The long-running manga adaptation of Hinowa Kōzuki’s “Elegant Yokai Apartment Life” (Yōkai Apāto no Yūga na Nichijō), illustrated by Waka Miyama, has officially concluded its full serialization, including its various spinoff arcs, after a remarkable 14-year run. The final chapter of the manga’s spinoff arcs was published last Friday in the December issue of Kodansha’s Shonen Sirius magazine, bringing the entire series to a close.
A Journey Spanning Over a Decade
The “Elegant Yokai Apartment Life” manga first began its serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Shōnen Sirius magazine in 2011. This adaptation brought to life the beloved light novel series by Hinowa Kōzuki, which originally ran from 2003 to 2009, with a side-story collection published in 2013. The manga quickly garnered a dedicated readership with its unique blend of supernatural elements, slice-of-life charm, and themes of found family.
Main Story’s Conclusion and Subsequent Spinoffs
While the primary narrative of the “Elegant Yokai Apartment Life” manga concluded in August 2021, the world of Yūshi Inaba and the whimsical residents of Kotobuki-sō continued through a series of engaging spinoff arcs. These spinoffs, such as “Elegant Yokai Apartment Life: Peru Arc” and others, commenced serialization in December 2021 in the same magazine. They notably explored Yūshi and the secondhand bookstore employee’s adventures as they traveled the world, with the “Peru Arc” kicking off their global explorations in Machu Picchu. The culmination of these spinoffs marks the definitive end of the manga’s extensive serialization.
The Legacy of “Elegant Yokai Apartment Life”
Throughout its run, the manga cultivated a strong fanbase, drawn to its compelling protagonist, Yūshi Inaba, an orphaned high school student who finds an unexpected home filled with both humans and supernatural beings after his dormitory burns down. The series is celebrated for its exploration of themes such as acceptance, growth, and the true meaning of family.
Anime Adaptation and Collected Volumes
The popularity of the series extended beyond manga, leading to a 26-episode anime television series adaptation by Shin-Ei Animation. The anime aired from July to December 2017, further introducing the vibrant world of “Elegant Yokai Apartment Life” to a broader audience. In print, Kodansha released the manga’s chapters across 24 tankōbon volumes for the main story, with the final collected volume of the entire manga, including spinoffs, being the 32nd, published on October 9. Kodansha USA Publishing has been digitally releasing the manga in English.
Hinowa Kōzuki, the original light novel author, sadly passed away in December 2014, making the manga adaptation a lasting tribute to her creation. The completion of “Elegant Yokai Apartment Life” closes a significant chapter in the manga world, leaving behind a cherished story that resonated with many.
