Manga author Ayu Watanabe, best known for her hit series LDK, is set to launch a new manga titled Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu. (Kokoro is not in love.). The new series will debut in the August issue of Kodansha’s Kiss magazine, which goes on sale on July 25.
What to Expect from “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu.”
Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu. centers on a female protagonist named Kokoro, who is reportedly somewhat feared by her younger co-workers. The story takes an unexpected turn when Kokoro finds herself living with a younger bartender in her own apartment. This premise suggests a shift towards a mature romance, moving from the high school setting of LDK to a more adult contemporary environment.
Ayu Watanabe’s Legacy: From “LDK” to “LDK Pink”
Ayu Watanabe has a notable career in shōjo manga. Her most recognized work, LDK, a romantic comedy and slice-of-life series, began serialization in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Friend magazine in 2009 and concluded in August 2017. The series, which followed the cohabitation of high school student Aoi Nishimori and the “prince” of her school, Shusei Kugayama, spanned 24 compiled volumes and gained significant popularity, even inspiring live-action film adaptations in 2014 and 2019.
Following the success of LDK, Watanabe launched a sequel titled LDK Pink in Bessatsu Friend in February 2022. This irregular serialization continues the story of Aoi and Shusei as they navigate their relationship at 23 years old.
Beyond the LDK universe, Watanabe has also penned other works such as Arashi-kun no Dakimakura (Arashi’s Hug Pillow), which ran from March 2020 to January 2023 in Bessatsu Friend. Her earlier works include the award-winning “Sweet Darling” (2002) and “Kimi ga Suki,” her first hit.
Publication Details
Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu. will be featured in Kodansha’s Kiss magazine. The August issue containing the new manga is scheduled for release on July 25. Fans eager to dive into Watanabe’s latest creation should mark their calendars for this upcoming launch.
