Jinushi’s manga series, Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division, is set to end in the April issue of Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine on April 25, 2025. The manga, also known as Rokurei: Tensei-shi Rinne-ku Yakusho Dairokkan-bu Joreika Katsudōki, revolves around a special government office that mediates between the living and the dead.
Story and Premise of Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division
The story of Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division centers around a unique approach to dealing with spiritual incidents. Instead of traditional exorcism, the Sixth Sense Department’s Anti-Exorcism Division aims to resolve issues by acting as mediums between the living and the dead. This “buddy cop mystery drama” explores the connections between the world of the living and the afterlife.
- The government establishes a specialized local office to combat the increasing number of spiritual incidents.
- This office, the Sixth Sense Department’s Anti-Exorcism Division, mediates between the living and the dead.
- Their purpose is to resolve problems without resorting to exorcism.
About the Author: Jinushi
Jinushi, the author behind Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division, is also known for their work on Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You. Jinushi launched Rokurei in Monthly Big Gangan in 2022.
- Jinushi is a Japanese manga artist.
- They are the author and illustrator of Rokurei: Tenseishi Rinne Kuyakusho Dairokkanbu Joreika Katsudouki.
- Jinushi is also the author of the romantic comedy manga, Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You.
Publication Details and Availability
Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division was launched in 2022 in Square Enix‘s Monthly Big Gangan magazine. Square Enix published the manga’s fifth compiled book volume in July 2024 and the sixth volume on January 25, 2025. The manga is also available in English through Square Enix’s Manga UP! Global service.
- The manga began serialization in Monthly Big Gangan in 2022.
- Square Enix published the fifth compiled book volume in July 2024.
- Square Enix published the sixth volume on January 25, 2025.
- Manga UP! Global publishes the manga in English.
Themes and Genres
Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division blends several genres, including:
- Comedy: Elements of humor are incorporated into the interactions and situations.
- Mystery: The cases the Anti-Exorcism Division handles often involve unraveling mysteries.
- Seinen: The manga is targeted towards a young adult male audience.
- Supernatural: The story deals with ghosts and spiritual phenomena.
- Drama: The narrative explores serious and emotional themes.
Reception and Awards
Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division has received some recognition, including:
- Earning 8th place in the 16th Manga Taisho awards in 2023.
Jinushi’s Other Notable Work: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (Sūpā no Ura de Yani Sū Futari) is another popular manga series by Jinushi. This romantic comedy and slice-of-life manga has gained significant attention and accolades.
Story of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
The story revolves around Sasaki, an overworked middle-aged salaryman, and Yamada, a cheerful supermarket cashier. Sasaki finds solace in Yamada’s customer service. One evening, he encounters a mysterious woman named Tayama in the smoking area behind the supermarket.
- Sasaki is an overworked salaryman who finds comfort in Yamada’s customer service.
- Yamada is a winsome and cheery supermarket cashier.
- Tayama is a mysterious woman who invites Sasaki to the smoking area behind the supermarket.
Popularity and Awards of Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You has achieved considerable success:
- The first chapter on Twitter received over 190,000 likes.
- The series won the 2022 Next Manga Award in the web category.
- It ranked seventh in the 2023 edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga for male readers.
- It ranked eighth in the 16th Manga Taisho.
- The series was ranked fourth in the Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2023 and first in the Nationwide Publishers’ Recommended Comics of 2023.
- It has over 200,000 copies in circulation as of volume 1.
Characters in Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You
- Sasaki (佐々木): A 45-year-old overworked businessman.
- Yamada: A winsome and cheery supermarket cashier.
- Tayama: A mysterious woman in the smoking area.
Where to Read Jinushi’s Works
Both Rokurei: The Anti-Exorcism Division and Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You are available on Manga UP! Global.
