Rinko Ueda, the acclaimed manga artist best known for her series Tail of the Moon, is set to launch a new manga titled Sakura to Ageha (Sakura and the Swallow Butterfly) in Akita Publishing’s Monthly Princess magazine. The new series is scheduled to debut on September 5 in the magazine’s October issue.
A New Historical Fantasy Begins
Sakura to Ageha marks Ueda’s latest venture into historical fantasy, a genre she has explored with success in previous works. The story centers on Sakura, a high school girl who, after a drowning incident in the ocean, finds herself mysteriously transported to Japan’s Heian era. In this new setting, she encounters Taira no Koremori, a significant historical figure from the Heike clan, setting the stage for a “Genpei time-slip story.”
Publication Details
The announcement of Sakura to Ageha came from the September issue of Akita Publishing’s Monthly Princess magazine. Fans can look forward to the first chapter’s release in the October issue, hitting shelves on September 5.
Rinko Ueda’s Legacy in Manga
Rinko Ueda has a prolific career in the shōjo manga genre, often weaving intricate historical narratives with romantic and adventurous elements. Her works are primarily serialized in Margaret magazine, with collected volumes published by Shueisha.
Notable Works
Ueda is widely recognized for several key series that have garnered international attention:
- Tail of the Moon (Tsuki no Shippo): This shōjo manga series, serialized from 2002 to 2007 in Margaret magazine, follows Usagi, a clumsy ninja-in-training, on a mission to marry the leader of a rival ninja clan. Viz Media published the series in North America.
- Stepping on Roses (Hadashi de Bara wo Fume): Another popular historical romance, this series was serialized in Margaret magazine starting in 2007 and was also released in the U.S. by Viz Media’s Shojo Beat imprint.
- Ryou: This adventure, historical, and shōjo manga ran for 13 volumes.
Ueda’s other works include Himitsu no Juliet (2015-2016), Maria no Shiro (2014-2015), Kiss wa Me ni Shite, and Shin Gakuen Tengoku, showcasing her diverse storytelling within the shōjo landscape. Her ability to blend compelling romance with rich historical backdrops has cemented her reputation among manga enthusiasts.
