The popular yuri manga series, The Anemone Feels the Heat (Anemone wa Netsu o Obiru), is set to conclude with its ninth volume. This announcement came from creator Ren Sakuragi in a note within the eighth volume, bringing to a close the captivating story of Nagisa and Mashiro. Fans of the series, known for its delicate exploration of complex emotions, will eagerly anticipate the final installment.
A Story of Unexpected Connections
The manga centers around Nagisa Ootsuki, a studious girl whose plans for high school are derailed when she stops to help a seemingly unwell girl, Mashiro Komiyama, on the day of her entrance exams. This act of kindness leads Nagisa to miss her exams and fail to get into her desired school.
Dejected but determined, Nagisa enrolls in a nearby school, completely changing her appearance by dyeing her hair and switching to contacts. In a twist of fate, she discovers that her classmate, the sickly Mashiro, is the very girl she helped, which inadvertently caused her to miss her exams. This chance encounter sets the stage for a unique relationship.
Nagisa’s Vow
Instead of harboring resentment, Nagisa decides to confront her negative feelings head-on. She vows to “warm up” to Mashiro, delving into a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance. The story explores themes of first love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of high school life.
Publication and Release Details
Written and illustrated by Ren Sakuragi, “The Anemone Feels the Heat” began its serialization in Houbunsha’s Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine in November 2020. As of January 2025, the series has been compiled into eight tankōbon volumes in Japan.
English Release
Good news for English-speaking fans: Yen Press has licensed the manga for English publication. The first volume is slated for release on March 25, 2025, which will bring the story to a wider audience. The English release of The Anemone Feels the Heat will allow international readers to delve into the nuances of the relationship between Nagisa and Mashiro.
The official synopsis from Yen Press provides more context, stating: “After failing to get into her desired high school, studious Nagisa is resolved to keep her chin up and move on. That is, until she meets a sickly girl named Mashiro at her new school, who throws a wrench into her plans—as she’s the very reason Nagisa flunked her exams in the first place. But Nagisa decides she won’t let it get her down, and to upend her negative feelings, she vows to warm up to Mashiro… Delve into this clever but clumsy girl’s captivating love story.”
Key Details
- Original Publication: Manga Time Kirara Forward
- Author/Illustrator: Ren Sakuragi
- English Publisher: Yen Press
- First English Volume Release Date: March 25, 2025
- Final Volume: Volume 9
Themes and Genre
The Anemone Feels the Heat is categorized under the yuri genre, which focuses on romantic relationships between women. However, the manga goes beyond simple romance, exploring complex emotions and the characters’ personal growth. The series is also labeled as a drama, romance, and school life manga, indicating a blend of realistic scenarios and emotional depth. The manga’s seinen demographic indicates that the themes and emotional complexities will appeal to a more mature audience.
A Closer Look
The manga has resonated with readers due to its portrayal of realistic characters, the subtle development of the relationship between Nagisa and Mashiro, and the exploration of internal struggles. The series does not shy away from the awkwardness and confusion that can come with first love.
Some readers have noted that the drama can feel forced at times, with characters sometimes “talking in circles.” However, many are drawn to the emotional depth and the slow-burn nature of the romance, which highlights the characters’ vulnerabilities.
What to Expect from the Final Volume
As the series heads towards its conclusion with the ninth volume, fans are eagerly speculating about the ending. Will Nagisa and Mashiro find lasting happiness? How will their relationship evolve given the challenges they face?
While the final plot details remain a mystery, the ending will undoubtedly explore the themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth that have defined the series thus far. The resolution will be keenly anticipated by fans, who are emotionally invested in the protagonists’ journeys.
Speculation and Anticipation
Many readers are expecting a heartfelt and emotional conclusion, based on the manga’s established tone. Some anticipate a bittersweet ending, while others hope for a happy resolution. Regardless, the finale promises to be a significant moment for the series and its devoted audience.
Author Ren Sakuragi
Ren Sakuragi is the talented manga artist behind The Anemone Feels the Heat. She is also known for contributing to several yuri anthologies, including “Yuri Is My Job! Official Comic Anthology,” “Lycoris Recoil Official Comic Anthology: Repeat,” “Laid-Back Camp Anthology Comic,” and “Me and, I. Gyaru x Yuri Anthology”. Her work in The Anemone Feels the Heat demonstrates her skill in crafting nuanced characters and emotional narratives.
More of Her Work
Sakuragi’s diverse contributions to the yuri genre have earned her a solid reputation among fans of manga. Her ability to portray complex relationships and evoke strong emotions is evident in all her works, making her a respected voice in the industry.
Where to Find the Manga
For those eager to start reading The Anemone Feels the Heat, the first volume will be available in English from various retailers on March 25, 2025. You can find it in both paperback and digital formats. Some of the major outlets include:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Books-A-Million
- Indigo
- Kinokuniya
- Crunchyroll Store
- Apple Books
- Book Walker
- comiXology
- Google Play
- Kobo
The availability across various platforms ensures that fans can easily access the series.
Conclusion
The Anemone Feels the Heat has been a noteworthy addition to the yuri manga scene, known for its nuanced characters, emotional depth, and engaging narrative. The announcement of its conclusion with the ninth volume marks the end of a significant chapter for both the creators and the fans. The English release from Yen Press will allow an even wider audience to experience the captivating story of Nagisa and Mashiro. With the final volume approaching, the anticipation for how their journey will conclude is high.
