Zeniko Sumiya’s Boys’ Love manga series, Ripples in the River (Kawa ni Sazanami), is set to conclude with its sixth volume, which will ship on December 15. The announcement was made by Sumiya on their X/Twitter account on Friday, bringing the sweet decade-long romance story to its finale.
A Decade of Love: The Story of Tanba and Utagawa
Ripples in the River follows the enduring love story of Tanba and Utagawa, a couple who have been together for over ten years. Despite their long-standing relationship, Utagawa still finds himself captivated by Tanba, while Tanba is charmed by Utagawa’s youthful spirit and occasional mature demeanor. The manga is known for its heartwarming depiction of an established relationship, focusing on the continuous “whirlwind of love” that keeps their hearts fluttering.
The series initially began as a web comic on Zeniko Sumiya’s Twitter account in April 2019, with doujinshi releases starting in October 2020. Official serialization in book format with new content began in February 2022 under Frontier Works’ Hug Pixiv label.
English Release by Seven Seas Entertainment
Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed Ripples in the River for English publication, describing it as a “sweet Boys’ Love manga series about falling in love over and over again, even after a decade of being together!”. The first English volume was released on October 21, 2025, with the second volume slated for release on February 10, 2026.
The English editions are released as large-trim paperbacks under the Seven Seas BL (Boys’ Love) Label, with ebook versions also available.
Zeniko Sumiya’s Other Works
Zeniko Sumiya is a recognized manga creator in Japan, known for several other Boys’ Love titles. Their notable works include 5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love, Sasori to Otome: Scorpio & Virgo, Breathless Momentum, and Loveless Momentum. Seven Seas Entertainment is also releasing 5 Seconds Before a Witch Falls in Love in English. Animate International handles the English release of Breathless Momentum, Loveless Momentum, Sasori to Otome: Scorpio & Virgo, and This Can’t Be First Love.
The conclusion of Ripples in the River marks the end of a beloved series for fans, both in Japan and internationally, who have followed Tanba and Utagawa’s journey. The final sixth volume is eagerly anticipated in December.
