Tomoka Shibasaki is a Japanese writer from Osaka. She has won the Noma Literary New Face Prize and the Akutagawa Prize, and two of her works have been adapted for film.
Original publication
2026
Average rating
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Total reads logged
0
Opening Excerpt
From the storyThe air outside was white—whether from rain, clouds, fog, or the spray thrown up by the car’s tires, I couldn’t tell. With the windows shut, the car grew hot and humid, and the windshield kept steaming up. We were trying to get to Himeji Castle.
Story Vibe & Style Profile
Emotional Weight
2.7 / 5
Reflective
Narrative Pacing
1.1 / 5
Contemplative
Literary Style
2.4 / 5
Clear Realism
Speculative / Reality
1.8 / 5
Realistic / Mimetic
Appearances
The Paris Review
The Paris Review No. 257 — Fall 2026 · Sep 1, 2026
About the Author
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