Rensuke Oshikiri, the acclaimed manga artist best known for the arcade-romance series Hi Score Girl, is set to launch a new manga titled Kasaneya Tarō Kaii Roku (Tarō Kasaneya’s Mysterious Record) on December 12. The announcement came from the November issue of Asahi Shimbun’s Nemuki+ magazine, where the series will debut in its January 2026 issue.
Delving into the Mysterious World of Tarō Kasaneya
The upcoming manga, Kasaneya Tarō Kaii Roku, promises a unique blend of supernatural occurrences and character-driven narrative. The story revolves around Tarō Kasaneya, a ghost story writer who, despite his profession and constant encounters with strange tales, is depicted as a cowardly individual. This intriguing premise hints at Oshikiri’s signature style, often blending humor with unexpected elements.
Rensuke Oshikiri’s Illustrious Career and Diverse Portfolio
Rensuke Oshikiri has established himself as a versatile creator in the manga industry, known for his distinct art style and ability to tackle various genres.
The Legacy of Hi Score Girl
Oshikiri’s breakout hit, Hi Score Girl, captured the hearts of many with its nostalgic portrayal of 1990s arcade culture and a charming love triangle. The manga, which serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan magazine from 2010 to September 2018, concluded with its tenth and final volume in March 2019. The series also inspired a popular television anime adaptation, with its first season premiering in Japan in July 2018 and streaming globally on Netflix. A spin-off, Hi Score Girl DASH, focusing on the character Koharu Hidaka as a middle school teacher, began in December 2019.
Other Notable Works: From Sci-Fi to Horror
Beyond the world of arcade gaming, Oshikiri has explored other genres. He launched the sci-fi adventure manga Geniearth in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine in September 2021, which concluded in July 2022. Titan Manga has licensed Geniearth for English release, with the first volume slated for April 14, 2026. Additionally, his horror manga Sayuri, originally published from January 2010 to March 2011, is set to receive a live-action film adaptation in Summer 2024. Oshikiri is also recognized for his dark, action-packed storytelling in other works like Kurozuka and Tokyo Zombie.
The launch of Kasaneya Tarō Kaii Roku marks another exciting chapter in Rensuke Oshikiri’s prolific career, promising fans a fresh narrative with his characteristic creative flair.