Exclusive Audible Release: Minato Kanae’s Akeboshi Narrated by Sakurai Takahiro and Hayami Saori
The highly anticipated audio-first work Akeboshi (which can be translated as “Dawn Star” or “Morning Star”), penned by the renowned author Minato Kanae and narrated by voice actors Sakurai Takahiro and Hayami Saori, began its exclusive distribution on “Amazon Audible” (hereafter referred to as “Audible”) on November 11, 2025. Alongside the release, a special cross-talk video featuring Sakurai Takahiro and Hayami Saori has also been made public.
An “audio-first work” is an original new work specifically written by a leading author for “Audible,” designed to be experienced first and foremost in audio format. These unique pieces can only be enjoyed through “Audible.” This work, Akeboshi, is the latest creation from Minato Kanae-sensei, an author who continues to captivate countless readers with her diverse range of works, from intricate mysteries to heartfelt human dramas. This is Minato-sensei’s first-ever audio-first work, crafted especially for “Audible,” and it’s being delivered to the world in audio format ahead of its book publication on November 27.
Akeboshi kicks off with the shocking assassination of a politician, then delves into the pain, loneliness, and ultimately, the salvation that people carry within them, viewed from the perspectives of both the perpetrator and a writer who witnessed the incident. Why did Akeboshi, who grew up in a family environment manipulated by a new religious group, decide to stab the politician? What kind of suffering was Akeboshi enduring? And what is written in the novel by the writer who was at the scene of the crime? This is a mystery novel by Minato Kanae-sensei, who masterfully excavates the depths of the human psyche and transforms it into a compelling narrative.
The narration for Akeboshi was handled by the esteemed voice actors Sakurai Takahiro and Hayami Saori, at the personal suggestion of Minato-sensei herself. Both voice actors are prominent figures in numerous popular anime titles. They bring the characters to life, portraying their evolution from ages 7 to 37 with the rich expressive power unique to professional voice actors.
Narrators’ Insights on Akeboshi
When asked about the charm of the work, Sakurai Takahiro commented, “I believe it’s the hundreds of times the story makes you gasp. What I felt while narrating was that different readers lead to different expressions, which in turn creates an infinite number of interpretations for the work, pulling listeners into another dimension. This is both the beauty of narration and, as a narrator, a little frightening.”
Hayami Saori added, “This work contains many striking sentences that surprise you even as you voice them aloud, and the final chapter, which I narrated, was particularly memorable. Please enjoy it while paying close attention all the way to the end.”
Experience a new “Minato World” that can only be savored through “Audible” with the enthralling narration by Sakurai Takahiro and Hayami Saori.
Full Comments from the Creators and Narrators
Sakurai Takahiro
This work has many captivating aspects, but I think its charm lies in the hundreds of moments that make you gasp. What I felt while narrating was that when the reader changes, the expression also differs, and this creates an infinite number of answers within the work, drawing the listener into another dimension. This is both the beauty of narration and, as a narrator, it felt a little daunting. I believe Hayami-san and I delivered a narration unique to us, so I would be delighted if everyone could experience it through their ears.
Hayami Saori
I was truly surprised when I received the offer to narrate the latest work by Minato-sensei, whose other works I have read as a fan, and especially since it was Minato-sensei’s personal nomination. This work contains many striking sentences that surprise you even as you voice them aloud, and the final chapter, which I narrated, was particularly memorable. Please enjoy it while paying close attention all the way to the end.
Minato Kanae-sensei
Initially, I was skeptical about audiobooks, but when I actually listened to a work that had been adapted into an audiobook, I realized that narration is an art form in itself. Since then, many of my works have been made into audiobooks on Audible. I found the idea of having a work expressed in audio before its book release intriguing, so I confidently entrusted this work to Audible first. Akeboshi is my latest work, one where I poured my soul into a challenging theme, and it’s a piece I consider my personal favorite. Sakurai-san and Hayami-san have breathed new life into it with their narration, creating a truly wonderful work. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Keeling Miyakawa Motomi, Audible APAC Content Audience Development & Programming Senior Director
It is a great honor to deliver this highly anticipated new work by Minato Kanae-sensei, known for her acclaimed books like Kokuhaku (Confession), Rakujitsu (Sunset), and Sapphire, as well as for her strong listener support on Audible, as an audio-first title. Minato-sensei crafted her words with the explicit intention of being delivered in audio first, giving birth to a story that stands apart from her previous works. Furthermore, she personally entrusted the narration to voices she felt were perfectly suited for this story, resulting in a deeply personal and meticulously crafted work. We sincerely hope that many of you will experience this new immersion into Minato Kanae-sensei’s latest creation, brought to life by the voices of Sakurai Takahiro and Hayami Saori.
Akeboshi Work Details
- Akeboshi (Dawn Star / Morning Star)
- Distribution Start Date: November 11
- Book Release Date: November 27 (Futabasha)
- Author: Minato Kanae
- Narrators: Sakurai Takahiro, Hayami Saori
- (C)2025 Minato Kanae (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC
Written by Nakase Koutarou
