Akimine Kamijyō, known for popular manga series such as Samurai Deeper Kyo and Code:Breaker, is set to launch a new short manga spinoff based on Midori Yūma’s The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride (Kizumono no Hanayome) novels. The four-chapter series, titled Sumekuni no Sōheki Kizumono no Hanayome Gaiden (The Imperial Nation’s Peerless Pair The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride Side Story), will debut in the February 2026 issue of Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Sirius magazine, which goes on sale on January 26.
Delving into a Prequel Story
The upcoming spinoff by Akimine Kamijyō will offer readers a look into the world of The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride by setting its narrative 15 years prior to the events of the main story. Midori Yūma, the original author of the novels, will supervise the manga, ensuring its consistency with the established lore. This prequel approach is expected to add depth and background to the existing fantasy romance series.
The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride Franchise
The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride began as a novel series, with Kodansha publishing the first volume in October 2023 and the second volume in August 2024. Prior to Kamijyō’s involvement, a manga adaptation of the novels, illustrated by Mamenosuke Fujimaru, launched on Kodansha’s Palcy app in 2023. This adaptation later moved its serialization to Kodansha’s digital manga magazine aimed at women readers, ARTEMIS by sirius, when it launched on May 29. Both Kodansha USA Publishing and Kodansha’s K MANGA service are making the manga adaptation available in English.
Akimine Kamijyō’s Legacy in Manga
Akimine Kamijyō has a distinguished career in the manga industry, with several notable works under her belt. Her most recognized titles include the samurai action series Samurai Deeper Kyo, which was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine from 1999 to 2006, and the supernatural action series Code:Breaker, which ran from 2008 to 2013 in the same magazine. Both series received anime adaptations, with Samurai Deeper Kyo inspiring a television anime released by Media Blasters in North America, and Code:Breaker also getting an anime adaptation that Funimation streamed and later released on home video.
Kamijyō’s other works include Tansansuibu (2014-2016) and KATANA Beast (Jūshin no Katana), which concluded in September 2024. Her extensive experience in crafting engaging narratives and dynamic artwork makes her a fitting choice to expand the universe of The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride.
