Kana Ozawa, the creator of the popular “Blue Thermal” manga series, is concluding her more recent manga, “Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata” (How to Forget my Second Year High School Love), on May 23. This marks another chapter in Ozawa’s career, known for its heartfelt stories and engaging characters.
A Finale in Sight
The announcement of the manga’s conclusion signals the end of Oto Miyakura’s story, a 27-year-old literary editor whose life takes an unexpected turn when someone from her past re-enters it. The series, serialized in Kodansha’s Kiss magazine, has captivated readers with its exploration of love, memory, and the complexities of adult life.
Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata: A Look Back
“Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata” delves into the life of Oto Miyakura, an editor at a publishing company, who enjoys a peaceful existence with her husband and daughter. This tranquility is disrupted by a reunion with someone from her past, shaking the foundations of her present happiness. The manga explores themes of memory, love, and the challenges of navigating past relationships in the context of present commitments.
Publication Details
- Title: Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata (How to Forget my Second Year High School Love)
- Author: Kana Ozawa
- Serialization: Kiss magazine (Kodansha)
- Demographic: Josei
- Genre: Romance, Drama
- Start Date: April 25, 2023
- End Date: May 23, 2025
Story Synopsis
Oto Miyakura, a 27-year-old literary editor, lives a fulfilling life with a job she loves, a supportive husband, and a cherished daughter. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter with someone from her past throws her world into turmoil. The manga explores how Oto navigates these newfound challenges and confronts unresolved feelings.
Themes
- Memory and the Past: The re-emergence of a past acquaintance forces Oto to confront memories and experiences she thought were long behind her.
- Love and Relationships: The manga examines the complexities of love, both past and present, and how they shape our identities.
- Adult Life and Identity: Oto’s journey involves re-evaluating her life choices and understanding how past experiences influence her present self.
Kana Ozawa: A Creator’s Journey
Kana Ozawa is a Japanese manga artist known for her series “Blue Thermal,” which gained significant recognition and was adapted into an anime film. Ozawa’s works often feature themes of youth, sports, and personal growth.
Key Works
- Blue Thermal: Aonagi Daigaku Taiiku-kai Kōkū-bu: Perhaps Ozawa’s most well-known work, “Blue Thermal” is a sports manga that follows Tamaki, a college student who unexpectedly joins the aviation club. The manga was serialized in Monthly Comic @ Bunch from April 2015 to November 2017 and was adapted into an anime film in March 2022.
- Blue Thermal: First Flight: A prequel to the original “Blue Thermal” series, this manga delves into the earlier experiences of the characters. It was serialized online via Line Manga from November 2021 to January 2022.
- Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata: A more recent work, this series explores themes of love and memory in adult life.
Style and Themes
Ozawa’s storytelling often combines elements of romance, drama, and slice-of-life, creating narratives that resonate with a broad audience. Her characters are typically well-developed, and the emotional depth of her stories makes them highly engaging.
Blue Thermal: The Soaring Success
“Blue Thermal: Aonagi Daigaku Taiiku-kai Kōkū-bu” is a manga series written and illustrated by Kana Ozawa. It was serialized in Shinchosha’s Monthly Comic @ Bunch magazine from April 2015 to November 2017, comprising five tankōbon volumes. A prequel manga, “Blue Thermal: First Flight,” was serialized online via Line Manga between November 2021 and January 2022. An anime film adaptation by Telecom Animation Film was released in March 2022.
Manga Series
The original manga series ran for two and a half years, capturing the hearts of readers with its engaging story and vibrant characters. The manga’s success led to the creation of a prequel and an anime film adaptation, further expanding the “Blue Thermal” universe.
Anime Film Adaptation
The anime film adaptation of “Blue Thermal” premiered in Japan on March 4, 2022. Directed by Masaki Tachibana, the film featured character designs by Miho Tanino and music by Shōgo Kaida. The film’s theme song, “Blue Thermal,” was performed by the piano rock band SHE’S, adding to the film’s emotional impact.
Storyline of Blue Thermal
Tamaki Tsuru, a freshman in college, initially dreams of a normal college life filled with romance. However, an accident leads her to reluctantly join the Aonagi University Aviation Club, where she becomes involved in the world of glider flying. As she dedicates herself to the club, Tamaki discovers a passion for aviation and forms deep bonds with her teammates.
Characters in Blue Thermal
- Tamaki Tsuru (Hotaru): The main protagonist, Tamaki, starts as a novice with little interest in aviation but grows to love the sport and her role in the club.
- Jun Kuramochi (Sempai): A senior member of the aviation club, Jun is a skilled pilot and mentor to Tamaki.
- Daisuke Sorachi: Another key member of the aviation club, Daisuke contributes to the team with his technical expertise and dedication.
Kiss Magazine: A Platform for Josei Manga
“Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata” is serialized in Kiss, a monthly Japanese josei manga magazine published by Kodansha. Kiss is known for featuring stories that appeal to adult women, often exploring themes of love, career, and personal growth.
History and Profile
Founded in 1992, Kiss has become a prominent platform for josei manga. The magazine publishes a variety of series, ranging from romance to slice-of-life stories, and has a strong readership among adult women in Japan.
Notable Series
Kiss has serialized numerous successful manga series, including:
- Nodame Cantabile by Tomoko Ninomiya
- Tramps Like Us by Yayoi Ogawa
- The Full-Time Wife Escapist by Tsunami Umino
What’s Next for Kana Ozawa?
As “Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata” concludes, fans eagerly anticipate Kana Ozawa’s future projects. With her talent for storytelling and character development, Ozawa is sure to continue creating engaging and heartfelt manga that resonate with readers.
Speculations and Anticipations
While there’s no official announcement about Ozawa’s next project, her track record suggests she will continue to explore themes of love, growth, and personal discovery in her future works. Fans can expect more compelling characters and emotionally rich narratives.
Where to Follow Kana Ozawa
For updates on Kana Ozawa’s future projects, fans can follow her through official announcements, social media, and manga news outlets. Staying connected will provide insights into her upcoming works and creative endeavors.
Final Thoughts
The conclusion of “Kō-2 no Koi no Wasure-kata” marks the end of a captivating story by Kana Ozawa. As fans bid farewell to Oto Miyakura and her journey, they can look forward to more engaging works from this talented manga artist. Ozawa’s ability to create relatable characters and explore complex themes ensures her continued success in the manga industry.
