A new manga titled Tonari no Seki no Fukami-kun ga Idol ni Naru Kamo Shirenai (Fukami-kun, the Guy Sitting Next to Me, Might Become an Idol) is set to debut in September, bringing together the talents of writer Haruno Aoyama and artist Haruka Chizu. The announcement was made in the August issue of Shueisha’s Bessatsu Margaret magazine.
Collaboration of Renowned Creators
Haruno Aoyama, known for her original works, is credited with the story, while Haruka Chizu, the artist behind the popular Snow Angel manga, will be handling the illustrations. Chizu herself confirmed the new manga on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her excitement for the project.
The Premise of the New Series
Tonari no Seki no Fukami-kun ga Idol ni Naru Kamo Shirenai centers on a high school girl who is an avid fan of audition programs. Her ambition is to produce and transform her classmate into an idol, setting the stage for a compelling narrative within the idol industry and high school life.
Creators’ Previous Works
Haruno Aoyama’s Literary Contributions
Haruno Aoyama previously launched the manga Boku wa Chiisana Shotenin (I’m an Inexperienced Bookstore Clerk.) in Shueisha’s now-defunct The Margaret magazine in 2019. This series concluded in 2023 with its sixth and final compiled book volume. Her other works include Akane Shoten no Kaji Tenchou and Hatsukoi Rhapsody.
Haruka Chizu’s Artistic Journey
Haruka Chizu gained recognition for her work on Snow Angel (also known as Kono Setsugen de Kimi ga Waratte Irareru yō ni, or literally, May this snowfield keep you smiling all the time). This manga began serialization in Shogakukan’s Cheese! magazine in May 2023 and concluded with its fourth and final volume, which shipped in December 2023. Viz Media has licensed Snow Angel for English publication, with the first volume released on May 13. The series follows Muku Shiroshika, a young caregiver seeking to break free from her oppressive family life after her father’s death, finding hope and a chance at happiness through a reunion with her childhood friend, Yuto.
