あとがき

Usually written in hiragana, though the kanji form 後書(あとが)き exists. A standard part of Japanese books where the author addresses readers directly, often in a more personal and informal tone than the main text.

Common collocations

• あとがきを書(か)く: to write an afterword
• あとがきを読(よ)む: to read the afterword
• あとがきに代(か)えて: in place of an afterword

Similar words

• 前書(まえが)き: foreword, preface — the corresponding introductory section at the beginning of a book
• 解説(かいせつ): commentary — an analytical essay sometimes appended to novels, often written by a critic or another author rather than the original author
• 跋(ばつ): postface — a more formal literary term for an afterword; rarely used in modern contexts

Cultural note

In manga and light novels, the afterword is a beloved feature where authors share personal anecdotes, thank their editors and assistants, and sometimes include bonus illustrations. Readers often look forward to these personal sections.