Kadokawa is set to captivate manga and light novel enthusiasts with a diverse range of English releases this April. From intriguing historical romances to tales of exiled saints, here’s a sneak peek at some of the titles making their way to bookshelves and digital platforms.
“To Sir, Without Love: I’m Divorcing You”: A Wager of Love
(Light Novel & Manga)
- Creators: Kori Hisakawa (story), Airumu (art) – Light Novel; Iroto Tsumugi (Illustrator) – Manga
- Publisher: Yen Press
- Release Date:
- Early digital release: April 4 (BookWalker Global, MangaPlaza)
- Print (Manga): April 29, 2025
- Light Novel: July 2025
- Synopsis: Set in the Gaihandar Empire, the story revolves around Byletta, a viscount’s daughter skilled in both swordsmanship and business. She’s been married for eight years to Arnald Swangan, a cold-hearted and handsome lieutenant colonel, but they’ve never met due to his absence at war. With the war finally over, Byletta seeks a divorce. However, Arnald proposes a “wager” with a one-month limit: if he can get her pregnant within a month, they remain married. Thus begins an awkward and intriguing love story between a woman framed as a femme fatale and a man who has never loved.
More Details
The “To Sir, Without Love: I’m Divorcing You” series started as a light novel serialized on Kadokawa’s Kakuyomu website from April to December 2020. ASCII Media Works later acquired it, publishing it under their Media Works Bunko imprint with illustrations by Airumu starting in January 2022. As of February 2025, five volumes with three separated parts have been released. Yen Press has licensed the novels for English publication, with the first part of the first volume set to release in July 2025.
A manga adaptation illustrated by Iroto Tsumugi began serialization on NTT Solmare’s Comic Seymour website under Kadokawa’s Flos Comic brand in July 2023. Kadokawa’s BookWalker website publishes the manga adaptation digitally in English. Yen Press announced their license for English publication of the manga at New York Comic Con 2024, with the first volume scheduled for release in April 2025.
BookWalker Global offers the manga digitally in English for a three-month exclusivity period before its release on other platforms.
Why You Should Read It: The premise offers a blend of historical romance with a touch of humor and unconventional courtship. The strong-willed female lead and the aloof, handsome hero create a dynamic that promises engaging interactions and character development.
“The False Saint’s Exile”: Finding Happiness in Unexpected Places
(Manga)
- Creators: Rakku Yasahashi (original story), marimuu (art), Komochi Mochizuki (character designer)
- Release Date: April 10, 2025
- Synopsis: Tiara, a young woman with healing powers, has dedicated her life to serving as a “Saint” in the Imperial Court of Lerys. However, she is suddenly accused of being a false saint and exiled. Surprisingly, this exile leads her to a handsome friend, Alex, who reveals himself to be the prince of a neighboring kingdom in need of her help.
More Details
“The False Saint’s Exile” presents a narrative where being cast out leads to unexpected opportunities and a chance to make a real difference. This manga explores themes of identity, purpose, and finding one’s true calling beyond societal expectations.
Why You Should Read It: If you enjoy stories about strong female characters overcoming adversity and finding their place in the world, this manga offers a refreshing take on the isekai genre with a focus on healing and redemption.
Other Notable Releases
Kadokawa’s April lineup includes other exciting titles such as:
- A Petal Priestess Blooms at the Inner Palace
- Lovely Leapin’ Lizards!
Kadokawa’s Commitment to English Manga
Kadokawa, a major player in the Japanese publishing industry, has been actively expanding its reach to English-speaking audiences. In recent years, they’ve implemented strategies such as simulpub releases, where manga and light novels are released in English on the same day as their Japanese counterparts. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand from international fans who want access to the latest content as quickly as possible.
Kadokawa has also been directly translating and distributing titles themselves. This allows them to have more control over the localization process and ensure that the quality of the translations meets their standards.
Where to Find These Titles
These manga and light novels will be available on various digital platforms, including:
- BookWalker Global
- MangaPlaza
- Amazon
- Apple Books
Physical copies will be available at major booksellers and online retailers.
More Manga to Watch Out For
Beyond Kadokawa’s releases, manga fans have a lot to look forward to in 2025. Here are a few other notable titles and updates:
- Yotsuba&! Volume 16: After a four-year hiatus, the latest volume of this beloved slice-of-life manga is finally releasing.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners MADNESS: A manga prequel to the popular anime series, focusing on the characters Rebecca and Pilar.
Why Manga and Light Novels Continue to Thrive
Manga and light novels have experienced a surge in popularity worldwide, captivating readers with their unique storytelling, diverse genres, and stunning artwork. Here are a few reasons why these Japanese art forms continue to thrive:
- Creative Storytelling: Manga and light novels explore a vast range of themes and genres, from fantasy and science fiction to romance and slice-of-life.
- Visually Appealing: The artwork in manga is often highly detailed and expressive, bringing the stories to life in a visually captivating way.
- Cultural Significance: Manga and light novels offer a window into Japanese culture and society, providing readers with a unique perspective on the world.
- Accessibility: With the rise of digital platforms, manga and light novels are more accessible than ever before, allowing readers to discover and enjoy these art forms from anywhere in the world.
With a steady stream of new releases and a dedicated global fanbase, the future of manga and light novels looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of Japanese storytelling.
