Interview With Author Yuto Kurogane
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Yuto Kurogane, a writer dedicated to exploring the depths of the human spirit through the lens of epic fantasy. Kizuna: Shards of the Void Heart is my debut work and the first volume in an unfolding saga. While I am currently deep into the serialization of this first journey, I have spent years developing the extensive lore, martial arts systems, and the elemental nations that define this world. My goal is to create a long-running series where readers can grow alongside the characters.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Kizuna: Shards of the Void Heart (Volume 1).
The inspiration for this story came from the idea of 'emotional weight'—the concept that our memories and feelings aren't just thoughts, but a source of tangible power. I wanted to create a world where a warrior's strength is directly tied to their internal struggles. The 'Kizuna' system was born from this; it's a world where spirit and steel are one. I was specifically inspired by the image of a young boy who has lost everything yet finds a 'Void' in his heart that can either consume him or become his greatest strength. Seeing Zenshi navigate the metallic, unforgiving Kogane Forest while trying to keep his inner light alive is what truly drove the narrative.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One of my more unusual habits is that I often balance the high-intensity action of the Kizuna saga by working on a parallel story simultaneously. Currently, I am also writing 'Resonant Breath: The Invisible Bonds of Seishin Taiki' on RoyalRoad. I find that switching between the 'Void Heart' themes of Zenshi’s journey and the different spiritual mechanics of Resonant Breath keeps my mind sharp. It allows me to explore various facets of spiritual energy systems—what I call Seishin Taiki—without getting 'writer's block' on either project. I also find that I write my best action scenes late at night when the world is quiet, often sketching out the movements of the blades by hand before I ever type a word.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My writing is deeply rooted in the storytelling traditions of great Shonen creators. I have been profoundly influenced by Koyoharu Gotouge (Demon Slayer) for their ability to blend beautiful, breathing-style combat with deep emotional stakes. The world-building and sense of scale in Eiichiro Oda’s (One Piece) work inspired me to create the distinct elemental nations in my own series. Additionally, the complex rivalries and the 'willpower as a weapon' themes found in Masashi Kishimoto’s (Naruto) universe were instrumental in how I developed the Kizuna system. I strive to capture that same sense of wonder and heart-pounding action that defines these modern classics, while adding my own dark fantasy twist.
What are you working on now?
Right now, my primary focus is the continuation of Kizuna: Shards of the Void Heart. I am currently writing the next major story arc, where Zenshi moves beyond his initial training and begins to encounter the larger political forces of the elemental nations.
In addition to that, I am expanding the 'Seishin Taiki' universe with a second series titled Resonant Breath: The Invisible Bonds of Seishin Taiki. While Kizuna explores the darkness of the 'Void,' Resonant Breath focuses on the intricate spiritual connections between all living things. Managing two series at once allows me to build a massive, interconnected world that I hope will capture the imagination of Light Novel fans everywhere.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is a strategy I call 'The Ripple Effect.' I focus on building a strong, consistent presence on serialization platforms like Royal Road, where I can engage with readers chapter-by-chapter and get immediate feedback. Once the story has momentum, I use high-quality directory sites like Awesome Gang and Genre-specific hubs to reach a wider audience that might not have discovered me otherwise. I believe the key to promotion isn't just shouting into the void, but finding the specific 'guilds' and communities where fans of Shonen-inspired fantasy already gather. By providing consistent updates and engaging with the community, you turn casual readers into loyal fans of the saga.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to treat writing like the martial arts depicted in my stories: it is a discipline of 'Pillars.' First, focus on the Pillar of Consistency—write even when the inspiration feels like a fading ember. Second, embrace the Pillar of Resilience; your first draft is often like raw iron, and it takes the heat of editing to turn it into a blade. Finally, never lose sight of your 'Kizuna'—the emotional bond you have with your characters. If you don't feel their pain or their triumph, your readers won't either. Don't worry about being perfect; just focus on being honest with your story. Every great saga starts with a single, imperfect chapter.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was: 'Focus on the process, not the results.' In the beginning, I was so worried about whether people would like my magic system or if I would ever finish Volume 1. An old mentor told me that a master swordsman doesn't think about the victory; they think about the single strike they are making in that exact moment.
I applied this to my writing. Instead of worrying about becoming a bestseller, I focused on making every sentence of Kizuna as sharp as Zenshi’s blade. If you take care of the craft, the results will eventually take care of themselves. This mindset is what allowed me to build the complex world of the Kogane Forest and the 'Void Heart' without feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the saga.
What are you reading now?
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next is the expansion of the Seishin Taiki universe. My immediate goal is to complete the first major story arc of Kizuna: Shards of the Void Heart, leading Zenshi toward his first true confrontation with the forces that destroyed his home.
Parallel to that, I am deepening the lore in Resonant Breath, exploring different aspects of the spiritual energy systems I've created. I am also planning to bridge these stories through shared history and ancient myths within the world. Ultimately, I am working toward a full physical and digital release of Volume 1, while continuing to engage with my community on Royal Road. The journey of a writer, much like Zenshi’s path, is one of constant refinement and new horizons.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I would need books that offer both deep philosophy and endless adventure. My four choices would be:
'The Book of Five Rings' by Miyamoto Musashi: As an author who writes about the 'Pillars' of combat, I find Musashi’s real-world wisdom on strategy and mindset to be essential. I could study it for a lifetime and still find new meaning.
'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien: This is the gold standard for world-building. Being stranded would be the perfect time to get lost in the languages and history of Middle-earth once again.
'Vagabond' (the manga series) by Takehiko Inoue: While technically a visual medium, its exploration of a warrior’s spirit and the 'unseen' world is a constant inspiration for the visual tone of Kizuna.
A blank journal: Because even on a desert island, a writer’s mind never stops. I would need a place to map out the next ten volumes of Zenshi’s journey and the secrets of the elemental nations.
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