Manga enthusiasts are buzzing with the news that Gege Akutami, the acclaimed creator of the global hit Jujutsu Kaisen, is teaming up with Yuji Iwasaki, the talented illustrator behind Cipher Academy, for a new short-term manga titled “Mimojuro.” The highly anticipated series is set to begin its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, with its first chapter debuting in issue #41 on Monday, September 8, 2025.
A Powerful Creative Partnership Takes Shape
This collaboration marks a significant event in the manga world, bringing together two prominent figures known for their distinctive styles. Gege Akutami will be responsible for the story, leveraging his knack for compelling narratives that captivated millions with Jujutsu Kaisen until its conclusion in September 2024. Yuji Iwasaki, celebrated for his detailed and dynamic artwork in Cipher Academy, will handle the illustrations, promising a visually striking series.
The decision for Akutami to focus solely on writing duties has been noted by fans and critics alike. Some observers suggest this arrangement could be beneficial, allowing Akutami to concentrate fully on the narrative without the strenuous demands of also producing weekly art. This approach might also provide Akutami with a “creative reset” after the intense serialization of Jujutsu Kaisen.
“Mimojuro” Debuts with Expanded First Chapter
The new manga, “Mimojuro” (also romanized as “Mojuro” in some reports), is slated as a short-term serialization, suggesting a concise and impactful story rather than an extended saga. The inaugural chapter will be substantial, spanning 54 pages and featuring a special color opening page, a common practice for premiering titles in Weekly Shonen Jump. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the collaboration itself hints at a potentially stylish and experimental work, given Iwasaki’s past contributions to Cipher Academy‘s unique premise and artistic direction.
Fans worldwide will be able to access “Mimojuro” digitally and for free via Shueisha’s Manga Plus service, ensuring broad accessibility for the new series.
Fan Anticipation and Speculation
The announcement has naturally ignited considerable excitement among manga fans. Many are eager to see what new worlds Akutami will conjure as a dedicated writer and how Iwasaki’s distinct art style will bring those visions to life. There’s also speculation surrounding the title “Mimojuro,” which is written in Katakana and currently holds no clear meaning in Japanese, leading to theories ranging from mathematical terms to entirely new concepts.
While enthusiasm is high, some fans are tempering their expectations, acknowledging that “Mimojuro” is a distinct project and should not be anticipated as a direct successor or “Jujutsu Kaisen 2.0.” Nevertheless, the pairing of these two creative powerhouses is widely seen as an intriguing development for the modern manga landscape, offering a fresh narrative voice from Akutami complemented by Iwasaki’s artistic flair.
