Readers will soon be able to experience the source material behind one of Studio Ghibli's most understated gems. HarperCollins has announced that the late Saeko Himuro’s seminal novel Ocean Waves (Umi ga Kikoeru) is slated for an English-language release on March 2, 2027. This edition will feature a fresh translation by Yui Kajita and includes the iconic illustrations by Katsuya Kondō.
The novel follows Taku Morisaki, a college student whose transition to life in Tokyo is interrupted by memories of his high school years in Kochi. Specifically, he finds himself haunted by the arrival of Rikako Muto, a brilliant but volatile transfer student who upended his social circle. The narrative explores the complex, often messy dynamics of teenage infatuation, tracking the pair from a pivotal school trip to Hawaii to a tense, unexpected reunion in Tokyo.
While Ghibli fans are likely familiar with the 1993 television special directed by Tomomi Mochizuki, the original text offers a deeper look at the internal lives of Taku and Rikako. Himuro, a prolific writer whose works have frequently been adapted into manga, live-action series, and films, passed away in 2008. This publication serves as a long-awaited opportunity for international audiences to engage with the prose that set the foundation for the beloved anime adaptation.
