Maki Minami, acclaimed for her work on S.A (Special A), will draw the manga adaptation of “Love Through a Prism,” an upcoming original anime series from Yōko Kamio, the creator of Boys Over Flowers, and animation studio WIT Studio. This manga adaptation is set to debut on January 8, 2026, ahead of the anime’s global premiere on Netflix on January 15, 2026.
A Dual-Platform Release for “Love Through a Prism” Manga
The manga adaptation, a collaboration between Yōko Kamio and Maki Minami, will be published on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ and Manga Mee applications. This dual-platform release aims to reach a broad audience, encompassing both shōnen and shōjo/josei demographics, to promote both the manga and the eagerly anticipated anime series. Manga Mee is specifically known for its shōjo and josei series.
“Love Through a Prism”: A Glimpse into the Story
“Love Through a Prism” is an original net animation (ONA) series, with Yōko Kamio providing the original story and character sketches. The series is a historical romance, set in an early 1900s London art academy. It follows Lili Ichijoin (voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki), a Japanese exchange student determined to become a painter. She arrives under pressure from her parents to excel, and her journey intensifies when she meets Kit Church (voiced by Koki Uchiyama), a gifted yet detached aristocratic student. The story explores their evolving relationship amidst challenges of art, social status, and personal ambition.
The anime series will consist of 20 episodes and is directed by Kazuto Nakazawa, known for his work on Kill Bill: Volume 1‘s anime sequence and B: The Beginning. WIT Studio, celebrated for productions like Attack on Titan, is handling the animation.
The Creators Behind the Project
Yōko Kamio’s Vision
Yōko Kamio, the celebrated mangaka behind the iconic Boys Over Flowers, is the creative force behind the original story and character designs of “Love Through a Prism”. Her previous work, Boys Over Flowers, has garnered global acclaim, and “Love Through a Prism” is poised to be another classic from the author. Kamio expressed her hope that the series “can be a light for those who watch it” in a society where hopes and dreams are becoming difficult to discuss.
Maki Minami’s Artistic Contribution
Maki Minami is a renowned Japanese manga artist, best known for her high school series Special A. Minami has a distinct art style and is known for creating stories with strong female leads. Notably, Minami previously worked as an assistant to Yōko Kamio for four years, with Kamio praising her as a “super assistant – always stylish and good at work”. This history together suggests a strong synergy for their collaboration on “Love Through a Prism.”
Anticipation for a Simultaneous Release
The strategy to launch the manga adaptation slightly before the anime series on Netflix creates a unique opportunity to build anticipation and immerse audiences in the world of “Love Through a Prism”. This approach allows fans to engage with the narrative through different mediums, potentially expanding the project’s reach and impact.
