Norimitsu Kaihō, known for his work on the popular manga series School-Live! (Gakkō Gurashi!), is set to launch a new manga titled Akarui Mirai (Bright Future). The series will debut in the September issue of Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine, which is scheduled for release on August 22. Kaihō will be responsible for the story, while Kurageso will handle the art.
A New Chapter for Kaihō in Manga Time Kirara Forward
The announcement of Akarui Mirai came on Thursday, July 24, 2025, via the September issue of Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine and its official X/Twitter account. This marks a return to the magazine where Kaihō’s most prominent work, School-Live!, was serialized. School-Live!, which blended slice-of-life elements with a zombie apocalypse, ran from 2012 until its conclusion in November 2019. A sequel, Gakkō Gurashi! ~Otayori~, also by Kaihō and original artist Sadoru Chiba, ran from June 2020 to August 2021 in the same magazine.
The Creative Team Behind Akarui Mirai
Norimitsu Kaihō’s role as the story writer for Akarui Mirai continues his prolific career in manga and anime. His past works showcase a versatility in storytelling, ranging from the horror and psychological themes of School-Live! to contributions in various other series. Kurageso, the artist for Akarui Mirai, joins Kaihō to bring this new narrative to life.
Kaihō’s Extensive Portfolio Beyond School-Live!
While School-Live! remains one of his most recognized creations, Norimitsu Kaihō has a diverse bibliography. He co-created the Deep Insanity: Nirvana manga with writer Makoto Fukami and artist Etorouji Shiono, which was serialized in Square Enix’s Big Gangan magazine from January 2020 to March 2023. This manga was part of Square Enix’s broader Deep Insanity franchise.
In addition to his manga work, Kaihō is an accomplished anime scriptwriter. He wrote the anime adaptation of School-Live! and served as the head writer for both Danganronpa 3 anime series, including their “Hope Arc” special. His anime credits also include co-writing the Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka adaptation with Makoto Fukami and the original anime Akudama Drive alongside director Tomohisa Taguchi. Most recently, Kaihō penned the Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers anime.
