Get ready, manga fans! Hiroki Ugawa, the creative mind behind Shrine of the Morning Mist, is launching a brand new manga series. While details are still emerging, here’s everything we know about Ugawa’s latest project and a look back at his impressive career.
Mark Your Calendars: May 30th is the Date
While not a brand new manga launch, on May 30th, 2025, Neko Goze – Chats errants tome 3 is scheduled to be released. So, fans of Ugawa can look forward to this release.
Hiroki Ugawa: A Manga Artist with a Unique Vision
Hiroki Ugawa is a Japanese manga artist known for his diverse works, spanning various genres including comedy, fantasy, and action. Ugawa’s most famous work is Shrine of the Morning Mist (Asagiri no Miko), a manga series that was serialized in Shōnen Gahōsha’s Young King Ours magazine from March 2000 to April 2013.
Shrine of the Morning Mist: Ugawa’s Breakthrough Hit
Shrine of the Morning Mist tells the story of Yuzu Hieda, a high school freshman who is also a miko (shrine maiden) at her local Shinto shrine. When her childhood crush returns, it’s revealed that dark gods are interested in him, and Yuzu must gather other students into a “Miko Council” to fight off a mystical assault. The manga was adapted into a 26-episode anime series in 2002, directed by Yuji Moriyama.
Other Notable Works by Hiroki Ugawa
- Nekogoze: Set in an alternative post-war Japan inhabited by cat people, this series follows a blind shamisen player and a former female assassin.
- Post Kids: A post-apocalyptic manga about a courier service in a world ravaged by plague and warring city-states.
- Kuro no Sōzō Shōkanshi: Tenseisha no Hangyaku: A collaboration with author Sora Ikui, this series focuses on a protagonist who is reincarnated into a world where having black hair and eyes is a trait of demons.
- Standard Blue: Set in the year 2024 on a massive artificial island, this manga follows the crew of the Ushio Sea Service as they navigate a world facing rising populations and resource scarcity.
What to Expect from Ugawa’s Manga
While details about the new manga are scarce, fans can likely expect Ugawa’s signature blend of intriguing characters, creative world-building, and engaging storylines. Given his previous works, the new series could explore themes of:
- Fantasy and the Supernatural: Ugawa often incorporates mystical elements and supernatural beings into his stories.
- Action and Adventure: Many of his manga feature thrilling action sequences and exciting adventures.
- Unique Settings: Ugawa is known for creating imaginative and detailed worlds, whether it’s a shrine filled with magical priestesses or a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
- Strong Female Characters: From Yuzu in Shrine of the Morning Mist to the female assassin in Nekogoze, Ugawa often features compelling and powerful female protagonists.
Where to Find Hiroki Ugawa’s Works
- MangaDex: This online platform offers a wide selection of manga, including several works by Hiroki Ugawa.
- Amazon: You can find physical copies of Shrine of the Morning Mist and other manga by Ugawa on Amazon.
- eBay: This online marketplace is a good place to look for both new and used manga volumes, including complete sets of Shrine of the Morning Mist.
- Fnac and Leslibraires.ca: These online bookstores offer a selection of Ugawa’s manga, including Neko Goze – Chats errants.
A Legacy of Engaging Manga
Hiroki Ugawa has created a diverse and engaging body of work throughout his career. From the magical battles of Shrine of the Morning Mist to the gritty action of Nekogoze, Ugawa’s manga has captivated readers with its unique blend of genres, compelling characters, and imaginative storytelling. As fans eagerly await the release of Neko Goze – Chats errants tome 3 on May 30th, there’s no better time to discover (or rediscover) the wonderful worlds of Hiroki Ugawa.
