Shinobu Takayama’s beloved comedy manga, Sakitama, is officially nearing its climax, as revealed in the November issue of Asahi Shimbun’s Nemuki+ magazine on Tuesday, October 15, 2025. The series, which has captivated readers since its launch in 2015, is preparing for its grand finale, bringing a decade-long narrative of divine encounters and NEET life to a close.
A Decade of Divine Comedy
Sakitama debuted in Asahi Shimbun’s Nemuki+ magazine in 2015, quickly establishing itself as a unique blend of comedy and supernatural themes. Over the past ten years, fans have followed the unconventional life of its protagonist, Yoshiki Tanaka, as he navigates extraordinary circumstances brought about by a pantheon of peculiar deities. The manga’s fifth compiled book volume was published in June 2024 by Asahi Shimbun.
The Premise of Sakitama
The series centers on Yoshiki Tanaka, a “NEET” (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) who finds his already struggling existence upended when his apartment’s electricity is cut off. This seemingly mundane event triggers a chain of fantastical occurrences, starting with the sudden appearance of a beautiful girl. Soon after, various gods—ranging from the god of poverty to the storeroom god and even the god of misfortune—begin to manifest, injecting chaos and humor into Yoshiki’s otherwise stagnant life. The narrative often explores themes of ordinary life clashing with the extraordinary, wrapped in a comedic package.
Shinobu Takayama’s Esteemed Career
Shinobu Takayama is a well-regarded mangaka known for her distinctive art style and engaging storytelling across various genres. Beyond Sakitama, she has a significant portfolio of works that have garnered considerable attention.
Other Notable Works by Takayama
Among her most prominent works is the fantasy manga Haigakura, which she began serializing in Ichijinsha’s Zero-Sum Ward magazine in 2008. Following the magazine’s discontinuation in 2015, Haigakura continued its run on the Zero-Sum Online service, becoming Takayama’s longest-running serialization with 17 volumes published and over 1.3 million copies in circulation, including digital editions. Haigakura also saw an anime adaptation that premiered in Japan in October 2024, although its broadcast faced delays to maintain quality. Furthermore, the series is inspiring a mobile game titled Haigakura Senkai Puzzle.
Another significant work in Takayama’s career is Amatsuki, which also received a television anime adaptation in 2008, showcasing her versatility and long-standing presence in the manga industry.
What’s Next for Sakitama Readers?
With Sakitama now approaching its climax, fans can anticipate an exciting conclusion to Yoshiki Tanaka’s journey alongside his divine, often troublesome, companions. The announcement indicates that the narrative threads involving the NEET protagonist and his interactions with the gods are converging towards a definitive resolution. Readers of Nemuki+ will be keenly following the upcoming chapters to witness how Takayama brings this unique comedy series to its ultimate close.
