Manga creator Akari Otokawa has announced that her “Cat-Life Balance” (also known by its Japanese title, Kurone-san wa Nyaa to Nakanai) manga will conclude with its 15th chapter, set for release by Kodansha on December 18. The announcement was made by Otokawa on November 20 via her official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The End of an Unlikely Office Romance and Feline Friendship
The forthcoming 15th chapter will bring to a close the heartwarming office romance and slice-of-life story that has captivated readers since its launch in July 2024. The manga, published in Kodansha’s Morning two online magazine and on the Comic Days website, follows the life of Mamoru, an overly agreeable “Prince of the Office,” who discovers his quiet colleague Kurone-san’s secret joy: playing with stray cats in the park. This chance encounter sparks an unexpected relationship that prompts Mamoru to re-evaluate his work-life balance and personal aspirations.
English Release and Series Background
Kodansha USA Publishing has licensed “Cat-Life Balance” for English distribution and plans to release the first compiled book volume on May 12, 2026. The manga’s narrative centers on themes of self-discovery, finding joy outside of work, and the unexpected connections that can enrich one’s life, all often facilitated by the calming presence of feline companions.
Akari Otokawa is also known for her previous work, including the Cells at Work! Lady spinoff manga, which she launched with writer Shigemitsu Harada in January 2020 and concluded in September 2022. Kodansha USA also publishes the Cells at Work! Lady manga digitally in English. Fans eagerly await to see how Otokawa will wrap up the endearing journey of Mamoru and Kurone-san in the final chapter of “Cat-Life Balance.”
