Tokyo, Japan – Manga artist est em’s beloved series, Onna no Hito, also known as The Lady of Udon, officially concluded its serialization with the release of its final chapter in the October issue of Shodensha’s Feel Young magazine, published on Monday. The romantic comedy, which originally debuted in 2010, will see its fourth and final compiled book volume released this winter.
The End of a Unique Romance
Onna no Hito (literally “Woman Person,” with the kanji for “onna” read as “hito” in this context) has charmed readers with its distinct narrative and est em’s characteristic art style. The story centers on a romantic comedy between a 35-year-old divorced woman who works as an udon noodle lady at a university cafeteria and a 21-year-old male student whose diet consists solely of udon. The series explored their evolving bond and the complexities of an age-gap romance within a slice-of-life setting.
Author est em’s Diverse Portfolio
est em, the pen name of Maki Satoh, is celebrated for her unique approach to josei and boys’ love (yaoi) manga, often lauded for its mature themes and realistic character portrayals. Her works frequently delve into deep emotional connections and unconventional relationships.
In addition to Onna no Hito, est em has a prolific career with several other notable titles. Her manga Ō-sama no Mimi: Himitsu no Bar e Yōkoso (King’s Ear) is also nearing its conclusion, with its sixth and final volume scheduled to ship on October 30. This series, which began in Shogakukan’s Josei Seven magazine in May 2021, focuses on an omnibus of stories centered around a bar that deals in secrets.
Other recognized works by est em include Age Called Blue, IPPO, Seduce Me After the Show, Red Blinds the Foolish, Tableau Numéro 20, and Golondrina. Several of these have been released in English by publishers such as Netcomics, Aurora Publishing, and Viz Media. Fans can also look forward to a new project from est em: a manga adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel, The Remains of the Day, which was announced by Hayakawa Publishing in July.
A Legacy in Feel Young
Feel Young magazine, known for its progressive and artsy josei manga, has been the home for many distinctive stories since its inception. The magazine has published numerous titles that have gone on to receive critical acclaim and anime adaptations, further solidifying its reputation as a platform for diverse and compelling narratives aimed at adult female audiences.
The conclusion of Onna no Hito marks the end of a significant chapter for both est em and Feel Young readers, leaving behind a memorable story that blended everyday life with heartwarming romance. Fans eagerly await the final collected volume this winter to complete their collections.
