This important work of Japanese science fiction presents the story of Yuichi, a youth who escapes the regimented world of Japanese society for the beauty and freedom of Aphrodite, a floating island city built by the visionary Mr. Caan. Excited by the seemingly limitless potential of Aphrodite and confident of his own future, Yuichi encounters a new world: friendship, responsibility, love, and growing up.

Seen through the pattern of Yuichi's life, however, is the evolution and development of the true heroine of the work: the island city Aphrodite—ever beautiful, ever filled with the limitless energy of creation. And as the global economy spirals downward, leaving Aphrodite a deserted slum slated for destruction, perhaps Yuichi is the only person who can save her...

Ideal for young adult readers, but with a philosophical depth to make it a thought-provoking and rewarding book for adult readers as well.

About the author:

Yamada Masaki has been a leading figure in the Japanese literary world for decades, with an extensive list of titles to his credit in general fiction, science fiction, mystery, and adventure. He has won a variety of prestigious awards, including the Seiun Prize (the Japanese equivalent of the Hugo Award) four times, Mystery Writers of Japan Grand Prix, and the Nihon SF Taisho Award (the Japanese Nebula). <more>

• iv, 178 pages
• Trade paperback 5" x 8" (127 x 203 mm)
• ISBN 4-902075-01-6
• Kurodahan Press Book No. FG-J0002-L2
• List Price: US$15.00
• Cover: Kobayashi Osamu