Zeniko Sumiya’s popular Boys’ Love (BL) manga, Ripples in the River (Kawa ni Sazanami), is set to conclude with its sixth compiled volume, which will ship on December 15. The announcement was made by Sumiya on their X/Twitter account.
Seven Seas Entertainment is releasing the series in English, with the first volume having just shipped in October.
A Decade of Love: The Story of Ripples in the River
Ripples in the River tells the enduring love story of Tanba and Utagawa, a couple who have been together for over ten years. The narrative delves into their relationship, showcasing Utagawa’s lingering disbelief at having “landed such a stud” and Tanba’s occasional surprise when his “young-at-heart” boyfriend shifts into a more mature mode. Seven Seas Entertainment describes the manga as a “nonstop whirlpool of love that sends both their hearts skipping!”
The Charm of Tanba and Utagawa
The series explores the dynamics of their long-term relationship, highlighting the moments of affection, humor, and depth that define their bond. Readers are drawn to the sweet and relatable portrayal of a couple continually falling in love, even after a decade together.
Exploring Their Origins
Beyond their present-day life, the manga also delves into Tanba and Utagawa’s origin story, tracing their first meeting in high school. Despite being in different classes and seemingly from different worlds, their connection grows, with a summer fireworks festival playing a pivotal role in the early sparks of their romance. These flashback elements provide a rich context to their decade-long relationship, endearing them further to readers.
Zeniko Sumiya’s Other Works
Zeniko Sumiya is a recognized manga creator known for several other works in addition to Ripples in the River. Among their notable titles is 5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love, which is also available in English from Seven Seas. Other works by Sumiya include Sasori to Otome: Scorpio & Virgo, Breathless Momentum, and Loveless Momentum. These works often explore themes of romance and relationships, showcasing Sumiya’s distinctive storytelling style.
English Release and Availability
Seven Seas Entertainment has been instrumental in bringing Ripples in the River to English-speaking audiences. The first volume of the manga was released in October 2025. With the series concluding in Japan with its sixth volume in December, English readers can anticipate the ongoing release of subsequent volumes to complete the story. The release schedule for the English version of Ripples in the River includes Volume 1 in October 2025 and Volume 2 in February 2026.
Fans eager to experience the full journey of Tanba and Utagawa will be looking forward to collecting all six volumes as they become available.
