Renowned manga creator Kouji Seo, known for his popular romantic comedies such as Fuuka and Suzuka, is set to launch a new manga series in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine on January 14, 2026. The announcement comes swiftly after the conclusion of his most recent work, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses, which wrapped up its serialization on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
A Fresh Start: Rom-Com on a Remote Island
While an official title for the new series has yet to be revealed, Kodansha has teased it as a romantic comedy set on a remote island. This new setting promises a fresh backdrop for Seo’s signature blend of heartwarming romance and engaging character dynamics, a style that has garnered him a dedicated fanbase over the years. Fans are eager to see how the remote island environment will influence the developing relationships and comedic situations in his upcoming work.
The End of The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses
The serialization of The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses (also known as Megami no Café Terrace) concluded with its final chapter in the 49th issue of Weekly Shōnen Magazine on November 5, 2025, after a run of four years and nine months, having begun in February 2021. The series followed Hayato Kasukabe, who returns to his grandmother’s rundown café to find five young women living there, leading to an unexpected communal life and a fun new romcom. The manga inspired two seasons of an anime adaptation, which aired in 2023 and 2024 respectively, with Crunchyroll streaming the series. The 22nd and final compiled book volume of The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses is scheduled to ship on January 16, 2026.
Kouji Seo’s Enduring Legacy in Romantic Comedy Manga
Kouji Seo has established himself as a prominent figure in the romantic comedy genre, with a consistent output of successful series. His previous works include the sports and romance hybrid Suzuka (2004-2007), the dramatic A Town Where You Live (Kimi no Iru Machi, 2008-2014), and the music-themed Fuuka (2014-2018). Seo’s ability to blend emotional depth with comedic elements, often featuring intricate love triangles and relatable character struggles, has resonated with readers for decades. His new venture into a remote island setting signals another exciting chapter in his prolific career.
