After a 17-year hiatus, Kiyoko Arai’s beloved shojo manga, Beauty Pop, has made a stylish comeback with a new sequel series titled Beauty Pop Returns. The series began serialization on April 27, 2025, on Shogakukan’s Ciao Plus platform, much to the delight of fans who have eagerly awaited the continuation of Kiri Koshiba’s story.
A Return to the World of Beauty Pop
Beauty Pop, originally serialized in Ciao magazine from 2003 to 2008, captivated readers with its unique blend of romance, comedy, and the art of hairstyling. The manga revolves around Kiri Koshiba, a naturally gifted hairstylist who prefers to use her talents anonymously, and the “Scissors Project” (SP), a group of ambitious boys determined to become the top makeover team in Japan.
What Made Beauty Pop So Popular?
- Unique Premise: Unlike typical shojo manga that focus solely on romance, Beauty Pop incorporated the world of hairstyling and makeovers, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on beauty and self-expression.
- Relatable Characters: Kiri, with her laid-back personality and hidden talent, resonated with readers who admired her unconventional approach to life. The members of the Scissors Project, each with their distinct personalities and skills, added depth and humor to the story.
- Exploration of Beauty Standards: The manga challenged conventional beauty standards by showcasing how makeovers could boost self-esteem and empower individuals to embrace their unique qualities.
- Humor and Heart: Beauty Pop balanced lighthearted humor with heartfelt moments, creating a captivating and enjoyable reading experience.
Beauty Pop Returns: A New Beginning
Beauty Pop Returns picks up years after the original series, offering a glimpse into the lives of Kiri and the SP members after their high school adventures.
What’s the Story About?
The sequel begins with SP members Ochiai and Kei visiting Kiri, who is now married to Narumi. Kei’s question about why Kiri married Narumi sets the stage for a flashback to Narumi and Ochiai’s college days, where Ochiai is working to revive the Scissors Project. The first chapter is a double feature, promising a deeper dive into the characters’ past and present.
Where Can You Read Beauty Pop Returns?
Beauty Pop Returns is currently being serialized on Shogakukan’s Ciao Plus platform. To commemorate the series’ return, three volumes of the original Beauty Pop manga are available to read for free on the platform from April 27 to May 11.
The Characters of Beauty Pop
Beauty Pop features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, skills, and motivations.
Main Characters:
- Kiri Koshiba: The protagonist of the series, Kiri is a naturally talented hairstylist who prefers to remain anonymous. She is known for her exceptional skills and her ability to bring out the inner beauty of her clients.
- Shogo Narumi: The leader of the Scissors Project, Narumi is a charismatic and ambitious hairstylist who is determined to become the best in Japan. He initially clashes with Kiri but eventually develops a close bond with her.
- Kazuhiko Ochiai: A member of the Scissors Project, Ochiai is a skilled cosmetic expert who is known for his knowledge of makeup and skincare. He has a crush on Kiri, which creates a love triangle within the group.
- Kei Minami: A member of the Scissors Project, Kei is a talented nail artist who is known for his creative and intricate designs. He serves as the emcee for SP events and adds humor to the group dynamic.
Supporting Characters:
- Kanako Aoyama: A friend of Kiri’s who admires her talents. She is shy and bookish.
- Taro Komatsu: Kiri’s childhood friend and neighbor.
- Kenichiro Seki: Kiri’s childhood friend who recently moved back to Japan from New York.
The Scissors Project (SP)
The Scissors Project is an infamous club in Kiri’s high school, consisting of self-proclaimed genius hairstylist Shougo Narumi, cosmetic expert Kazuhiko Ochiai, and nail artist Kei Minami. They are known for their showy performances where they give public makeovers to members of the student body, specifically already “beautiful” girls, attracting a lot of attention.
The SP’s Mission
The Scissors Project is determined to become the best makeover team in Japan. They seek to achieve this by:
- Showy Makeovers: Performing extravagant makeovers on handpicked girls to showcase their skills and attract attention.
- Public Performances: Hosting public events where they demonstrate their makeover techniques and engage with the audience.
- Competitions: Participating in beauty competitions to test their skills and prove their dominance in the industry.
The Creative Mind Behind Beauty Pop
Beauty Pop is written and illustrated by Kiyoko Arai, a renowned shojo manga artist known for her charming characters, engaging storylines, and beautiful artwork.
About Kiyoko Arai
Kiyoko Arai was born in Tokyo and currently resides in Chiba Prefecture. In 1999, she received the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for Angel Lip. Her popular series, Dr. Rin ni Kiitemite! (Ask Dr. Rin!) was adapted into an animated TV show.
Arai’s Other Notable Works:
- Angel Lip
- Dr. Rin ni Kiitemite! (Ask Dr. Rin!)
- Yomogi Mochi Yake Ta? (Did You Burn Your Mugwort Mochi?)
Beauty Pop’s Enduring Appeal
Beauty Pop has captivated readers for nearly two decades with its unique premise, relatable characters, and heartwarming stories. The manga’s exploration of beauty, self-expression, and the importance of inner confidence continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. With the release of Beauty Pop Returns, fans can once again immerse themselves in the world of Kiri and the Scissors Project, and discover new adventures and challenges that await them.
Themes Explored in Beauty Pop
- The Meaning of Beauty: Beauty Pop delves into the concept of beauty, exploring both external appearances and inner qualities. The manga emphasizes that true beauty comes from within and that makeovers can be a tool for self-expression and empowerment.
- Self-Discovery: Kiri’s journey of self-discovery is a central theme in Beauty Pop. As she hones her hairstyling skills and interacts with the Scissors Project, she learns more about herself, her dreams, and her place in the world.
- Friendship and Teamwork: The relationships between Kiri, Narumi, Ochiai, and Kei are essential to the story. The manga highlights the importance of friendship, teamwork, and supporting one another in achieving common goals.
- Romance and Love: Beauty Pop features a sweet and heartwarming romance between Kiri and Narumi. The manga explores the challenges and joys of love, as well as the importance of communication and understanding in a relationship.
The Legacy of Beauty Pop
Beauty Pop has left a lasting impact on the shojo manga genre, inspiring countless readers and artists with its innovative storytelling and memorable characters. The manga’s success has also led to various adaptations, including a drama CD. As Beauty Pop Returns begins its serialization, it is poised to introduce a new generation of fans to the world of Kiri Koshiba and the Scissors Project, ensuring that the legacy of Beauty Pop continues to shine for years to come.
Volumes
The Beauty Pop manga ran for a total of 51 chapters, later bound into 10 volumes by publisher Shogakukan. Viz Media licensed the manga for an English release under their Shojo Beat line. The series underwent a short hiatus from Ciao, but came back in October 2006, under the new title Beauty Pop Stage 2, though the volumes themselves stayed under the name Beauty Pop. The manga was also published in Vietnam by TVM Comics and France by Soleil Productions.
Will There Be An Anime Adaptation?
As of April 28, 2025, there are no announcements regarding an anime adaptation of Beauty Pop.
