Bestselling Author and Popular Voice Actor Unite in Unprecedented Collaboration! Aoyama Michiko × Kaji Yuki Launch New Novel 'I Heard the Voice of Love' on Bessatsu Bunshun!

Bessatsu Bunshun, published by Bungeishunju Ltd., begins the release of Aoyama Michiko's new work, 'I Heard the Voice of Love,' on Thursday, September 3. This novel is an original story inspired by voice actor Kaji Yuki's voice AI project, 'Soyogi Fractal'.

What kind of story will emerge from this unprecedented collaboration between an author, a voice actor, and AI? Please pay close attention to this groundbreaking project.

◆ Teaser Video Release

On September 3, a special teaser video voiced by Kaji Yuki will be unveiled. This luxurious one-minute clip resembles a movie trailer. In the video, Kaji Yuki provides the narration and the voice of the protagonist, Takuto Matsuki, while the voice of the AI character Ajik is performed by 'Soyogi Soyogi'—a voice synthesis software and AI character developed using Kaji Yuki's voice. Enjoy the dynamic interaction between Kaji and the AI character Soyogi. This is a special video that allows audiences to experience the 'voice' of the novel before reading it.

Teaser Video Cast

Takuto Matsuki & Narration: Kaji Yuki

Ajik: Soyogi Soyogi

Access the full story and teaser video here:

https://bessatsu-bunshun.com/n/n5773ade9b53a

◆ Story Introduction

Takuto Matsuki, a 36-year-old manager in charge of sales at an interior design manufacturer. One day, prompted by a junior colleague, he tries the 'AI fortune-telling' feature of the generative AI service 'Ajik'. The result he receives is a rather mundane message: 'Be careful of injuries.' True to the prediction, Matsuki injures his hand and, while visiting a pharmacy for treatment, meets a female pharmacist and falls in love.

He's competent at work and friendly in person. Yet, for some reason, he can't act naturally in front of the woman he likes. Matsuki begins to confide his vulnerabilities—things he's never shown anyone else—only to Ajik.

Why do humans entrust their hearts to an AI that lacks emotions? This contemporary love story is penned by Aoyama Michiko, a popular author nominated for the Booksellers' Award for five consecutive years, in response to voice actor Kaji Yuki's vision for AI. Read the serialized story on 'Bessatsu Bunshun'.

Comment from Aoyama Michiko

For us, AI is no longer science fiction—it's an everyday reality. It will continue to evolve at an unpredictable pace. I wanted to capture, through fiction, what is happening in our AI-dependent society: the real interactions, challenges, hopes, and possibilities between humans and AI. Through working with Kaji Yuki about a year ago, I deeply engaged with his 'Soyogi Fractal' project. Inspired by the idea of 'entertainment co-created by humans and AI,' I am truly happy to be part of this innovative challenge.

Comment from Kaji Yuki

This project became a reality after I had the opportunity to narrate one of Aoyama Michiko's works on a TV program. When she visited the recording studio and I shared details about 'Soyogi Fractal,' she lit up with a sparkling smile and showed great interest. She immediately began researching the project and AI in general, and her curiosity and creative drive deeply moved me—I thought, 'This is what a true professional writer looks like!'

I feel a profound human warmth in Aoyama's writing. I can't wait to see what kind of chemical reaction will occur when she writes a story centered on AI. I will narrate it with all my heart. Please look forward to 'I Heard the Voice of Love'!

◆ About 'Soyogi Fractal'

Launched in 2023 by Kaji Yuki to commemorate his 20th anniversary as a voice actor, 'Soyogi Fractal' is a voice AI project. Centered on the voice synthesis software and AI character 'Soyogi Soyogi,' developed from Kaji Yuki's voice, the project explores new fusions of AI technology and creativity. Amid rapid AI adoption, the project aims to present to society the 'right way' for voice AI—protecting creators' rights through official software while co-developing technology.

Official Website: https://soyogi-fractal.com/

◆ About 'WEB Bessatsu Bunshun'

A community for novel lovers: 'Read, Enjoy, Connect'! For ¥800 per month, enjoy unlimited access to works, interviews, dialogues, and essays by popular authors. We also offer online events where you can discover authors' true personalities and creative secrets, plus interactive projects like themed writing challenges and submission events.

Bessatsu Bunshun: https://bessatsu-bunshun.com/

◆ Profile of Aoyama Michiko

Aoyama Michiko (born 1970, Aichi Prefecture). Debuted in 2017 with 'Cocoa on Thursdays' after working at a publishing company. 'The Lost Item Goes to the Library' (2021 Booksellers' Award 2nd place) was selected as the only Japanese author in TIME Magazine's '100 Must-Read Books of 2023'. 'Red, Blue, and Sketch' (2022 Booksellers' Award 2nd place) and 'The Mermaid Escaped' (2025 Booksellers' Award 5th place) earned her five consecutive Booksellers' Award nominations. Other works include 'In the Forest Where the Moon Rises' and 'Recovery Kabahiko'.

◆ Profile of Kaji Yuki

Kaji Yuki (born 1985, Tokyo). Debuted as a voice actor in 2004. Known for roles such as Eren Yeager in 'Attack on Titan,' Meliodas in 'The Seven Deadly Sins,' Shoto Todoroki in 'My Hero Academia,' and Kenma Kozume in 'Haikyu!!'. First voice actor to win the Seiyu Awards for Best Lead Actor two years in a row.

Founded FRACTAL Co., Ltd. in April 2026, serving as Representative Director, President, and CEO. As General Producer of the voice AI project 'Soyogi Fractal,' he focuses on protecting voice rights and exploring new possibilities in creative expression using his own voice-based AI character 'Soyogi'.