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Kamizen: Fortress of Lost memories
Enter a secret wonderland in the sky where Japanese legends
come to life.
Twelve-year-old Jonty desperately wants an adventure but he knows
it's unlikely when he's stuck at home for the entire summer.
But then he meets a talking bonobo in the forest at the back of his
house who invites him to enter a magical world behind a Japanese
Memory gate. There, he will get to collect wild memories from
the time his gramps was a famous primatologist ... and soon, his
adventure begins.
Behind the gate lies a world far more enchanting than back home.
In a world filled with mischievous Japanese beings called yōkai,
Jonty must battle to collect the memories in a series of
hair-raising trials. But there is an evil sky pirate crew on board
a ship who are hellbent on destroying the memories for good ...
and they have bows and arrows.
Can Jonty battle the pirate crew before time runs out and
the wadokei watch-clock strikes?
come to life.
Twelve-year-old Jonty desperately wants an adventure but he knows
it's unlikely when he's stuck at home for the entire summer.
But then he meets a talking bonobo in the forest at the back of his
house who invites him to enter a magical world behind a Japanese
Memory gate. There, he will get to collect wild memories from
the time his gramps was a famous primatologist ... and soon, his
adventure begins.
Behind the gate lies a world far more enchanting than back home.
In a world filled with mischievous Japanese beings called yōkai,
Jonty must battle to collect the memories in a series of
hair-raising trials. But there is an evil sky pirate crew on board
a ship who are hellbent on destroying the memories for good ...
and they have bows and arrows.
Can Jonty battle the pirate crew before time runs out and
the wadokei watch-clock strikes?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 22, 2026
I think this was beautifully written. The prose is vivid enough that the story feels alive; every description is lush, dreamlike, and immersive. At the same time, there's an undercurrent of sadness running through it, because from the beginning you sense that Jonty's adventure is tied to something much deeper than simply having an exciting summer.
One of the things I liked most was the uncertainty. The world behind the Memory Gate is fascinating but also unsettling. You never fully know what to expect, and the inclusion of Japanese folklore makes that even more compelling. Some of the yōkai are frightening, some seem harmless, but the book constantly makes you question who can actually be trusted. The characters who appear to be "good" aren't always the ones you expect, which gives the story a mysterious, slightly eerie atmosphere.
After reading the author's note, the whole book clicked into place. It isn't just a fantasy adventure; it's also an interpretation of what dementia can feel like. People often say that memory loss is difficult to understand unless you've lived through it, and this story captures that confusion remarkably well. Much of the journey feels fragmented and strange, and only in the final chapters do the pieces begin to make sense.
One of the things I liked most was the uncertainty. The world behind the Memory Gate is fascinating but also unsettling. You never fully know what to expect, and the inclusion of Japanese folklore makes that even more compelling. Some of the yōkai are frightening, some seem harmless, but the book constantly makes you question who can actually be trusted. The characters who appear to be "good" aren't always the ones you expect, which gives the story a mysterious, slightly eerie atmosphere.
After reading the author's note, the whole book clicked into place. It isn't just a fantasy adventure; it's also an interpretation of what dementia can feel like. People often say that memory loss is difficult to understand unless you've lived through it, and this story captures that confusion remarkably well. Much of the journey feels fragmented and strange, and only in the final chapters do the pieces begin to make sense.
April 12, 2026
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
KAMIZEN FORTRESS OF LOST MEMORIES is a really gorgeous story about dementia and wishing there was something you could do to help. I lost my Granddad to the disease and I am so glad that a book like this exists to help children understand what their relatives are going through. It encapsulates that fear that you'll be forgotten, the pain of watching them decline, but also the hope the good days bring.
There is a bittersweetness to the book. I'm glad it doesn't all end well, because that's not the reality of this disease. But it's not grim and hopeless, which would make for a poor kids book. It's a really fine balance to walk and the book does navigate that path well.
