Manga artist Chie Shinkyū’s series, Mikako 72-sai (72-Year-Old Mikako), officially concluded its serialization on June 27, with its fourth and final compiled book volume slated for release on August 20. The beloved slice-of-life manga, which began in 2021 on Coamix’s Comic Zenon website, followed the titular 72-year-old Mikako as she navigated life after her husband’s passing and unexpectedly reconnected with his old online account via a smartphone.
The End of Mikako’s Digital Journey
The final chapter of Mikako 72-sai brought to a close a narrative that resonated with readers for its heartfelt exploration of aging, grief, and the unexpected ways technology can bridge emotional gaps. The story centered on Mikako, a widow grappling with newfound solitude in the home she shared with her late husband. Her children and grandchildren, concerned for her well-being, provided her with a smartphone, leading to her accidental discovery of her husband’s old online presence. Shinkyū’s sensitive portrayal of Mikako’s journey highlighted themes of memory, connection, and adapting to new phases of life. Coamix, the publisher, released the first volume in February 2022, culminating in the upcoming fourth and final volume.
Chie Shinkyū’s Notable Contributions to Manga
Chie Shinkyū is a prolific manga artist known for her engaging slice-of-life narratives that often blend humor with poignant observations about everyday existence. Before Mikako 72-sai, Shinkyū gained widespread recognition for several other popular works.
The Enduring Popularity of “Wakako-zake”
Perhaps her most famous creation is Wakako-zake, which she launched in North Stars Pictures and Tokuma Shoten’s Monthly Comic Zenon magazine in 2011. This series follows 26-year-old office worker Wakako Murasaki, who finds solace and joy in solo culinary adventures, seeking the perfect combination of food and drink after a long day. Wakako-zake has not only been a long-running manga but has also inspired multiple live-action television seasons and a 12-episode anime short series, streamed internationally by Crunchyroll. The manga has been praised for challenging gender norms and showcasing a relatable protagonist who resonates with a broad demographic of modern women.
Other Beloved Works: “Takako-san” and “Nekobitashi”
Another significant work by Shinkyū is Takako-san, which concluded with its sixth volume in February 2021. This manga features Takako, a girl with an extraordinary ability to hear things more clearly than others, using this unique sensitivity to navigate and communicate with the world around her. The series offers a warm portrayal of Takako’s simple daily life as she embraces the complexities of modern society.
Shinkyū is also the creator of Shinkyuu Chie no Nekobitashi: The Daily Life of Chie and Her Cats, a heartwarming manga about a manga artist and cat owner named Chie who adopts a stray cat named Sen after the loss of her previous feline companion. This series, published digitally in English by Manga Planet, delves into the joys and challenges of living with cats.
While fans bid farewell to Mikako’s charming story, Chie Shinkyū’s legacy in the manga world continues through her diverse and beloved body of work, leaving a lasting impact on readers with her relatable characters and insightful storytelling.
