Haruka Nanase’s historical manga series, Waiting for the Sunlight (Youko o Matsu), is set to publish its final chapter on October 23, 2025. The announcement came from Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform, with the English simulpublication on MANGA Plus also concluding at the same time. The series, which launched on January 2, 2025, tells an untold account of life during World War II, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the global conflict.
A Glimpse into Wartime Japan
Waiting for the Sunlight plunges readers into the summer of 1940 in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The story centers on Yoko Matsubara, a young girl possessing a remarkable talent for pottery. Yoko harbors a fervent dream of becoming a ceramic artist, a dream that unfolds against the backdrop of the escalating tensions and eventual horrors of World War II. The manga delves into the personal struggles and resilience of ordinary individuals as their lives are irrevocably altered by the war, presenting a poignant narrative that reflects on a significant period in history.
Publication Journey and Thematic Depth
The manga began its serialization on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform and has been made available to international audiences through MANGA Plus, offering an English simulpublication shortly after its Japanese release. The first compiled book volume of Waiting for the Sunlight was shipped on August 4, 2025.
The series has been praised for its unique perspective on World War II, focusing on civilian life and the impact of the war on art and aspirations. For instance, early chapters depict Yoko learning that her master at Oyama Ceramics must shift from creating traditional Shigaraki vases to making kitchen utensils for the war effort. The narrative also touches upon the personal sacrifices made by families, with Yoko herself having lost her father in Manchuria and her mother more recently, living with her uncle, grandmother, and cousin Shizuko.
The Final Chapter and Fan Reflections
The upcoming Chapter 15 will mark the conclusion of Haruka Nanase’s work. While specific plot details for the finale remain under wraps, discussions among fans suggest that the series, despite its heavy themes, aimed to provide a sense of hope. Commentators have noted that the manga, though seemingly extensive in its emotional scope, was likely conceived as a shorter series from the outset. Fans expressed appreciation for the characters’ journeys, such as Junpei’s ability to move forward despite his injuries and Yoko’s unwavering pursuit of her dream amidst the devastation of war. The manga has been acknowledged for its focus on the after-effects of the war and the resilience of the human spirit in moving forward.
