What a Man Encounters on a Midnight Road: “Last to Be Left Behind After 5 Minutes,” A Short Horror Story Collection

Five minutes is more than long enough to distort a person.

Is it possible to instill fear in someone within just five minutes?

The “5-Minute Series,” published in collaboration between the novel creation platform Evrysta and Kawade Shobo Shinsha, is a popular collection of ultra-short stories designed to move readers within five minutes, each organized around a specific theme. With 40 volumes released and a cumulative 1.6 million copies sold, the series has now collaborated with horror author Nashishi to produce “Left Behind in the Last 5 Minutes,” which was released on October 29 and has been generating buzz.

Nashishi, a rising star in the horror genre, is known for writing primarily on the internet and co-producing the much-talked-about “Missing Exhibition,” held from July to September this year. The book includes ten horror stories selected by Nashishi, designed to “leave readers behind” in an irrational world within five minutes of reading.

In the book, Nashishi, who wrote the prologue and commentary, remarks in the “Commentary” section:

“The time it takes to finish each piece is approximately five minutes. While this may seem short at first glance, it is more than enough time to distort someone. A person can die in just ten seconds, and even a subliminal effect inserted in less than a second can alter consumer behavior.”

One of the works included is “The Crying Little Girl” by Senane, offering readers a chance to experience the absurdity of being “left behind” in a world that has slipped away from everyday reality—within just five minutes.