In a recent announcement, manga artists Kaoru Mori, known for her acclaimed series “A Bride’s Story”, and Aki Irie, creator of “Go with the Clouds, North by Northwest”, will be moving their manga from Kadokawa’s Aokishi magazine. The news came with the release of the 24th A and B issues of the magazine on February 18, 2025, which revealed a renewal of Aokishi, leading to shifts in its published works.
Renewal Sparks Changes at Aokishi
Kadokawa’s Aokishi magazine is undergoing a renewal, prompting some manga series to continue their run while others head in new directions. This transition affects Kaoru Mori and Aki Irie, as confirmed in the magazine’s recent issues.
Mori Seeks “New Form of Publication”
The magazine stated that Kaoru Mori “plans to search for a new form of publication” for her manga. While the specifics remain undisclosed, this indicates a potential shift in how Mori’s future works will be released. In the meantime, Mori published a one-shot manga titled “Sebiro” (Business Suit) in the 24th B issue.
Irie to Continue Works
Aki Irie will continue her works in the future, according to the magazine. However, the announcement did not specify how or where her manga will be published going forward. Irie contributed a short story titled “Jun to Aruku” (Pure and Walking) to the 24th B issue.
Background on Aokishi Magazine
Kadokawa launched the Aokishi magazine in April 2021 with the aim of breaking genre boundaries. The magazine’s creation involved editors from Asuka, Harta, and Dengeki Maoh magazines, who sought to explore diverse genres like action, romantic comedy, historical fiction, and four-panel comedy.
Transfers from Harta Magazine
Notably, both “A Bride’s Story” and “Go with the Clouds, North by Northwest” had previously moved to Aokishi from Harta magazine when Aokishi was first launched. The upcoming 25th issue in April will be the first issue of the “renewed” Aokishi.
About Kaoru Mori
Kaoru Mori is a Japanese manga artist known for her detailed artwork and historical settings.
Notable Works
Mori is best known for:
- “A Bride’s Story” (Otoyomegatari): A historical romance manga set in Central Asia.
- “Emma”: A story about a maid in Victorian Britain.
- “Shirley”: Another manga featuring a maid in Edwardian England.
Career Highlights
- Mori debuted with “Shirley”, later reviving it with “Shirley Madison” in Fellows! magazine (now Harta).
- “A Bride’s Story” began serialization in Fellows! in 2008 and moved to Aokishi in 2021.
- She also wrote dōjinshi (self-published manga) under the pen name Fumio Agata as a member of the dōjin circle Lady Maid.
Recognition
Mori’s work has garnered several awards, including:
- 9th Japan Media Arts Festival (2005)
- 39th Angoulême International Comics Festival (2012)
- 7th Manga Taishō Award (2014)
About Aki Irie
Aki Irie is a Japanese manga artist known for her distinctive style and intriguing narratives.
Notable Works
Irie is best known for:
- “Go with the Clouds, North by Northwest” (Hokuhokusei ni Kumo to Ike): A manga series blending mystery and adventure.
- “Ran and the Gray World” (Ran to Haiiro no Sekai): A story featuring a young girl with magical abilities.
Career Highlights
- Irie launched “Go with the Clouds, North by Northwest” in Harta magazine in 2016, later moving it to Aokishi.
- She released a two-chapter manga titled “Toki’s Journey of Life” (Toki no Tabi) in Aokishi.
Current Exhibition
Both Mori and Irie are currently featured in a joint art exhibition at the Setagaya Literary Museum in Tokyo, which runs until February 2025.
Impact and Future Directions
The departure of Kaoru Mori and Aki Irie marks a significant shift for Aokishi magazine. While the renewal aims to bring fresh content and perspectives, losing established artists like Mori and Irie could impact the magazine’s appeal to its existing readership.
Mori’s Search for New Publication
Kaoru Mori’s decision to seek a “new form of publication” raises questions about the future of manga distribution. With the rise of digital platforms and crowdfunding, artists have more options than ever before to connect with their audience directly. It remains to be seen whether Mori will explore these alternative avenues or opt for a more traditional publishing route.
Irie’s Continued Works
While the details are scarce, the confirmation that Aki Irie will continue her works is reassuring for fans. Her unique storytelling and artistic style have earned her a dedicated following, and her future projects are highly anticipated.
The Future of Aokishi
As Aokishi moves forward with its renewal, it will be interesting to see how the magazine adapts to these changes. The editorial team’s vision of transcending genre boundaries could lead to exciting new collaborations and creative experiments. However, maintaining a balance between innovation and retaining its core audience will be crucial for the magazine’s long-term success.
