The narrative of the novel centers on a writer living in post-war Japan, a historical context that significantly informed my design approach. In an effort to create a cover that resonates with the cultural and temporal setting of the story, I sought to incorporate visual elements rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics.

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My key reference point was genkō yōshi (原稿用紙), a type of manuscript paper traditionally used in Japan for formal writing. Characterized by its grid-like layout, designed for vertical text, genkō yōshi serves not only a functional purpose but also carries deep cultural and historical associations. By echoing this pattern in the design, I aimed to subtly evoke the disciplined structure and literary heritage associated with the period.