Written by:

Katherina

On Friday February 13th, 2026 I met the author and creator of the Han Nou Han X (Half Farming Half X) book and movement in person in a Starbucks in Osaka with Mika (my co-translator). Prior, she had came to visit me in Ayabe for 2 days while staying at Origin Guesthouse.

We spoke about the book translation project and updated him on the remaining things to do as well as spoke about publishing. The book will initially be available on Kindle as the most accessible option and then we’re hoping to find a local publisher for the paper copy to take care of local outreach and getting it on English language bookshelves in the Kansai area.

I got the sense that we were all kind of amazed in finally being able to meet each other. Shiomi-san told me that it had been his dream for 2 years now to have one of his books published into English. We even read a section in the book we’re translating about it!

It truly was inspiring and energizing for me to get to meet him. While Mika and I were reading and recording our reading sessions together, something that I could really tell from reading it was how much he believed in the younger generation and how he believed the actions of the older generation should serve who comes next. I got that from his in-person presence as well.

The experience fuelled our vision for the book coming out into the world as we continue formatting and putting it together.

I’ve said it many times (to Mika’s mild chagrin) that all this would not have been possible without her. She has been the liaison with Shiomi-san both for the start of this project and for any questions throughout. She also setup this meeting.

I truly believe we had one of the best possible books to begin translation with and under the best possible conditions. With an expert in the field (Mika), and consistent fast access to the author for clarifying questions, I have faith we will release a work that has a positive impact on the world.