As soon as translator Kalau Almony read Jose Ando¡¯s novella ¡°Jackson Alone,¡± serialized in 2022 by Bungei Magazine, he contacted Kawade Shobo, Bungei¡¯s publishing house, to inquire about translation rights.

¡°I knew immediately it was a really special book,¡± says Almony about Ando¡¯s explosive debut featuring mixed-race characters targeted by a pornographic video.

Kawade Shobo was cautious ¡ª ¡°Jackson Alone¡± hadn¡¯t even been published in book form yet ¡ª but thanks to Almony¡¯s keen eye, secured early publishing rights.