A Classic Tale Reimagined with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Heart
Forget everything you thought you knew about the “Saru Kani Gassen” (The Monkey-Crab Battle), a traditional Japanese folktale. This new narrative introduces a pair of genius child actors, a Cat and a Monkey, whose friendship takes an unexpected turn. After a quarrel, the Cat declares a new path in music, leading to the Monkey throwing a persimmon in anger. What follows is a journey into the world of heavy metal, where the Cat rises to fame as KANI, the “Scream King” of the band “Sarukani Heaven.”
This isn’t just a story about fame and conflict; it’s a touching saga of friendship and mutual recognition, encapsulated by the magic word “KONTON.” Readers will find themselves immersed in a tale that delves into the hidden friendship behind their evolution, promising a deeply emotional experience. Many familiar The Battle Cats characters also make appearances, adding layers of delight for fans. The artwork, with its somewhat nostalgic touch, makes this book a perfect gift for readers of all ages.
Book Details and Availability
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Title: “Saru Kani Gassen: Viva! KONTON!”
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Writer: Hariyama Tora
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Illustrator: Hideki Tagawa
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Price: 1,540 yen (tax included)
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Publisher: Poplar Publishing
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Release Date: March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
The book will be available in bookstores nationwide. Pre-orders are currently open, and more details can be found on the Poplar Publishing official website: https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/2156001.html
Exclusive Merchandise and Pop-up Event
To further celebrate the picture book’s release, limited edition goods featuring Hideki Tagawa’s original illustrations from “Saru Kani Gassen: Viva! KONTON!” will be launched sequentially starting February 20, 2026. These exclusive items will be available at PONOS’s official online store, “Nyanko Daishoten Online,” and at a special pop-up shop event.
Pop-up Shop: “Nyanko Daishoten Shucchoujo Kaiun Shouhuku!” at TSUTAYA LakeTown
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Period: February 20, 2026 (Friday) – March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
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Location: Aeon LakeTown Kaze 2F, TSUTAYA LakeTown store, 4-2-2 Laketown, Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture
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Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
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Contact: TEL 048-990-3380
This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to grab unique merchandise and immerse themselves in the world of The Battle Cats beyond the game. Who knew a classic folktale could rock this hard?
The Minds Behind the Magic
Hariyama Tora, the author, is a novelist primarily known for children’s literature, with works including Zetsubou Onigokko (Shueisha) and the Novel: Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun series. Hideki Tagawa, the illustrator, is an accomplished illustrator and picture book artist, contributing to advertisements, album jackets, and picture books like Mirai Zukan (PHP Institute) and Tanoshii Kirin no Kaikata (Gakken).
A New Chapter for The Battle Cats and Kawaii Culture
The “Nyanko Ehon Series” represents a bold new endeavor for PONOS, in collaboration with Poplar Publishing. This series aims to create picture books that can be enjoyed by everyone, from young children to adults, featuring The Battle Cats and a variety of other charming cat characters. The launch of this picture book and its accompanying merchandise signifies an exciting expansion of The Battle Cats universe, further cementing its place in kawaii culture.
“Nyanko Daishoten” serves as the official store for The Battle Cats, offering a wide array of original goods from plush toys to apparel and miscellaneous items. It aims to connect fans with the beloved “Nyanko” characters through its direct e-commerce site and temporary pop-up shops. Explore the full range of products at:
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Nyanko Daishoten Online: https://www.nyanko-daishoten.jp/
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Nyanko Daishoten Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.co.jp/stores/page/A5C76F28-D99B-4A2E-96C4-6DF71AAA1B39
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Nyanko Daishoten Official X Account: https://x.com/nyankodaishoten
This venture into picture books for The Battle Cats not only enriches the game’s lore but also offers a fresh, accessible way for new audiences to discover the charm of its characters. This expansion into new media, coupled with engaging merchandise, will likely foster an even deeper connection between fans and their favorite feline fighters, further spreading the unique appeal of Japanese kawaii culture globally.
