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Former KAT-TUN member Tatsuya Ueda, is set to make his literary debut with a novel titled "Kono Koe ga Todoku made/この声が届くまで (Until This Voice Reaches You)", scheduled for release on 27 June under the publishing giant KADOKAWA.
Having experienced numerous turning points over the past decade — including the departure of group members, a suspension of activities, and ultimately KAT-TUN’s disbandment this March — Ueda poured ten years of thoughts, emotions, and resilience into this single work.
He described the novel as “filled with the true feelings of who I am today.”
The story centres on a young man named Ryu, who plays in a band with his childhood friends.
When one member abruptly leaves, the remaining bandmates find themselves on the brink of collapse.
Despite the challenges, they strive towards their dream — performing at the prestigious Budokan.
According to Ueda Tatsuya, Ryu is a near-reflection of himself. “He’s awkward and struggles to express his emotions properly,” he admitted.
The novel is not just a tale of friendship and music, but also of perseverance, vulnerability, and the search for purpose during turbulent times.
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Ueda began writing in 2016, during a crucial turning point for KAT-TUN — the group had been reduced to three members and had entered a hiatus.
Amidst internal questioning and the desire to contribute more to the group, Ueda decided to channel his thoughts into fiction.
He made significant progress, writing nearly two-thirds of the story, but paused the project after discussions with his agency, seeking to broaden his horizons and learn from other experiences.
In 2023, with the transition of Johnny & Associates to the newly rebranded STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, a change in atmosphere reignited his motivation.
He resumed writing last year, and although the gap had been long, Ueda believes the experiences he lived through during that time enriched the final version.
Just as the manuscript neared completion, the shocking news of KAT-TUN’s disbandment hit. “It was a confusing and painful time,” he recalled.
“But I told myself to look ahead and keep going. This story supported me more than I realised.”
The novel is said to mirror the path Ueda himself walked — facing betrayals, rebuilding bonds, and holding on to dreams in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.
The characters, like Ueda, struggle, falter, and slowly rise again, never alone.
“I hope this story stays close to your heart and gives you strength,” he said warmly, addressing fans and readers alike.
This new venture places Ueda among other multi-talented figures in STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.
Fellow labelmate Shigeaki Kato from NEWS has earned Naoki Prize nominations, while Miyata Toshiyasu from Kis-My-Ft2 debuted with a light novel in 2023.
Manga creators have also emerged from the agency, including Kai Takahashi from King & Prince and Yuichi Nakamaru, another former KAT-TUN member.
As Tatsuya Ueda steps into the world of literature, Kono Koe ga Todoku made marks not only his new beginning as a novelist, but also a symbolic continuation of dreams once shared with his bandmates — now immortalised in story.