Glacier Bay Books has announced a major consolidation and several new licenses that will reshape the small-press landscape for translated Japanese fiction. The publisher revealed on its X/Twitter account that it will absorb all existing Star Fruit Books licenses and publications, fulfill outstanding direct orders, and integrate Star Fruit’s release slate into Glacier Bay’s schedule. Alongside the acquisition update, Glacier Bay also announced two fresh English-language licenses: Chome’s Shitsugaikishitsu and Naoto Yamakawa’s Basement Attic. Below we break down what these moves mean for readers, Kickstarter backers, and retailers, and highlight key details from the publisher’s update.
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Glacier Bay Books absorbs Star Fruit Books — what changed
In a move that brings greater stability to a handful of indie releases, Glacier Bay Books confirmed it is taking on all Star Fruit Books licenses and titles. The publisher says it will fulfill Star Fruit Books’ outstanding direct orders, and is actively integrating the other imprint’s release schedule into Glacier Bay’s own production calendar. While the transfer is still being finalized, this consolidation should reassure readers who were worried about back-orders or orphaned projects.
Why this matters to readers and collectors
- Continuity: Existing pre-orders and direct sales through Star Fruit Books will be honored and fulfilled by Glacier Bay Books, reducing the risk of lost orders.
- Consolidated distribution: Glacier Bay’s effort to streamline distribution and retailer relationships may improve long-term availability for print editions previously limited under Star Fruit’s distribution.
- Release clarity: Integrating two release schedules will eventually produce a clearer timeline for collectors waiting on delayed or limited-run printings.
New licenses: Shitsugaikishitsu and Basement Attic
Glacier Bay’s most eye-catching announcements were the acquisition of translation rights for two short-story collections: Chome’s Shitsugaikishitsu and Naoto Yamakawa’s Basement Attic. Each title promises a distinct tone and thematic focus, expanding Glacier Bay’s catalog of literary and genre-adjacent works.
Shitsugaikishitsu (Chome)
Glacier Bay describes Shitsugaikishitsu as a collection of “four mysterious magical realist short stories” in which ordinary lives intersect with a hidden, uncanny world. The publisher has not yet revealed the English-language cover or final title and says it will share additional details — including cover art and publication specifics — at a later date. Given Chome’s touch for subtle wonder and speculative undercurrents, this collection will likely appeal to readers of literary speculative fiction and fans of dreamlike short fiction.
Basement Attic (Naoto Yamakawa)
Basement Attic is billed as a lively collection of short stories with humor, charm, and a slyly cynical undertone. Naoto Yamakawa’s work often balances comedic sensibility with sharp observations about daily life, and Glacier Bay’s description suggests this collection will lean into both wit and character-driven vignettes. Translators and edition details will likely follow once Glacier Bay finalizes localization plans.
Production pipeline & Kickstarter updates
Glacier Bay also addressed production delays and the status of several Kickstarter-backed projects. The publisher admitted its release plan is behind schedule but provided specific status updates for several titles:
- Currently printing: Baku Chan, Box Garden Beetle, and Star Clock Liddell volumes 1–3.
- Final pre-press/preparation complete: True Blue Never Fades, Universe from the Balcony, and The Cursed Body — these are expected to move to press shortly.
While delays are frustrating for readers, transparency about what’s actively printing and what’s in pre-press is a positive step. Kickstarter backers should monitor the publisher’s updates for shipping windows and tracking information.
What Kickstarter backers should do
- Check any messages sent from Glacier Bay Books or the original Star Fruit Books Kickstarter account for fulfillment updates and tracking information.
- If you used a direct order with Star Fruit Books, retain your order confirmation and reach out to Glacier Bay’s support channels if fulfillment timelines are unclear.
- Watch Glacier Bay’s social channels and website for updates about shipping dates and potential delays.
Retailer partnerships and a new website
To strengthen retail distribution, Glacier Bay revealed it has developed a new website focused on improving retailer partnerships and streamlining distribution channels. The publisher will run a limited beta for select retailers before a wider rollout. Improved retailer tools could help indie titles reach bookstores more reliably and reduce availability gaps for print editions.
For readers and bookstore owners who want to follow the publisher’s updates directly, Glacier Bay posted the announcements on its X/Twitter account and will likely publish more information on its new site during the beta phase. For direct statements from the publisher, see Glacier Bay’s X/Twitter. View the announcement on X.
How this shapes the indie translation scene
Consolidations like Glacier Bay’s absorption of Star Fruit titles reflect both challenges and opportunities in the small-press translation market. On one hand, smaller imprints can struggle with cash flow, printing runs, and distribution logistics; on the other, mergers and acquisitions by like-minded indie publishers can preserve titles and bring them to wider audiences. Glacier Bay’s steps to integrate catalogs and strengthen retailer tools are positive signals for the longevity of these niche translations.
Reader takeaways
- If you have outstanding Star Fruit direct orders, expect fulfillment updates from Glacier Bay Books as the transfer is finalized.
- Keep an eye out for official cover reveals, English titles, and translator credits for Shitsugaikishitsu and Basement Attic; Glacier Bay has said more details will be revealed later.
- Expect occasional production delays as the publisher works through printing and pre-press for several Kickstarter and backlist titles.
Final thoughts
Glacier Bay Books’ announcement is encouraging news for readers of translated Japanese short fiction and collectors of indie releases. The takeover of Star Fruit Books’ catalog should stabilize fulfillment for existing orders, while the two new licenses — Shitsugaikishitsu and Basement Attic — expand Glacier Bay’s literary reach with distinctive voices. Though the publisher admits to schedule delays, its transparency around what is printing and what is in pre-press, combined with efforts to improve retailer distribution, suggests a path toward steadier release rhythms. Keep watching Glacier Bay’s official channels for cover reveals, translation notes, and shipping updates as these projects move forward.
