Sana Kirioka, the acclaimed manga creator best known for her heartwarming series Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi (Taisho Maiden Fairytale), has launched a brand new manga series. Fans and newcomers alike can anticipate another captivating story from this talented artist. Here’s everything you need to know about Kirioka’s latest work.
A Fresh Start: Rikka Kitan
Sana Kirioka’s new manga is titled Rikka Kitan. It debuted in Kodansha’s Comic Days app on Monday, May 19, 2025. The first compiled book volume is scheduled for release on August 20, 2025. Rikka Kitan promises a delightful narrative centered around unique characters and intriguing themes.
What is Rikka Kitan About?
Rikka Kitan tells the story of Tōma, a wolf beastman who works as a patrolman. His primary duty is to maintain peace and order in a world where humans and other beings coexist. This sets the stage for a series filled with action, mystery, and heartwarming interactions as Tōma navigates his responsibilities and personal life.
Where to Read
Rikka Kitan is currently serialized on Kodansha’s Comic Days app. This digital platform offers a convenient way for readers to access the latest chapters and stay updated on the series’ progress. The first compiled book volume will be available for purchase on August 20, 2025.
About Sana Kirioka: The Author Behind the Magic
Sana Kirioka is a Japanese manga artist celebrated for her ability to create touching and memorable stories. Her works often blend historical settings with elements of romance, comedy, and slice-of-life, appealing to a wide audience.
Notable Works
- Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi (Taisho Maiden Fairytale): Kirioka’s most famous work, serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square from July 2015 to September 2017. It was adapted into an anime television series by SynergySP, which aired from October to December 2021.
- Showa Otome Otogibanashi (Showa Maiden Fairytale): A sequel to Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi, serialized on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ online magazine from August 2018 to May 2020.
- Taisho Otome Otogibanashi: Pessimist no Shokutaku (Taisho Maiden Fairytale: A Pessimist’s Dining Table): A spin-off series serialized on Shōnen Jump+ from July to December 2021.
- Shizuko wa Ore no Yome (Shizuko Is My Bride): A manga series that showcases Kirioka’s talent for blending comedy, romance, and supernatural elements.
- Enthralled: A doujinshi series that explores themes of love and adventure in a fantastical world.
Style and Themes
Kirioka’s manga often features:
- Heartwarming Stories: Her narratives focus on emotional connections and personal growth.
- Historical Settings: Many of her works are set in the Taisho or Showa eras of Japan, providing a rich backdrop for her characters.
- Charming Characters: Her protagonists are often relatable and endearing, making it easy for readers to invest in their journeys.
- Blend of Genres: Kirioka skillfully combines romance, comedy, drama, and slice-of-life elements to create engaging and multifaceted stories.
Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi: A Deep Dive
Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi is one of Sana Kirioka’s most beloved works. Set in the Taisho era, the story revolves around Tamahiko Shima, the son of a wealthy family, whose life takes a tragic turn after an accident leaves him crippled and isolated.
Story Overview
In late 1921, Tamahiko Shima loses the use of his right arm in a car accident that also claims his mother’s life. Deemed worthless by his calculating father, Tamahiko is sent to a villa in the mountains of Chiba, effectively disowned but kept out of public view to avoid shaming the family. Bitter and reclusive, he resigns himself to a lonely existence.
One day, Tamahiko’s father sends him a bride named Yuzuki Tachibana to care for him. Yuzuki, a young and cheerful girl, enters his life like “an innocent ray of sunshine,” gradually transforming his pessimistic outlook. As they live together, Tamahiko begins to open up and rediscover the joys of life.
Key Characters
- Tamahiko Shima: A young man from a wealthy family who becomes disabled and withdrawn after an accident.
- Yuzuki Tachibana: A cheerful and selfless girl who becomes Tamahiko’s bride and brings light back into his life.
- Tamako Shima: Voiced by Yume Miyamoto in the anime adaptation, she is likely a member of the Shima family, possibly a sister or other close relative of Tamahiko.
- Ryou Atsumi: Voiced by Chika Anzai, Ryou is another character in Tamahiko’s social circle, playing a role in his journey.
- Kotori Shiratori: Voiced by Ayasa Ito, Kotori likely adds another dimension to the story through her interactions with the main characters.
- Hakaru Shiratori: Voiced by Shunichi Toki, Hakaru is likely connected to Kotori, potentially as a sibling or friend, and contributes to the ensemble cast.
