Kadokawa, a major player in the manga and light novel world, has recently announced the English releases of two new manga series: My Ideal Girlfriend and The True Value of the Throwaway Bride. These titles promise to bring fresh stories and engaging artwork to English-speaking audiences. Let’s dive into what we know about these upcoming releases and what makes them potentially exciting additions to your manga collection.
My Ideal Girlfriend: A Fake Relationship With Real Feelings?
My Ideal Girlfriend is a manga series by Morimarimo. The story centers around Seiji, an average high school student who transfers to Souhou Academy, a school known for its wealthy and privileged students. He finds himself isolated until a girl approaches him with an unusual request: to become her sister’s fake boyfriend.
Synopsis
Seiji’s quiet high school life takes a turn when he’s approached by a girl who asks him to pretend to be her sister’s boyfriend. The reason? Her sister, Sara, is under pressure from their mother to get engaged. To avoid an unwanted arranged marriage, Sara needs a boyfriend, and Seiji is the chosen one. Sara is described as a beautiful and admired figure at the academy, which leaves Seiji questioning why he was selected for the role. Despite his confusion, he agrees to the arrangement.
As Seiji and Sara spend time together, what starts as a fake relationship begins to feel increasingly real. Sara seems to genuinely enjoy being with Seiji, leading him to wonder about her true feelings. This sets the stage for a “bizzare love comedy” as Seiji navigates the complexities of a fake relationship that might just turn into something more.
Availability
Kadokawa is releasing My Ideal Girlfriend in chapter format on the BookWalker Global site. The first chapter is available for free, with subsequent chapters available for purchase. As of May 24, 2025, several chapters have already been released.
Potential Appeal
- Relatable Protagonist: Seiji’s character as an “average guy” might resonate with readers who enjoy stories where ordinary individuals find themselves in extraordinary situations.
- Tsunedere Trope: The description mentions a “tsundere” character, which is a popular archetype in manga and anime. These characters are often initially cold or hostile but gradually reveal a warmer, more affectionate side.
- Romantic Comedy: The series is described as a “bizzare love comedy,” suggesting a blend of humor and romance that could appeal to fans of the genre.
- Fake Relationship: The fake relationship premise is a common and beloved trope in romance stories, offering plenty of opportunities for comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and character development.
The True Value of the Throwaway Bride: A “Useless” Girl Finds Her Worth
The True Value of the Throwaway Bride is a manga series with a story by Hibiki Sayama and art by Ramuda. This manga presents a fantasy romance story with a focus on overcoming adversity and finding love in unexpected places.
Synopsis
Elena, born into the Norstalt family known for their superpowers, is considered “useless” because she possesses no powers of her own. After her mother’s death, she faces cruel treatment from her family. At the age of seventeen, her father orders her to marry Yuri, the cursed second prince of Lodenium. Originally, Elena’s younger sister, Vanessa, who has fire powers, was intended to be the bride. However, their father decides to offer Elena instead.
Upon arriving at the palace, Elena learns that the prince will not appear until the night of the full moon. Initially troubled, she finds herself enjoying life in the palace, surrounded by kind and gentle people. She even encounters a strange, large wolf in the garden. The series promises a love story between a shy bride who was deemed “useless” and a cursed prince.
Availability
Kadokawa is releasing The True Value of the Throwaway Bride in chapter format on BookWalker Global. The first chapter is free, with subsequent chapters available for purchase. The first chapter was released on May 30, 2025, with more chapters following.
Potential Appeal
- Underdog Story: Elena’s journey as a “useless girl” who finds her value could be inspiring for readers who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity.
- Fantasy Romance: The series combines romance with fantasy elements, including superpowers and a cursed prince, creating a unique and enchanting world.
- Kind and Gentle Characters: The presence of kind and gentle people in the palace suggests a heartwarming and supportive environment that could appeal to readers seeking feel-good stories.
- Mysterious Elements: The cursed prince and the strange wolf in the garden add an element of mystery and intrigue to the story.
Kadokawa’s Expanding English Manga Releases
Kadokawa has been actively expanding its English manga releases, including simulpub projects where titles are released in English on the same day as in Japan. This initiative allows international fans to enjoy the latest manga content without delay. Other recent English releases from Kadokawa include Isekai Samurai and The Hitman Stans.
Where to Find These Manga
Both My Ideal Girlfriend and The True Value of the Throwaway Bride are available on the BookWalker Global platform in digital format.
Other Manga to Check Out
If you’re looking for more manga to read, here are a few other titles that might interest you:
- The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All: A yuri series about a girl who develops a crush on a record store clerk, only to discover that the clerk is her female classmate.
- My Girlfriend’s a Geek (Fujoshi Kanojo): A romantic comedy about a college student who discovers that his girlfriend is a fujoshi, a fan of boys’ love (BL) manga.
- The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You: A harem romantic comedy about a boy who is destined to have 100 girlfriends.
- Domestic Girlfriend: A controversial romance manga about a boy who develops relationships with his stepsisters.
- The Ancient Magus’ Bride: A fantasy series about a girl who becomes the apprentice and bride of a powerful mage.
Final Thoughts
The release of My Ideal Girlfriend and The True Value of the Throwaway Bride in English offers manga fans new options in the romance and fantasy genres. With their unique storylines and engaging characters, these series have the potential to captivate readers and become popular additions to the manga landscape. Keep an eye on BookWalker Global for the latest chapters and updates on these exciting new titles!