The following is the monthly ranking of bestsellers released by book wholesaler Nippan Shuppan Hanbai Inc. (NIPPAN) on January 29:

1.  Hibana by Naoki Matayoshi

[Sparks]

Hibana is the first novel of a well-known Japanese comedian. The author writes about laughter and the meaning of life. He writes honestly about the foundation of human existence. The book won the Akutagawa Prize in 2015.

2.  Okareta Bashode Sakinasai by Kazuko Satanabe

[Bloom Where Your Are Planted]

The author, Kazuko Watanabe, a Catholic nun, says in the book that we can shine anywhere if we live by our own values. Watanabe is the daughter of Jotaro Watanabe, one of the victims of the February 26 Incident, an attempted military coup that occurred in Japan in 1936. She witnessed the death of her father when she was nine.

3.  Kieta! Kaiketsu Zorori by Yutaka Hara

[Disappeared! Incredible Zorori]

Kaiketsu Zorori is a popular series of Japanese children’s books created by Yutaka Hara. Anime and manga have also been created based on the books.

4.  Waza Monogatari by Ishin Nishio

[Waza Monogatari]

Waza Monogatari, the 20th volume of the Monogatari series written by Ishin Nishio, is a tale of the supernatural. Ishin Nishio is a novelist and manga artist.

5.  Oyasumi Roger Maho no Gussuri Ehon by Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin (translated by Miho Mitsuhashi)

[The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep: A New Way of Getting Children to Sleep]

This is a picture book for children, written by a famous Swedish inventor and scientist.