Maki Minami, the acclaimed manga artist behind the popular shōjo series S.A (Special A), is set to illustrate a manga adaptation of Love Through a Prism, an upcoming original anime from Boys Over Flowers creator Yōko Kamio and renowned animation studio WIT Studio. This highly anticipated manga adaptation is scheduled for a digital launch on January 8, 2026, across Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ and Manga Mee applications, arriving just ahead of the anime’s global Netflix premiere on January 15, 2026.
A Strategic Simultaneous Release for “Love Through a Prism”
The decision to release the manga adaptation a week before the anime’s debut highlights a strategic multi-platform approach to introduce and establish the Love Through a Prism universe. This simultaneous rollout across both digital manga platforms and a major streaming service aims to capture a broad audience, appealing to both seasoned manga readers and anime enthusiasts. Publishing on both Shonen Jump+ (typically associated with shōnen titles) and Manga Mee (a platform for shōjo and josei series) further underscores an effort to reach diverse demographics, blurring traditional genre boundaries.
Unveiling “Love Through a Prism”: Story and Setting
Love Through a Prism is described as a historical romance and coming-of-age story set in early 1900s London. The narrative centers on Lili Ichijoin, a determined Japanese art student who travels to England to enroll in the prestigious Saint Thomas Art Academy. Under immense pressure from her parents to excel and rank at the top of her class, Lili is fiercely dedicated to her dream of becoming a painter. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Kit Church, a gifted yet detached young aristocrat and fellow painter. Their blossoming relationship challenges societal norms and differences in social status, forming the core of this romantic drama. The anime series will consist of 20 episodes.
The Creative Forces Behind the Project
The Love Through a Prism project boasts a formidable team, bringing together prominent figures from both manga and anime.
Yōko Kamio: The Original Story Creator
Yōko Kamio, celebrated for her groundbreaking work on the Boys Over Flowers manga, provides the original story and initial character drafts for Love Through a Prism. Kamio’s involvement, crafting a narrative specifically for animation, marks a unique approach, deviating from typical manga-to-anime adaptations. Her expertise in developing compelling shōjo romances promises a rich and emotionally resonant narrative. Kamio expressed her hope that the series “can be a light for those who watch it” in a society where discussing hopes and dreams has become challenging.
WIT Studio: Animation Excellence
Animation production for Love Through a Prism is handled by WIT Studio, recognized globally for critically acclaimed series such as Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, and Spy x Family. The studio’s involvement signals a commitment to high-quality visuals and dynamic storytelling, with director Kazuto Nakazawa (known for his work on Kill Bill: Volume 1‘s anime sequence and B: The Beginning) at the helm. WIT Studio is increasingly collaborating on original series with Netflix, further cementing its reputation for innovative projects.
Maki Minami: Bringing the Story to Manga
Maki Minami, best known for her high school romantic comedy S.A (Special A), steps into the role of manga artist for this adaptation. Minami’s signature art style and experience with character-driven shōjo narratives make her a fitting choice to translate Kamio’s original story into manga form. Her involvement provides an exciting opportunity for fans of her previous works to experience a new romance through her artistic lens. S.A (Special A), which ran from 2003 to 2009, garnered significant popularity and was also adapted into an anime series.
The collaboration between these established talents and the strategic release schedule sets a promising stage for “Love Through a Prism” to become a notable title in the anime and manga landscape of 2026.