It's full of creatures from Japanese mythology. The bonobo (talking ape) we meet at the start was my favourite - she was so much fun and loved toothbrushes! This is a mythology I haven't seen much in children's books and it's so nice that there is an increasing range of myths represented in fiction. This isn't a retelling of a certain myth but uses creatures from the body of Japanese tales to create this world.
It's illustrated by Sawa in a style that reminds me a bit of manga with the really defined outlines of characters to make them pop against the background. The definition really helps make the images a clear aid to the storytelling.
KAMIZEN FORTRESS OF LOST MEMORIES is a really gorgeous story about dementia and wishing there was something you could do to help. I lost my Granddad to the disease and I am so glad that a book like this exists to help children understand what their relatives are going through. It encapsulates that fear that you'll be forgotten, the pain of watching them decline, but also the hope the good days bring.
There is a bittersweetness to the book. I'm glad it doesn't all end well, because that's not the reality of this disease. But it's not grim and hopeless, which would make for a poor kids book. It's a really fine balance to walk and the book does navigate that path well.
It's full of creatures from Japanese mythology. The bonobo (talking ape) we meet at the start was my favourite - she was so much fun and loved toothbrushes! This is a mythology I haven't seen much in children's books and it's so nice that there is an increasing range of myths represented in fiction. This isn't a retelling of a certain myth but uses creatures from the body of Japanese tales to create this world.
It's illustrated by Sawa in a style that reminds me a bit of manga with the really defined outlines of characters to make them pop against the background. The definition really helps make the images a clear aid to the storytelling.
May 4, 2026
‘Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories’ by William Yamaguchi Dobson is a decent middle grade novel that stands out from others in the Western market due to its focus on Japanese folklore. This is the element that initially drew my interest; however, although I like the idea of the novel, I feel it is let down by the execution.
The novel very much reads like it has been written by a novice author, as it lacks voice, character depth, and a solid core plot. Instead, we get a somewhat episodic and overly convoluted story that feels like a number of separate ideas stitched together. I really wish the author had put this book aside and come back to it after gaining more experience, as I do think there is the seed of a phenomenal novel here—the glimpses of potential that shine through make this a worthwhile read, even if it doesn’t live up to what it could have been.
Those who speak basic Japanese will be fine with the phrases included in the book, but those who are new to the language (and the culture) might struggle.
⚠️ Dementia
The novel very much reads like it has been written by a novice author, as it lacks voice, character depth, and a solid core plot. Instead, we get a somewhat episodic and overly convoluted story that feels like a number of separate ideas stitched together. I really wish the author had put this book aside and come back to it after gaining more experience, as I do think there is the seed of a phenomenal novel here—the glimpses of potential that shine through make this a worthwhile read, even if it doesn’t live up to what it could have been.
Those who speak basic Japanese will be fine with the phrases included in the book, but those who are new to the language (and the culture) might struggle.
⚠️ Dementia
August 1, 2026
Jonty & his mother Akemi-Rose are spending the summer at Gramps's house, because Gramps has dementia and can't look after himself any more. Then a saxophone-playing bonobo ape invites him to pass through the Gates of Memory to a magical realm where he can collect his Gramps's memories of his career as a primatologist. But there's a terrifying pirate who is also seeking the memories to destroy them, & when Jonty is trapped beyond the Gates of Memory, he has to pursue the pirate into the dark kingdom of Kamizen if he is to have a hope of retrieving the memories & ever getting home.
What I loved most about this charming & exciting story were the yokai: often very strange (to me) characters from Japanese folklore who spring vividly to life, ready to help or hinder Jonty on his journey. I can't really describe the kappa Lafcadio to you but I honestly do think you should make his acquaintance, you will thank me.
The beautiful illustrations by Sawa really complement the book & its magical worlds.
