The collaborative manga Sake no Hosomichi ~Collab & Remake~, a joint effort between artist Boichi and Roswell Hosoki, has concluded its run in Weekly Manga Goraku magazine. The final chapter was published on April 18, 2025, marking the end of a relatively short but spirited remake project.
A Toast to 30 Years
Sake no Hosomichi ~Collab & Remake~ was launched in July 2024 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Hosoki’s original Sake no Hosomichi manga. The original series, a long-running and beloved title, revolves around a salaryman’s adventures exploring various bars and alcoholic beverages throughout the changing seasons. It’s known for its philosophical musings on alcohol and often includes recipes in its compiled volumes, earning it the moniker of a “timeless bible for heavy drinkers”.
The Creative Brew: Hosoki and Boichi
Roswell Hosoki, born in 1956, is a veteran manga artist celebrated for his works centered around alcoholic drinks and the snacks that complement them. His career began in 1983, and Sake no Hosomichi remains his most recognized work. In 2010, Hosoki was appointed as the “tourism ambassador” of Yonezawa, further solidifying his cultural impact.
Boichi, a Korean-born artist working in Japan, has gained international acclaim for his dynamic and detailed art style. He is best known for his work on Dr. Stone, in collaboration with writer Riichiro Inagaki, as well as other popular series like Sun-Ken Rock and Origin. Boichi’s involvement in Sake no Hosomichi ~Collab & Remake~ brought a fresh visual perspective to Hosoki’s established world.
What Was Remade?
The Collab & Remake version of Sake no Hosomichi focused on reimagining select stories from Hosoki’s original manga. This allowed Boichi to put his unique artistic stamp on classic tales of sake and good company, introducing the series to a new audience while honoring its legacy.
A Look at Boichi’s Career
Boichi’s journey in the manga industry is quite diverse. Here’s a glimpse into some of his notable works:
- Early Works (Korean): Boichi began his career in South Korea with works like T.R.Y (Take off Rush Youth), Feeling, and TOON.
- Transition to Japan (2004): Boichi transitioned to Japanese manga in 2004.
- “Ultimate Space Emperor Caesar”: His first tankōbon (collected volume) in Japan.
- Sun-Ken Rock (2006): A significant breakthrough, Sun-Ken Rock is a manga series published in Young King. It follows the story of Ken Kitano, a Japanese high school delinquent who moves to Korea to become a policeman but ends up leading a local gang.
- Raqiya (2008): Boichi provided the art for this five-volume manga written by Masao Yajima.
- H.E. The Hunt for Energy (2011): Serialized in Jump X, this manga further showcased Boichi’s versatility.
- Dr. Stone (2017): A major success, Dr. Stone, written by Riichiro Inagaki, became one of Boichi’s most recognizable works. The series is set in a world where humanity has been petrified, and follows the efforts of a genius scientist to rebuild civilization.
- Super String: Isekai Kenbunroku (2023): More recently, Boichi has worked on this manga, highlighting his continued activity in the industry.
- The Marshal King (2025):
Awards and Recognition
Boichi has received several awards throughout his career, including:
- Gran Guinigi Award (2011): Best Short Story for “It was all for the tuna” in Hotel.
- Shogakukan Manga Award (2019): Shōnen Category for Dr. Stone.
- Japan Media Arts Festival (2019): Manga Grand Prize for Origin.
Roswell Hosoki’s World of Food and Drink
Roswell Hosoki’s work often explores the themes of food, drink, and everyday life. Sake no Hosomichi is a prime example of this, but he has also created other notable manga:
- U (2010-2013): Serialized in Weekly Morning magazine, U centers around a young man with a deep passion for eel cuisine. Hosoki aimed to capture the appeal of eel dishes in black and white manga panels.
Hosoki’s manga often highlight the simple pleasures of enjoying good food and drink, making his work relatable and appealing to a wide audience.
Where to Find More
While Sake no Hosomichi ~Collab & Remake~ has concluded, fans can still enjoy Hosoki’s original Sake no Hosomichi, which continues to be published. Boichi’s extensive catalog also offers plenty of reading material for those who appreciate his artistic style.
