Glacier Bay Books, an independent American bookstore, has officially announced its acquisition of the license for Yumi Tada’s manga, True Blue Never Fades (originally titled True Blue wa Kesshite Iroasenai), for an English-language release. This highly anticipated translation is slated to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025.
A Deep Dive into True Blue Never Fades
Originally published in March 1995 under Shodensha’s Feel Comics imprint, True Blue Never Fades is a romance drama manga. The narrative centers on Bonny and Mickey, a young couple deeply in love. However, Mickey’s life as a long-haul trucker creates a growing chasm between them. Despite sharing a son, the distance is exacerbated by broken promises and the passage of time, leaving behind only small mementos, postcards, and fading memories. The story explores the complexities of their relationship and how things slowly begin to change with the introduction of a naive, pure-hearted young man into their lives.
Translation and Future Releases
The English translation of True Blue Never Fades will be handled by Matthias Hirsh. This release marks the first in a planned series of “standalone masterpieces drawn from Tada Yumi’s early ‘Americana’ flavored works,” as stated by Glacier Bay Books. Further details regarding this series are expected to be unveiled in the summer or fall.
Glacier Bay Books’ Commitment to Tada Yumi’s Work
This is not the first time Glacier Bay Books has brought Tada Yumi’s creations to English-speaking audiences. In late 2021, the publisher released Tada’s The Mermaid and the Prince manga in full color, available in both digital and physical formats. Described as a “modern retelling of the classic Mermaid fairytale,” The Mermaid and the Prince depicts “the classic short story of a lonely mermaid and the ‘useless’ prince she rescues.” Glacier Bay Books’ continued dedication to translating Tada Yumi’s diverse portfolio underscores their commitment to introducing unique and impactful Japanese works to a wider global readership.