Manga and Anime Adaptations
The manga series, written and illustrated by Sana Kirioka, was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square from July 4, 2015, to September 4, 2017. The chapters were collected into five tankōbon volumes.
An anime television series adaptation by SynergySP aired from October 9, 2021, to December 25, 2021. Directed by Jun Hatori and written by Hiroko Fukuda, the anime captures the heartwarming essence of the original manga.
Reception and Impact
Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi has been praised for its touching story, charming characters, and beautiful art style. The series has garnered a significant following, with fans appreciating its ability to evoke emotions and provide a sense of comfort. The anime adaptation further broadened its appeal, introducing the story to a new audience.
Showa Otome Otogibanashi: Continuing the Legacy
Showa Otome Otogibanashi is a sequel to Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi, continuing the themes of love, resilience, and personal growth in a new historical setting.
Story Overview
Set in the late 1920s, at the dawn of the Showa Era, the story follows a boy and a girl living under abusive households in Kobe. They swear an oath to stay together until death but are quickly separated. Years later, a chance encounter reunites them in 1931, setting the stage for a story of rekindled love and overcoming past traumas.
Themes and Style
Like its predecessor, Showa Otome Otogibanashi explores themes of:
- Resilience: The characters face significant hardships but find strength in their bond.
- Love and Connection: The story emphasizes the importance of human connection in overcoming adversity.
- Historical Context: The Showa era provides a backdrop of social and economic change, adding depth to the narrative.
Other Notable Works by Sana Kirioka
In addition to the Taisho Otome series, Sana Kirioka has created several other notable works that showcase her versatility as a manga artist.
Shizuko wa Ore no Yome (Shizuko Is My Bride)
Shizuko wa Ore no Yome is a manga series that blends comedy, romance, and supernatural elements. The story revolves around Shizuko, a high school girl who discovers she is the reincarnation of a princess from the Heian period. A thousand years ago, the princess married an oni named Shuri, who turned to stone after her death. In the modern day, Shuri awakens and claims Shizuko as his bride, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming events.
Enthralled (Toriko to Narite)
Enthralled is a doujinshi series set in a fantastical world where everyone has a social class corresponding to an animal and can transform into their class animal at will. The story follows Rikka, a rabbit girl, who is married to Tooma, a wolf-man. Tooma works as a member of the wolfguards, upholding the law in the Land of Twelve Gods. The series explores their adventures and loving relationship.
The Impact and Legacy of Sana Kirioka
Sana Kirioka has made a significant impact on the manga world with her heartwarming stories, charming characters, and beautiful art style. Her ability to blend historical settings with elements of romance, comedy, and slice-of-life has resonated with a wide audience.
Themes of Hope and Healing
One of the defining characteristics of Kirioka’s work is her focus on themes of hope and healing. Her characters often face significant challenges, such as disability, abuse, and isolation, but they find strength in human connection and personal growth. Through their journeys, Kirioka offers readers a message of resilience and the possibility of overcoming adversity.
Celebrating Human Connection
Kirioka’s manga often celebrates the importance of human connection in creating a fulfilling life. Her characters find solace and strength in their relationships with others, whether it’s through romance, friendship, or family. By emphasizing the power of empathy and support, Kirioka encourages readers to value their own relationships and seek out meaningful connections.
Art Style and Storytelling
Kirioka’s art style is characterized by its delicate lines, expressive characters, and attention to detail. Her panels are often filled with intricate backgrounds and subtle visual cues that enhance the emotional impact of the story. She also has a talent for creating memorable and endearing character designs, making it easy for readers to invest in their journeys.
Future Projects and Expectations
As Sana Kirioka embarks on her new manga series, Rikka Kitan, fans eagerly anticipate another heartwarming and captivating story. With her track record of creating memorable characters and touching narratives, there is no doubt that Rikka Kitan will be a welcome addition to her impressive body of work.
Where to Find More
Stay up-to-date with Sana Kirioka’s latest works and news through the following channels:
- Kodansha’s Comic Days app: For the latest chapters of Rikka Kitan.
- MangaDex: For a comprehensive database of Kirioka’s manga, including Taisho Otome Otogi Banashi, Showa Otome Otogibanashi, and more.
- MyAnimeList: For information on Kirioka’s role in the anime and manga industry.
- Anime News Network: For news and updates on Kirioka’s latest projects.
Sana Kirioka continues to enchant readers with her heartfelt storytelling and charming characters. Rikka Kitan is poised to be another wonderful addition to her collection, and fans can look forward to more heartwarming stories from this talented creator.
