K Manga, Kodansha USA’s subscription service, has announced the acquisition of English-language simulpub rights for Suzu Kayukawa’s historical romance manga, “The Noble Student and His Cinderella” (original title: Taishō Gakusei Aisai-ka). The series, which began its serialization in June 2024, became available on the K Manga platform as a simulpub title on July 2.
The licensing of “The Noble Student and His Cinderella” expands K Manga’s growing catalog of titles offered concurrently with their Japanese release, fulfilling its commitment to bring new stories to Western readers as they are simultaneously distributed in Japan. This move aligns with Kodansha’s strategy to host its extensive manga catalog exclusively on K Manga, which launched in May 2023 with approximately 400 titles, including 70 simulpubs.
The Narrative Unveiled: A Taisho-Era Romance
“The Noble Student and His Cinderella” transports readers to Tokyo in the 10th year of the Taisho period, specifically 1921. The story centers on Fuki, a 24-year-old maid employed at the esteemed Tachibana manor. Her life takes an unexpected turn with the return of Yugo, the Tachibana family’s son, who has come home to enroll at The First Imperial University.
The narrative unfolds as Fuki, having recently had her own engagement dissolved, accepts a marriage proposal from Yugo, who is tasked with finding a suitable wife. Despite the societal norms of the era, which necessitated parental consent for marriage, and the notable disparity in their ages and social standing, their union marks the beginning of the “admirable maid and elite student’s married life.” The manga delves into themes of age gap, drama, historical settings, romance, and slice-of-life elements, promising a compelling exploration of their unconventional relationship.
K Manga’s Expanding Simulpub Offerings
K Manga serves as Kodansha’s primary digital manga service outside of Japan, having initially launched in the United States. The platform has since expanded its availability to several other countries, including the Philippines, India, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with plans for further global reach. The service operates on a hybrid model, offering some chapters through daily tickets and allowing users to unlock others via purchased points, ensuring indefinite access to those chapters.
The addition of “The Noble Student and His Cinderella” reinforces K Manga’s dedication to providing timely access to new manga series. This commitment was highlighted during the platform’s launch, where it replaced previous simulpub agreements, signaling Kodansha’s direct control over its English-language digital distribution. The ongoing release schedule for “The Noble Student and His Cinderella” on K Manga is typically every other Wednesday, ensuring a steady flow of new chapters for eager readers.
