Takuto Kashiki – författare

Iwashi, Hakumei’s big brother in the Rock Piercing Association, is usually a man of few interests and even fewer cares. But to everyone’s surprise, he starts asking about a book about a cow—which sets a major series of events in motion! Plus, check out a guide on how to fillet a fish bigger than yourself, witness a collaboration between Jada and Carnelian, and see the true face of the mysterious bartender Shunka!

Perfect for fans of Yotsuba!

Hakumei & Mikochi's tiny little life in the woods is usually gentle and calm. But even they're no strangers to the occasional surprising turn of events! Wandering minstrel Conju getting kidnapped, a curious visitor dropping in on a rainy day, and a game of soldiers turning very serious indeed are all part of their great adventures!

A lottery win gives Hakumei and Mikochi the chance to utilize the Avian Mounted Delivery service! Even though they have nothing particular that needs sending, they can’t resist trying out such an exclusive—and expensive!—service. And in subsequent days, Mikochi and Conju find themselves in an endless line, waiting to try the roasted mochi that’s been the talk of the town. Not everything limited-edition is worth the cost, but the experience can still be a whole lot of fun!

Full and pleasant, the lives led by Hakumei and Mikochi might seem comfortable to most. But this intrepid duo isn't afraid of challenging themselves! Hakumei, hopeless in water, learns to swim, while Mikochi enters a fashion design contest. And they're not alone in their attempts at stepping out of their comfort zones! Friends like scientist Sen, builder Iwashi, and beautician Jada all try their hands at something new and show off some unexpected sides, to boot!

There's never a dull moment in the forest for Hakumei and Mikochi whether they're at work or at play! But their lush surroundings teem with life, and lots of animals and insects call the woods their home--cats, monkeys, foxes, tanukis, stag beetles...even wolves! And these creatures have occupations and worries of their own!

The idyllic days of Hakumei and Mikochi are full of adventures, but what do nights in the forest hold for these two pint-size friends? When the sun sets, time seems to slow to a crawl, bringing quiet moments and simple pleasures. From taking the night train to sharing a drink on a moonlit eve, Hakumei and Mikochi prove that, night or day, life is best when savored to the fullest...

Hakumei and Mikochi make their regular trip into the city to run errands and restock-and to sample any tasty new beverages the Ossicle owner might have on offer! Next, Mikochi’s to-do list brings the pair to the union president’s impressive mansion, where Hakumei gets a rare glimpse of the boss off duty! But more importantly, where is Mikochi slipping off to with her best kitchen knife...when she has a perfectly capable knife-sharpening pro back home?!

Hakumei and Mikochi’s social circle spans the full length and breadth (and height!) of Makinata. From their tiniest insect neighbors to the towering badgers in town, each resident contributes to the diverse fabric of the region, and each has their own story to tell! Where will the librarian wander on his day off? Who will Jada meet on the turtle rideshare? And what just crashed into Hakumei and Mikochi’s tree?! Every corner of the town is filled with adventure!

While Hakumei has endless tales to tell about her days as a traveler, the time before her journey began is shrouded in mystery. She has even kept her habit of singing to herself private—though it’s unlikely to remain so after Conju discovers her humming in the rain! But when her seed cap is damaged, Hakumei reminisces about the beginning of her journey, when she was presented with the cap that marked her as a traveler setting forth to see the world...

On her first project with the Shell Tree Company, Hakumei’s skills—and patience— are tested on a home unlike any she’s ever seen! Carefully researching the techniques employed by the original builder is fundamental to the Shell Tree philosophy, but in the meantime, Hakumei hates to see a client left with a leaky roof! Back at home, Mikochi is dealing with a much tighter schedule, designing and sewing the costume for Conju’s upcoming performance. She has so many wonderful ideas, but can she execute them in just one week?!