A cool spring breeze carrying the scent of green grass blows gently in, caressing the surface of the mirror, dissolving the rainbow-coloured light. The light slowly, softly envelops them both, Kokoro and Aki, as they sit there, face to face.

Publisher’s Note

According to a recent UNICEF report, Japanese children were ranked second-to-last in an international survey assessing children’s mental health across thirty-eight developed and emerging countries. While Japanese children were ranked first in physical health and often live in relatively prosperous economic circumstances, instances of bullying in schools, as well as difficult relationships with family members, lead to a lack of psychological well-being.

The popularity of Lonely Castle in the Mirror in Japan, where it scooped two prizes and became a bestseller, is testament to its power to heal and to open debate.

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

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