Rin Miasa, the creator of With the Sheikh in His Harem, has launched a new manga series titled Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu (I Pledge My Love Before the Kiss). The series began serialization on May 1st on Shodensha’s Our Feel web manga site. Miasa’s previous work, With the Sheikh in His Harem, gained popularity for its shojo romance set in an exotic location, and fans are eager to see what the new series has in store.
A Fresh Start: The Premise of Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu
Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu follows Sayu Takagi, an actress teetering on the edge of a career crisis. Typecast in villainous and often fatal roles, Sayu seeks to reinvent her image through marriage. However, her pursuit of a suitable partner takes a dangerous turn when her prospective husband reveals himself to be a stalker. In a twist of fate, Sayu is rescued by an androgynous-looking man, setting the stage for a unique and potentially heartwarming romance.
Rin Miasa: A Career Overview
Rin Miasa is a prolific manga artist known primarily for shojo and romance stories. Here’s a brief look at her career:
- Early Career: Miasa was a semifinalist in the 39th Rookie Nakayoshi Manga Awards, indicating early recognition of her talent. She has cited Sailor Moon and Glass Mask as inspirations.
- AKB0048: Episode 0: Miasa created a manga adaptation of AKB0048: Episode 0, which was serialized in Nakayoshi magazine from 2011 to 2013.
- With the Sheikh in His Harem: This series, launched in 2018, is one of Miasa’s most well-known works. It concluded in 2021 with eight volumes and has been digitally released in English by Kodansha USA Publishing.
- Other Works: Miasa has created numerous other manga series, including Doukyuusei ni Koi o Shita, Goshimei Arigatou Gozaimasu!, Ontama, Usotsuki Ouji to Nisemono Kanojo, Koigakubo-kun ni wa Hajimete wo Ubawaremashita, and Kusanagi-ke Toushu wa Hatsuhana wo Mederu.
Diving into With the Sheikh in His Harem
With the Sheikh in His Harem tells the story of Sanagi Yoshino, a high school student focused on earning money to support her family. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Lui, a Sheikh who proposes marriage to her. The manga follows their relationship as Sanagi navigates the unfamiliar world of royalty and romance in a fictional Arabian country.
Themes and Tropes
- Shojo Romance: The manga employs classic shojo tropes, such as a seemingly ordinary girl finding herself in an extraordinary romance.
- Exotic Setting: The story’s Arabian setting adds a unique flavor, differentiating it from typical high school romance manga.
- Class Difference: The contrast between Sanagi’s humble background and Lui’s royal status creates opportunities for both comedy and drama.
- “Fish Out of Water”: Sanagi’s adjustment to royal life provides comedic moments and allows for character growth.
Reception
- Positive Reviews: Many readers have praised With the Sheikh in His Harem for its humor, engaging storyline, and appealing art style. Some reviewers have compared it favorably to series like Ouran High School Host Club.
- Criticisms: Some reviewers have noted problematic elements, such as the depiction of sexual assault, and have found the story’s shifts between comedy and drama to be jarring. The ending of the series has also been criticized for being rushed.
Key Characters
- Sanagi Yoshino: A hardworking high school student who values money above all else, due to her family’s financial struggles. She’s pragmatic, resilient, and initially overwhelmed by the Sheikh’s attention.
- Lui: A Sheikh and second prince of the kingdom of Armadia. He is wealthy, passionate, and somewhat eccentric.
- Adil: Lui’s brother and the crown prince. He is portrayed as a cool and collected rival to Lui, and his feelings for Sanagi add complexity to the love triangle.
What to Expect from Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu
Given Rin Miasa’s track record, Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu is likely to be a character-driven romance with comedic elements and potentially some dramatic twists. The premise of an actress seeking to escape her typecast and finding love with an unexpected savior offers a fresh and intriguing starting point. Fans of Miasa’s previous work can likely expect:
- Engaging Characters: Miasa is known for creating relatable and entertaining characters. Sayu Takagi’s struggle with her career and the mystery surrounding her rescuer suggest compelling character arcs.
- Romantic Developments: The series will likely explore the evolving relationship between Sayu and her savior, with the potential for both heartwarming and dramatic moments.
- Humor: Miasa often incorporates humor into her stories, and the premise of Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu provides opportunities for comedic situations and witty dialogue.
- Thematic Depth: While primarily a romance, Miasa’s works often touch on themes such as family, identity, and personal growth. Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu may explore Sayu’s journey to redefine herself and find happiness.
Where to Read
Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu is currently serialized on Shodensha’s Our Feel web manga site. As of now, there is no official English translation available. However, given the popularity of Rin Miasa’s previous work, it is possible that an English translation may be released in the future. Digital platforms like Manga Mirai and Rakuten Kobo offer some of Miasa’s other works, including With the Sheikh in His Harem.
Rin Miasa’s Enduring Appeal
Rin Miasa’s success lies in her ability to create engaging romance stories with relatable characters and a touch of humor. Her manga often features strong female leads who navigate challenging situations and find love in unexpected places. With Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu, Miasa is poised to deliver another heartwarming and entertaining series that will captivate fans of shojo manga. The combination of a unique premise, compelling characters, and Miasa’s signature storytelling style makes Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu a manga to watch out for.
