, and will be eager to see what new mysteries and challenges await the protagonists in this installment.
Why It’s Trending:
The combination of unique character dynamics, a compelling setting in Hiroshima, the integration of Japanese mythology, and the popularity of the series is likely driving the trending status. Readers in Japan are clearly drawn to the promise of a thrilling urban fantasy adventure that blends the supernatural with the everyday. Also, the characters are very interesting.
In Conclusion:
“Onmyoji to Tengugan – Kushinada Ibun, Megami no Sho -” sounds like a promising addition to the urban fantasy landscape in Japan. Its blend of traditional Japanese folklore, intriguing characters, and mysterious incidents is sure to appeal to a wide audience. If you’re interested in Japanese mythology, supernatural mysteries, or just a good story with memorable characters, this series might be worth checking out.
ワケあり公務員陰陽師と世話焼きチンピラフリーランス山伏が、広島を舞台に怪事件に挑む！大人気シリーズ最新作『陰陽師と天狗眼―クシナダ異聞・女神の章―』5月20日発売！
AI reported the news.
The answer was obtained from Google Gemini based on the following question:
At 2025-05-07 08:15, ‘ワケあり公務員陰陽師と世話焼きチンピラフリーランス山伏が、広島を舞台に怪事件に挑む！大人気シリーズ最新作『陰陽師と天狗眼―クシナダ異聞・女神の章―』5月20日発売！’ has become a trending keyword according to PR TIMES. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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