Ayu Watanabe, the celebrated manga artist best known for the hit series LDK, is set to launch a brand-new manga series titled Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu (Kokoro is not in love). Fans of shojo manga and heartwarming stories, get ready to mark your calendars! Here’s everything we know about Watanabe’s exciting new project.
A Fresh Start: Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu
The exciting news broke on Wednesday, June 24, 2025, in the August issue of Kodansha’s Kiss magazine . The new manga, Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu, is scheduled to premiere in the magazine’s next issue, hitting stands on July 25 . This marks a highly anticipated return for Watanabe, promising a fresh narrative with her signature touch of romance and relatable characters.
Storyline Teaser: What to Expect
Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu centers on the character of Kokoro, a woman who is somewhat feared by her younger colleagues . However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she ends up living with a younger bartender in her own apartment . This unique living situation sets the stage for a story filled with potential for heartwarming interactions, personal growth, and, of course, romantic sparks.
A Shift in Demographics?
Watanabe’s most famous work, LDK, was serialized in Bessatsu Friend, a shojo manga magazine . Kiss magazine, on the other hand, typically targets a slightly older female audience . This could indicate that Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu might explore more mature themes or delve into the complexities of adult relationships, appealing to a broader readership while retaining the emotional depth that Watanabe is known for.
Ayu Watanabe: A Manga Artist Extraordinaire
Before diving deeper into what Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu might offer, let’s take a look at the prolific career of Ayu Watanabe.
From Sweet Darling to LDK: A Journey Through Romance
Ayu Watanabe debuted as a manga artist in 2002 with Sweet Darling, which won an award . However, it was her work on LDK that catapulted her to widespread recognition . Serialized in Bessatsu Friend from 2009 to 2017, LDK captivated readers with its charming story of high school romance under one roof .
LDK: The Phenomenon
LDK tells the story of Aoi Nishimori, a high school girl who ends up living with Shūsei Kugayama, the school’s “prince,” due to a series of unexpected events . The manga explores their evolving relationship as they navigate the challenges of cohabitation, school life, and burgeoning feelings for each other .
The LDK manga series was a commercial success, selling so well that a Drama CD was bundled with the release of volume 8 . The series was compiled into 24 volumes . A sequel manga titled LDK Pink began serialization in Bessatsu Friend in February 2022 .
LDK‘s popularity led to two live-action film adaptations, further solidifying Watanabe’s status as a leading voice in shojo manga . The first film was released in 2014, starring Ayame Gōriki and Kento Yamazaki . A second film adaptation with a different cast, LDK Hitotsu Yane no Shita, “Suki” ga Futatsu (Two Loves Under One Roof), was released in 2019 .
Other Notable Works
Aside from LDK, Watanabe has created numerous other manga series, showcasing her versatility and storytelling prowess . These include:
- Arashi-kun no Dakimakura (Arashi’s Hug Pillow): Launched in 2020, this manga tells the story of a high school girl and a transfer student with insomnia whose relationship deepens after they start sleeping in the same bed . It ended in January 2023 .
- Men’s Life: Launched in February 2018 .
- Kimi ga Suki (I Love You): A romance manga that was one of Watanabe’s early hits .
- Dear Friends: Rina & Maki:
- Ageha:
- Suki♥Doki:
Watanabe’s works often explore themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, resonating with readers of all ages . Her ability to create relatable characters and engaging narratives has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim .
What Makes Watanabe’s Manga So Captivating?
Ayu Watanabe’s manga stands out for several reasons:
- Relatable Characters: Watanabe excels at creating characters that readers can easily identify with . Her protagonists often face everyday challenges and struggles, making their journeys of self-discovery all the more compelling .
- Heartwarming Romance: Romance is a central theme in Watanabe’s works, but she avoids clichés and instead focuses on genuine connections between characters . Her stories often depict the awkwardness, excitement, and vulnerability of first love, capturing the essence of young romance .
- Engaging Storytelling: Watanabe’s narratives are well-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns . She knows how to keep readers hooked from beginning to end, whether it’s through humorous situations, emotional moments, or dramatic reveals .
- Artistic Style: Watanabe’s art style is clean, expressive, and visually appealing . Her character designs are distinct and memorable, and her backgrounds are detailed and immersive .
Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu: Predictions and Anticipations
Given Watanabe’s track record, Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu is generating considerable excitement among manga fans. Here are some predictions and anticipations for the new series:
- Mature Themes: With the story focusing on an adult woman and a younger bartender, Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu is likely to explore more mature themes than LDK . This could include topics such as career challenges, societal expectations, and the complexities of adult relationships .
- Emotional Depth: Watanabe is known for her ability to evoke strong emotions in her readers . Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu is expected to delve into the emotional lives of its characters, exploring their hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities .
- Unexpected Twists: Watanabe is a master of plot twists, so readers can expect plenty of surprises in Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu . The unconventional living situation between Kokoro and the younger bartender could lead to a variety of unexpected scenarios and conflicts .
- Relatable Characters: Despite the unique premise, Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu is expected to feature relatable characters that readers can connect with on a personal level . Kokoro’s initial fear among her colleagues could resonate with many individuals who have experienced similar feelings of isolation or misunderstanding .
Where to Follow Ayu Watanabe’s Work
For fans eager to stay up-to-date on Ayu Watanabe’s latest projects, here are some resources:
- Anime News Network: Provides news and updates on manga and anime releases .
- MangaDex: A website where you can read manga online .
- MyAnimeList: A comprehensive database of anime and manga .
- Goodreads: Features author profiles and book reviews .
- MangaUpdates: Provides information on manga releases and creators .
While Ayu Watanabe doesn’t appear to have an official website, you can follow her activities and works through social media platforms like Twitter .
Final Thoughts: A Promising New Chapter
Ayu Watanabe’s Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu promises to be another captivating addition to her impressive body of work. With its intriguing premise, relatable characters, and Watanabe’s signature storytelling style, this new manga is sure to resonate with fans of shojo manga and romance stories alike. Be sure to check out the first issue in Kiss magazine on July 25, 2025, and embark on this exciting new journey with Kokoro and the younger bartender.