What I loved most about this charming & exciting story were the yokai: often very strange (to me) characters from Japanese folklore who spring vividly to life, ready to help or hinder Jonty on his journey. I can't really describe the kappa Lafcadio to you but I honestly do think you should make his acquaintance, you will thank me.
The beautiful illustrations by Sawa really complement the book & its magical worlds.
April 15, 2026
In writing Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories, Will Dobson has woven pure magic. It’s a propulsive adventure that takes us – with hero, Jonty (12) – on an epic journey into the world of Firenzo, along with incredible characters drawn from Japanese folklore. There's a talking bonobo, a mind-boggling collection of mischievous spirits called yōkai, and a terrifying sky pirate, who may represent more to Jonty that he'd like to believe. At the same time it’s a beautiful account of a grandson trying to help his beloved gramps retrieve his memories in the face of dementia. Throughout the story, quests are undertaken, challenges met and battles fought. From start to finish it’s full of thrills and plenty of laughs, but mostly it’s bursting with love. The stunning cover sets the tone for a collection of equally beautiful illustrations by artist Sawa, each of which deserves to be framed. Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories is a total joy for the whole family, and a classic in the making.
May 9, 2026
I was lucky enough to win a signed copy from the lovely author, and what a beautiful book this was.
We are taken on an adventure with Jonty, who enters the Kamizen, the Fortress of Lost Memories. He encounters a lot of creatures and yokai from Japanese mythology and undertakes quests, in order to retrieve lost memories from his grandfather's youth. Jonty's grandfather currently suffers from dementia and is struggling to remember many things.
As painful and devastating as this disease is, this book paints a beautiful picture of family, friendships and love. It is full of Ghibli, Spirited Away-like magic and Japanese folklore. The yokai which Jonty encounters are endearing and heart-warming, and all in all, this book sends an important message, reminding you to hold onto your elderly loved ones dearly. A wonderful little book. Not to mention, the illustrations throughout the book by Sawa are absolutely gorgeous.
We are taken on an adventure with Jonty, who enters the Kamizen, the Fortress of Lost Memories. He encounters a lot of creatures and yokai from Japanese mythology and undertakes quests, in order to retrieve lost memories from his grandfather's youth. Jonty's grandfather currently suffers from dementia and is struggling to remember many things.
As painful and devastating as this disease is, this book paints a beautiful picture of family, friendships and love. It is full of Ghibli, Spirited Away-like magic and Japanese folklore. The yokai which Jonty encounters are endearing and heart-warming, and all in all, this book sends an important message, reminding you to hold onto your elderly loved ones dearly. A wonderful little book. Not to mention, the illustrations throughout the book by Sawa are absolutely gorgeous.
June 2, 2026
Kamizen was so beautiful and magical. I loved the concept of being able to travel into memories where you get to meet all sorts of mystical creatures and travel through lands. It's the exact type of story younger me loved to read. I think this book is great for those seeking adventures and the younger generation should always have access to these kind of tales that help you dream. It's fun to read about folklore from different backgrounds and the beautiful illustrations inside added to the beauty of the book. I had a great time reading this and managed to complete it in one day. Thank you Scholastic for sending me a copy.
April 17, 2026
Fortress of Lost Memories is an absolutely beautiful, exquisite story that at it's heart, Is about a Grandson trying to help his Grandfather regain his lost memories following the devastating effects of dementia.
Along the way, we meet some fantastical characters from Japanese folklore such as a talking bonobo, some wonderfully mischievous, playful spirits called yokai and an evil sky pirate, among others.
Packed to the brim with rich, deep myths and legends, it's a story to get lost in that will spirit you away into another world.
Just wonderful.
A big 5 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 's from me.
Along the way, we meet some fantastical characters from Japanese folklore such as a talking bonobo, some wonderfully mischievous, playful spirits called yokai and an evil sky pirate, among others.
Packed to the brim with rich, deep myths and legends, it's a story to get lost in that will spirit you away into another world.
Just wonderful.
A big 5 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 's from me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews