Manga artist Ema Toyama is set to launch a new series, Mahō Renshūsei Riri Raspberry (Magical Apprentice Riri Raspberry), in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi magazine. The announcement came in the November issue of the magazine, revealing that the new manga will debut in the upcoming December issue, which goes on sale October 31. The inaugural chapter will feature a color opening page and grace the issue’s front cover.
Delving into Mahō Renshūsei Riri Raspberry‘s Magical World
The new “magical girl” story centers on the titular character, Riri Raspberry, a young girl who has lived her life in solitude and has never experienced true happiness. Her fortune takes a turn when she receives an invitation to attend Scientia, a magical school she has long yearned to join. At Scientia, students are trained to become powerful wizards, striving to achieve a happy life. However, an unexpected incident is set to unfold within Riri’s class, promising to add a layer of mystery and conflict to her journey.
Ema Toyama’s Prolific Recent Output
Ema Toyama has maintained a busy schedule with several ongoing and recently concluded manga projects. Her other recent launches include:
Sare Koi: Saikaishita Moto Kare (Sare Love: Reunited with the Ex-Boyfriend)
This manga began serialization in Shogakukan’s Betsucomi Flower digital magazine in November 2024 and is currently ongoing.
Sen-nen no Hanayome (Millennium Bride)
Launched on May 29 of this year in Kodansha’s new ARTEMIS by sirius digital manga magazine, this series is also currently ongoing.
Majo Maid wa Joō no Himitsu o Shitteiru (The Witch Maid Knows the Queen’s Secret)
This series has been running in Nakayoshi magazine since December 2022.
Concluded Series and Anime Adaptations
Toyama’s popular Vampire Dormitory manga, which started in Nakayoshi in November 2018, concluded in June 2024 after resuming its second part in December 2022. The series also inspired a television anime adaptation that premiered in April 2024, with Crunchyroll streaming it as it aired. Another recent work, I Guess I Became the Mother of the Great Demon King’s 10 Children, ran in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Sirius from April 2019 until its conclusion in November 2023.
A Look Back at Toyama’s Esteemed Career
Ema Toyama is a renowned Japanese manga artist, widely recognized for her captivating shōjo works. She made her debut in September 2003 with the story Tenshi no Tamago in Nakayoshi magazine. Her works are predominantly published by Kodansha.
Among her most notable creations is the award-winning romantic comedy Missions of Love (Watashi ni xx Shinasai!), which was serialized in Nakayoshi from 2009 to 2015 and later inspired a sequel. Other well-known titles include Pixie Pop (her first serialized manga, licensed by Tokyopop), I Am Here!, Manga Dogs, and Aoba-kun’s Confessions. Toyama’s manga often feature strong female protagonists and delve into themes of friendship, romance, and coming-of-age, resonating with a broad audience of primarily preteen and teen girls.
