Nocturne Bookmarker Project Unveiled: Real Bookstores Become Portals to a World of Fading Memories

Kawaii Anime Characters

Nocturne Bookmarker Project Unveiled: Real Bookstores Become Portals to a World of Fading Memories

A New Media-Mix Project Connects Book Lovers to a Fantastical Battle for Existence

Imagine a world where the very essence of books and memories is under threat, and the humble bookmark becomes a key to a grand adventure. This is the premise of “Nocturne Bookmarker,” a groundbreaking media-mix project launched by Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore, a major operator of bookstores and stationery shops across Japan, in collaboration with Nippan Segmo. This innovative project aims to redefine the “encounter with books” by intertwining real-world bookstores with a rich, character-driven narrative.

Main Visual of Nocturne Bookmarker

At its heart, “Nocturne Bookmarker” introduces 12 young male characters, each intrinsically linked to an actual Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore location. These “Bookmarkers” are chosen by a mysterious “shiori” (bookmark), which serves as their gateway into a fantastical “Book World.” Here, they confront menacing entities known as “Bugs,” creatures that devour books and, consequently, the memories of the real world. A figure known as the Curator promises these youths a chance to “rewrite their lives” and reclaim what they’ve lost, should they succeed in their quest. Driven by a desire to protect a fading world and mend their own personal “wounds,” the Bookmarkers embrace their powers, stepping into a conflict whose deeper implications they are yet to discover.

The project’s unique appeal lies in its fusion of digital narrative with tangible, real-world locations. The 12 characters are not just fictional heroes; they are avatars for specific Maruzen Junkudo branches, transforming these everyday spaces into “sacred places” for fans. This connection allows enthusiasts to feel a deeper bond with their “oshi” (a term for a beloved character or idol, akin to a cherished favorite), turning a visit to their character’s associated bookstore into a pilgrimage. It’s a creative way to foster new forms of engagement with reading culture.

Key participating bookstores include:

Furthermore, the tranquil atmosphere of “magmabooks” in Toranomon, Tokyo, operated by Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore, served as the direct inspiration for the “Book World” itself. This location is slated to host various events, offering a tangible connection to the project’s mystical setting.

The project boasts a formidable array of talent, from popular illustrators to renowned voice actors. Five distinct illustrator teams from ninelive. are responsible for the character designs, each capturing the regional essence and the “wounds” carried by the characters.

The characters are organized into units based on their regions:

  • トウコウカリヨン (Kanto Area)
    Character Unit Toukoukarillon

    • 庵サツキ (Satsuki Iori) CV: Shinichiro Kamio (Junkuido Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store)

    • 小雨ナオ (Nao Kosame) CV: Yuki Sakakihara (Maruzen Marunouchi Main Store)

    • 月白イザナ (Izana Tsukishiro) CV: Takuya Eguchi (Maruzen Yokohama Minatomirai Store)

  • コハクガナエ (Chubu/Kansai Area)
    Character Unit Kohakuganae

    • 鉄地瓦シュウ (Shu Tettikawara) CV: Jin Ogasawara (Maruzen Nagoya Main Store)

    • 三条ユウヤ (Yuya Sanjo) CV: Koya Takahashi (Maruzen Kyoto Main Store)

    • 茶円アキラ (Akira Chae) CV: Nobuhiko Okamoto (MARUZEN&ジュンク堂書店 Umeda Store)

  • ヒョウエイライツ (Hokkaido/Tohoku Area)
    Character Unit Hyoieirights

    • 雪水トウカ (Toka Yukimizu) CV: Masaya Miyazaki (MARUZEN&ジュンク堂書店 Sapporo Store)

    • 愛染ヒカル (Hikaru Aizen) CV: Soma Saito (Maruzen Sendai AER Store)

  • ヨウコウノエル (Chugoku/Shikoku Area)
    Character Unit Yokounoel

    • 裏目カナメ (Kaname Urame) CV: Wataru Kato (Maruzen Okayama Symphony Building Store)

    • 羽雛シオン (Shion Hina) CV: Shunichi Toki (Junkuido Bookstore Hiroshima Ekimae Store)

  • カイリンロア (Kyushu/Okinawa Area)
    Character Unit Kailinroa

    • 御稜威ヶ原タケル (Takeru Mikagahara) CV: Hayato Dojima (Maruzen Hakata Store)

    • 日陽里ナギト (Nagito Hiyori) CV: Shugo Nakamura (Junkuido Bookstore Naha Store)

The project’s main theme song, “Repairnima,” is composed by 雨良 (Amala) from ninelive., featuring the voices of five unit leaders: Shinichiro Kamio, Jin Ogasawara, Masaya Miyazaki, Wataru Kato, and Hayato Dojima. The blend of captivating music and compelling vocal performances is sure to immerse listeners in the “Nocturne Bookmarker” universe.

Starting January 31st (Saturday), fans visiting the 12 target bookstores and magmabooks will receive exclusive original book covers and bookmarks. In-store announcements featuring original audio will also begin sequentially, offering an immersive auditory experience unique to each location. The official X (formerly Twitter) account will further enrich the experience with character introductions, two-panel manga, and voice dramas. An exclusive merchandise sale, including acrylic keychains and badges of all 12 characters, is scheduled to commence on February 13th (Friday) at magmabooks, with details to be revealed on the official website.

This innovative blend of physical retail and digital storytelling marks a fascinating evolution in Japanese media. By transforming bookstores into interactive narrative spaces, “Nocturne Bookmarker” is poised to create a new layer of engagement for fans, potentially inspiring similar cross-media ventures worldwide and deepening the global appreciation for the unique charm of Japanese character culture. It’s a project that truly invites you to turn the page and see what wonders unfold.

Official Information:

editor
kawaii

Japan, often seen as a country that seamlessly integrates tradition and technology, is a region full of rich culture and technological advancements. It is continuously evolving and propelling towards progress, which has been evident in the latest news emerging from the country. We delve deeper into some of these fascinating developments happening in all facets of Japanese society.

kawaii follow
Kawaii Anime Characters
share
kawaii follow
kawaii
×
Copied title and URL