Product Description

Product Overview

Kicks is a Japanese novel written by Tokio Amasawa and published by Shueisha in March 2026. The story blends youth drama, mystery, and social commentary, centering around the world of rare sneakers and underground culture.

The novel follows Kaoru Saji, who travels to Shiga Prefecture after the sudden death of his friend, the talented shoe designer Atsuya Fukami. There he meets Atsuya’s twin brother Yukiya, a leader of a group involved in counterfeit sneaker trading. Together they become involved in a complex underground business surrounding rare sneakers while attempting to complete a legendary shoe design left unfinished by the late designer.

As the story unfolds, Kaoru begins to uncover deeper secrets connected to the region’s hidden past, leading him into a world shaped by loyalty, ambition, and unexpected discoveries.

Highlights

• Japanese contemporary fiction novel
• Story set around sneaker culture and underground networks
• Written by award-winning author Tokio Amasawa
• Combines mystery, youth drama, and social themes
• Paperback edition published in Japan

Author

Tokio Amasawa (天沢時生)
Born in Azuchi, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture. In 2018, Amasawa won the 2nd Genron SF New Writer Award for Lagos Seita Toshi. In 2019, the short story Sangita received the 10th Sogen SF Short Story Award. Other works include Subete no Gentsuki no Hikari.

Product Details

Ideal For

• Readers interested in Japanese contemporary fiction
• Fans of youth drama and mystery novels
• Readers interested in sneaker culture themes
• Collectors of Japanese literature