Takashi Ikeda, the acclaimed manga artist behind the popular yuri series Whispered Words (Sasameki Koto), has debuted a new manga titled Bakepen no Mamiko-chan on Shogakukan’s Big Comic platform. The first two chapters of the series were released on Friday, September 27, 2025, marking an exciting return for fans of Ikeda’s distinctive storytelling.
A New Photographic Journey: Bakepen no Mamiko-chan
Ikeda’s latest work, Bakepen no Mamiko-chan, introduces readers to Mamiko Maeno, a middle-schooler grappling with the challenges of navigating a new school environment. Feeling lost, Mamiko finds solace and a new path by picking up her late grandfather’s old camera, affectionately nicknamed “Bakepen” due to its monster-sized Pentax form. The series is expected to delve into Mamiko’s experiences as she explores the world through her unique lens.
Takashi Ikeda’s Esteemed Career
Takashi Ikeda has cultivated a dedicated following through his nuanced exploration of relationships and character development. His most recognized work prior to this new launch remains Whispered Words (also known as Sasameki Koto).
The Legacy of Whispered Words
Whispered Words is a celebrated yuri manga that ran in Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine from March 2007 to November 2011, culminating in nine compiled volumes. The series tells the story of Sumika Murasame, a high school girl secretly in love with her best friend, Ushio Kazama, who, despite also liking girls, only has eyes for “cute” and “small” types, a description that doesn’t fit the tall and athletic Sumika. This complex unrequited love story resonated deeply with readers and was adapted into a 13-episode anime television series in 2009, streamed by Crunchyroll outside Japan. North American publisher One Peace Books released the Whispered Words manga in English starting in May 2014.
Recent Works: The Two of Them Are Pretty Much Like This
More recently, Ikeda concluded another yuri manga series, The Two of Them Are Pretty Much Like This (Futari wa Daitai Konna Kanji), in February 2022. This series, which began in January 2020 on Gentosha’s Comic Boost website, depicted the everyday lives of Erie Sakuma, a 30-year-old scenario writer, and Wako Inuzuka, a 20-year-old voice actress, exploring their comfortable life as a couple who tell others they are simply roommates. Seven Seas Entertainment licensed this series for English release, further solidifying Ikeda’s presence in the North American manga market.
With the launch of Bakepen no Mamiko-chan, Takashi Ikeda continues to showcase his versatility and ability to craft engaging narratives, inviting readers to embark on a new emotional journey with his latest protagonist. Fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding story of Mamiko Maeno and the adventures that await her and her unique camera.
