The manga series Kimagure a la Mode by Wataru Hinekure and Aruko has concluded. The final chapter was published in the March issue of Shueisha’s Bessatsu Margaret magazine on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
A Short-Lived Series with a Pleasant Theme
Kimagure a la Mode (Whimsical a la Mode) is a series of short, vignette stories centered around a café with a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The duo of Wataru Hinekure and Aruko began the series in Bessatsu Margaret in July 2024.
Publication Details
Shueisha plans to release a collected book volume of the Kimagure a la Mode manga on March 25, 2025.
The Creative Team
Wataru Hinekure and Aruko are a well-known creative duo in the manga world, particularly recognized for their previous work, My Love Mix-Up!.
Previous Works
The pair previously collaborated on My Love Mix-Up!, which ran in Bessatsu Margaret from June 2019 to June 2022. Shueisha published the ninth and final compiled book volume in July 2022, with Viz Media releasing it in English in October 2023.
My Love Mix-Up! gained significant popularity and was adapted into a live-action series that premiered in Japan in October 2021. Viki streamed the series with English subtitles starting in December 2021. A Thai live-action adaptation also premiered in June 2024.
In October 2022, Hinekure and Aruko reunited for a two-chapter manga titled Uso ka Makoto ka Yume ka Koi (Is This Love a Lie, the Truth, or a Dream?).
Aruko’s Earlier Work
Before My Love Mix-Up!, Aruko collaborated with Kazune Kawahara on My Love Story!! (Ore Monogatari!!). The original 100-page version of this romantic comedy shōjo manga debuted in Bessatsu Margaret Sister in October 2011 and later returned as a serialized work in Bessatsu Margaret. The series concluded in July 2016, and Viz Media published all 13 volumes in North America. My Love Story!! also inspired a television anime adaptation in April 2015 and a live-action film adaptation in October 2015. Sentai Filmworks released the anime series on home video with an English dub.
Kimagure a la Mode: A Closer Look
The now-concluded manga, Kimagure a la Mode, centers on a café with a relaxing environment. According to MangaUpdates, the series follows Eitaro, a high school senior, who is brought to a retro coffee shop. There, he meets a reluctant master and an easygoing part-time worker. Eitaro is worried about his future and initially leaves without trying the melon soda offered to him. However, he later encounters the part-time worker again, whose words touch his heart.
Themes and Setting
The manga is categorized within the romance and shojo genres, with elements of food and café culture.
Reception
As the series has just concluded, there are currently no user reviews available on MangaUpdates.
Shueisha’s Bessatsu Margaret Magazine
Bessatsu Margaret is a Japanese shōjo manga magazine published by Shueisha. It is known for featuring a variety of romance, comedy, and drama series aimed at a young female audience. The magazine has been the home to numerous successful manga titles.
The Significance of the Ending
The conclusion of Kimagure a la Mode marks the end of another project for the creative duo of Wataru Hinekure and Aruko. Fans who enjoyed their previous works, particularly My Love Mix-Up!, may find this series a pleasant addition to their collection. The collected volume release in March will offer a complete version of the series for readers to enjoy.
