Jun Mayuzuki’s captivating manga series, Kowloon Generic Romance, is officially entering its final arc. The news comes as both a delight and a bittersweet moment for fans who have been following the unique love story set against the backdrop of the nostalgic and mysterious Kowloon Walled City.
A Nostalgic Journey Nears Its End
Kowloon Generic Romance, launched in November 2019 in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine, has charmed readers with its blend of romance, science fiction, and slice-of-life elements. The manga paints a vivid picture of Kowloon Walled City, a densely populated and now-demolished urban enclave in Hong Kong, presenting an idealized and romanticized version of the city that Mayuzuki herself would want to live in.
What is Kowloon Generic Romance about?
The manga follows the lives of Reiko Kujirai, a 32-year-old real estate agent, and her colleague Hajime Kudo. Set in the intriguing Kowloon Walled City, the story explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and the search for one’s true self. Amidst the city’s chaotic yet captivating atmosphere, a romance begins to blossom between Reiko and Kudo, filled with mysteries and forgotten memories.
The Creator’s Vision
In an interview, Jun Mayuzuki shared her perspective on the story, stating that Kowloon Generic Romance is fundamentally about “obtaining the self you’re most comfortable with.” She emphasizes that the core of the story lies in the characters’ journey toward becoming their “absolute self.”
Anime and Live-Action Adaptations
The popularity of Kowloon Generic Romance has expanded beyond the pages of the manga, with both an anime television series and a live-action film adaptation in the works.
Anime Adaptation
The anime adaptation, produced by Arvo Animation, premiered on April 5, 2025, and is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. However, news from AnimeJapan 2025 has tempered expectations, revealing that the anime will conclude in just 13 episodes. Given that the manga is still ongoing with over 80 chapters, this condensed adaptation raises concerns about rushed pacing and the potential for missing key details.
Live-Action Film
Adding to the excitement, a live-action film adaptation is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters in August 2025. Riho Yoshioka will play the lead role of Reiko Kujirai, while Kōshi Mizukami will portray Hajime Kudō.
What to Expect in the Final Arc
As Kowloon Generic Romance enters its final arc, fans are eager to see how Mayuzuki will resolve the lingering mysteries and develop the central romance between Reiko and Kudo. Key questions that readers hope will be answered include:
- The nature of Kowloon Walled City: What exactly is the nature of the story’s setting, Kowloon Walled City #2, and how does it connect to the original city demolished in 1994?
- Reiko’s Forgotten Past: What are the details of Reiko’s forgotten past, and how will they influence her relationship with Kudo?
- The “Absolute Self”: How will Reiko and Kudo each achieve their “absolute self,” and what will this mean for their future together?
A Look Back at Mayuzuki’s Career
Jun Mayuzuki is also known for her previous work, After the Rain, which garnered significant acclaim. After the Rain, which tells the story of a high school girl who falls in love with her middle-aged manager, was serialized from 2014 to 2018 and received a 12-episode anime adaptation in 2018.
What Makes Kowloon Generic Romance Special
Kowloon Generic Romance stands out due to its unique blend of elements:
- Nostalgic Setting: The manga beautifully captures the atmosphere of Kowloon Walled City, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
- Intriguing Mystery: The story is filled with mysteries surrounding the characters’ identities and the nature of their world.
- Character-Driven Romance: The relationship between Reiko and Kudo is complex and compelling, driven by their personal growth and shared experiences.
- Themes of Identity: The manga delves into profound themes of identity, memory, and the search for one’s true self.
A Few Words on the Reception
The series has generally been well received, with critics and fans praising Mayuzuki’s art style and storytelling and the series’ exploration of mature themes.
The Manga’s Strengths
- Unique Premise: The manga’s blend of romance, science fiction, and slice-of-life elements within the Kowloon Walled City setting provides a fresh and intriguing experience.
- Character Development: Reiko and Kudo are well-developed characters with relatable struggles and aspirations.
- Art Style: Jun Mayuzuki’s art is detailed and expressive, bringing the world of Kowloon Walled City to life.
Potential Weaknesses
- Slow Pacing: The manga’s slow-burn approach may not appeal to all readers, as it takes time for the mysteries to unfold.
- Incomplete Anime Adaptation: The 13-episode anime adaptation may not fully capture the depth and complexity of the manga’s story.
Volumes
As of April 2025, the manga has been collected into 11 tankōbon volumes in Japan. Yen Press is releasing the manga in English, with 9 volumes currently available.
Final Thoughts
As Kowloon Generic Romance approaches its conclusion, fans can anticipate a satisfying resolution to the series’ many mysteries and a heartwarming culmination of Reiko and Kudo’s love story. Whether through the manga, anime, or live-action film, the world of Kowloon Generic Romance offers a unique and unforgettable journey into nostalgia, romance, and self-discovery.
