I’ve got favourite authors, of course. I’ve had phases of having favourite record labels. But I’ve never had a favourite imprint before…

Over the last few months I’ve become a massive fan of Haikasoru. They’re an imprint of Viz Media, specialising in English-language translations of thrilling fiction from Japan. And they are awesome.

I first came across them through their new edition of Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami (for my thoughts on that, check my LibraryThing review page). Impressed by the obvious care that Haikasoru had taken with the book, I decided to try out some of the other titles on their list. I’m glad I did…

Dreamlike, surreal and chilling, Zoo by Otsuichi is the finest collection of short stories I’ve read since Joe Hill’s 20^th Century Ghosts.

Imagine if the story of the film Groundhog Day took place during a war between brutal spike-gun-wielding aliens and hard-pressed humans in mechanised battle-armour and you’re somewhere near to the inspiring madness of All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.

But my favourite Haikasoru book I’ve read so far has been The Stories of Ibis, by Hiroshi Yamamoto. In the far future, in a series of dazzingly imaginative interlocking stories, a beautiful android explains how AIs took over the Earth from humans – and why that’s a good thing.

The work of imprints like Haikasoru reminds me that there’s a whole world of astonishing fiction out there, waiting to be discovered. Take a chance yourself and try something new.

Sam

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