Tokyo, Japan – Renowned voice actors Chinatsu Akasaki, Kent Itō, and Reiō Tsuchida are expanding their creative horizons by launching a new manga titled Seiyū Tantei Akita Shoko (Voice Actress Detective Shoko Akita). The manga is set to debut in Akita Shoten’s Bessatsu Shōnen Champion magazine’s January 2026 issue, hitting shelves on December 12.
The trio of voice actors are credited with providing the original story for the manga, while Kaito Takahashi is handling the artwork. This collaborative project stems from their roles as hosts of Akita Shoten’s “Shūkan Akita Shoten Radio Henshūbu” (Weekly Akita Shoten Radio Editorial Department) radio show, which began in April 2020.
Delving into the Mystery: “Voice Actress Detective Shoko Akita”
The new manga, Seiyū Tantei Akita Shoko, centers on a rookie voice actress named Shoko Akita. While diligently working towards her dream of becoming a top voice actress, Shoko harbors a secret. The character’s name itself, “Shoko Akita,” is a clever play on “Akita Shoten,” the manga’s publisher. This narrative promises a unique blend of the competitive world of voice acting with elements of mystery and intrigue.
From Mic to Manga: Voice Actors as Storytellers
The involvement of Chinatsu Akasaki, Kent Itō, and Reiō Tsuchida in developing the original story for Seiyū Tantei Akita Shoko highlights a growing trend of voice actors venturing into other creative fields within the entertainment industry. Their intimate knowledge of the voice acting world is expected to lend authenticity and depth to the manga’s portrayal of its protagonist’s journey and struggles. The manga offers fans a new way to engage with the creative talents of these popular voice artists.
The Creative Team Behind the Panels
- Original Story: Chinatsu Akasaki, Kent Itō, and Reiō Tsuchida
- Artwork: Kaito Takahashi
- Publisher: Akita Shoten (serialized in Bessatsu Shōnen Champion)
- Launch Date: December 12 (January 2026 issue)
Fans of the voice actors and the “Shūkan Akita Shoten Radio Henshūbu” program will likely find the manga a compelling expansion of their favorite artists’ storytelling capabilities.