Horror Master Oshikiri Rensuke's 'Kowai kamo shirenai' Short Story Collection Released
Oshikiri Rensuke's long-awaited horror short story collection "Kowai kamo shirenai" (Maybe Scary) was published on June 18, 2024 in Japan by Takeshobo. The book consists of a series of short stories in which the master turns real events from his own life and eerie memories he witnessed into manga format.
Oshikiri Rensuke is one of the legendary names of Japanese horror manga, especially known for "Higanjima" (Island of the Dead) and the "Kowai" series. Throughout his career, the artist has stood out for his ability to place surreal horror within everyday life, and this time he opens an even more personal window for his readers. As the name "Kowai kamo shirenai" suggests, it carries the warning “maybe it’s scary” and confronts the reader with the invisible threats behind ordinary moments.
The stories in the collection are based on events that made Oshikiri wonder “was that real?” in his daily life. As in the author's previous works, psychological tension and supernatural elements intertwine here. Oshikiri, especially known for the vampire-themed horror in the "Higanjima" series, aims to send shivers down the reader's spine with shorter and more concise narratives in this new book.
As interest in the horror genre increases every year in the Japanese publishing industry, it was a big surprise for fans that a veteran name like Oshikiri shared his personal stories. In the promotion of the book, Takeshobo said, “This work, in which Oshikiri confronts his most intimate fears, is a collection not to be missed by fans of the genre.” The book is currently only on sale in Japan, but international fans can access it through digital platforms or imports. The possibility of an English or other language translation in the coming months remains uncertain for now.
