Rin Ono, the talented manga artist best known for the manga adaptation of “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class,” is set to launch a brand new manga series. Fans of Ono’s heartwarming and relatable storytelling will be thrilled to hear about this upcoming project, promising a fresh and engaging narrative. Here’s everything we know about Ono’s latest work.
“The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too”
Ono’s new manga is titled “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” (Watashi Datte Seishun Shitai yo, Hontō wa). This title hints at themes of adolescence, longing, and the desire to make the most of one’s youth. The series is scheduled to debut in the August issue of Ichijinsha’s Comic Yuri Hime magazine, which will be released on July 17, 2025. The manga will kick off with a special color opening page, adding to the excitement surrounding its launch.
A Celebration of Comic Yuri Hime‘s 20th Anniversary
“The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” holds extra significance as it marks Ono’s first series in Comic Yuri Hime. Moreover, the series is intended to celebrate the magazine’s 20th anniversary, underscoring the importance of Ono’s contribution to this milestone. This suggests that the new manga will align with the magazine’s core themes and appeal to its dedicated readership.
Rin Ono: A Rising Star in Manga
Rin Ono has garnered considerable attention and acclaim for their work on “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class.” This manga is an adaptation of the light novel series written by Takata. Ono’s adaptation has been praised for its charming artwork and ability to capture the essence of the original story.
“I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class”: A Synopsis
“I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” tells the story of Maki Maehara, a high school student who has trouble making friends. His life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends Umi Asanagi, a popular classmate known as the “second prettiest girl in class.” The series explores their evolving friendship, shared interests, and the challenges they face as they navigate high school life.
The light novel series began in 2021 and has seven volumes as of October 2024, with illustrations by Azuri Hyuuga (except for the first volume, which was illustrated by Tom Osabe). It gained significant recognition, winning the Tsugi ni Kuru Light Novel Award in 2023 and boasting over one million copies in circulation.
From Web Novel to Anime
Originally a web novel published on Kakuyomu, “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” has seen considerable success across various media. The manga adaptation by Rin Ono was launched on Kadokawa’s Comic Alive+ website, with Kadokawa publishing five volumes by November 2024. Yen Press has licensed the manga for English publication, with the first volume released on July 1, 2025.
Adding to its growing popularity, an anime adaptation of “I Made Friends with the Second Prettiest Girl in My Class” is slated to premiere in 2026. The anime is being produced by Connect, with Hideki Tachibana directing the series, Keiichiro Ochi handling series composition, and Shoko Takimoto designing the characters. The main voice cast includes:
- Haruki Ishiya as Maki Maehara
- Manaka Iwami as Umi Asanagi
- Sayumi Suzushiro as Yu Amami
- Ikumi Hasegawa as Nina Arata
What to Expect from “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too”
While specific details about the plot of “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” are still under wraps, several clues can be gleaned from the title and Rin Ono’s previous work. Given Ono’s track record and the themes often explored in Comic Yuri Hime, here are some possibilities:
Themes of Youth and Longing
The title itself suggests a focus on the desire to experience and enjoy youth to the fullest. This could involve characters grappling with societal expectations, personal aspirations, and the challenges of growing up. The narrative might explore the pressure to conform, the search for identity, and the importance of self-discovery.
Potential for Yuri (Girls’ Love) Elements
Since the manga is debuting in Comic Yuri Hime, it is likely to incorporate elements of yuri, a genre that focuses on romantic relationships between female characters. This could range from subtle hints of attraction to more overt expressions of love and affection. Ono’s storytelling could delve into the complexities of these relationships, exploring themes of intimacy, trust, and acceptance.
Relatable Characters and Emotional Depth
Rin Ono’s strength lies in creating relatable characters with whom readers can easily connect. Expect “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” to feature characters with realistic struggles, dreams, and vulnerabilities. The narrative will likely explore their emotional journeys, highlighting their personal growth and the bonds they form with others.
Charming Art Style
Ono’s art style is characterized by its clean lines, expressive characters, and attention to detail. Readers can anticipate visually appealing artwork that complements the storytelling, enhancing the emotional impact and overall enjoyment of the manga.
Where to Follow Rin Ono
For fans eager to stay updated on Rin Ono’s latest projects, including “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too,” here are some platforms to follow:
- Twitter: Ono is active on Twitter, sharing updates, sketches, and personal insights.
- Pixiv: Ono’s Pixiv account features a gallery of their artwork, providing a visual feast for fans.
Conclusion: A Promising New Series
Rin Ono’s “The Truth Is, I Want to Enjoy My Youth Too” is shaping up to be a highly anticipated manga series. With its intriguing title, debut in Comic Yuri Hime, and Ono’s proven talent for storytelling, this new project promises to deliver a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative. Fans of Rin Ono and newcomers alike should mark their calendars for July 17, 2025, and prepare to embark on a new manga journey.
