The Battle Cats Unleashes “Saru Kani Gassen Viva! KONTON!” This March
A beloved game reimagines a classic Japanese folktale, promising tears and laughter alongside exclusive merchandise.
Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. announced the release of “Saru Kani Gassen Viva! KONTON!”, the first original picture book based on the popular smartphone app “The Battle Cats,” on March 4, 2026 (Wednesday). This new venture, supervised by PONOS (developer and operator of “The Battle Cats”), aims to bring the whimsical world of the game to a broader audience, from young children to adults, through an engaging story and charming illustrations.
The book, written by Haritora and illustrated by Hideki Tagawa, takes inspiration from “Saru Kani Gassen” (The Crab and the Monkey), a traditional Japanese folktale often taught to children about justice and consequence. However, this rendition offers a fresh, unexpected narrative.
A Tale of Friendship and Evolution: The “Saru Kani Gassen” Reimagined
The story begins with Cat and Monkey, portrayed as talented child actors, who find their friendship strained after an argument. Cat declares, “From now on, it’s all about music!” and an enraged Monkey retaliates by throwing a persimmon. This leads Cat to transform into KANI, the “Scream King of the Carapace” in the heavy metal band “Saru Kani Heaven.” Yet, this newfound fame proves fleeting.
What unfolds is a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. The narrative explores the concept of “KONTON”—a magical word signifying mutual acknowledgment and understanding. Readers are invited to witness the untold friendship hidden beneath layers of evolution, culminating in an emotional story that is anticipated to move many to tears.
The “Battle Cats Picture Book Series” Unveiled
“The Battle Cats Picture Book Series” is a collaborative effort between PONOS and Poplar Publishing, designed to offer a delightful experience for both young children and adults. This series aims to feature a variety of Battle Cats characters, bringing their unique charm to the world of literature. “Saru Kani Gassen Viva! KONTON!” is set to feature many familiar Battle Cats characters, presented with a nostalgic touch, making it an ideal gift for fans.
Exclusive Merchandise to Celebrate the Launch
To commemorate the book’s release, limited edition merchandise featuring Hideki Tagawa’s illustrations from “Saru Kani Gassen” will be available starting February 20, 2026 (Friday). These exclusive items will be sold at the PONOS official online store, “The Battle Cats Grand Store Online,” and at a special pop-up shop.
Pop-up Shop Details:
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Event Name: Pop-up Shop “The Battle Cats Grand Store Pop-up: Good Luck and Fortune!”
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Period: February 20, 2026 (Friday) – March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
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Location: TSUTAYA Lake Town store, 2F AEON Lake Town Kaze, 4-2-2 Laketown, Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture
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Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Book Information
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Title: “Saru Kani Gassen Viva! KONTON!”
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Price: 1,400 yen (approximate)
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Release Date: March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
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Target Age: 5 years old to early elementary school
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Author: Haritora (novelist, known for “Zetsubou Onigokko” and “Shousetsu Mairimashita! Iruma-kun”)
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Illustrator: Hideki Tagawa (illustrator, picture book author, known for “Miraizukan” and “Tanoshiku Kirin no Kaikata”)
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Supervisor: PONOS (game developer, known for “The Battle Cats” with over 110 million downloads as of September 2025)
For more information on the book, visit: Poplar Publishing
This expansion of “The Battle Cats” into the literary world highlights the enduring appeal of its characters and offers a fresh way for fans to engage with the franchise. As “The Battle Cats” continues to grow globally, this picture book series could introduce the game’s unique charm to new audiences worldwide, fostering a deeper connection with the beloved feline (and other animal) heroes through heartwarming tales of friendship and understanding.
