Rin Miasa, a seasoned manga artist known for her romantic comedies, has recently launched a new manga series titled Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu (I Pledge My Love Before the Kiss). But before we dive into the details of this new project, let’s take a look back at one of her more well-known works, With the Sheikh in His Harem, which brought her international attention and sparked discussions about its unique take on the shojo romance genre.
With the Sheikh in His Harem: A Dive into Rin Miasa’s World
With the Sheikh in His Harem (Sheik-sama to Harem de) first appeared in 2018 and made its way to North American audiences in 2021. The story revolves around Sanagi Yoshino, a high school girl who’s laser-focused on making money to support her family. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she saves a mysterious, suicidal blond man from jumping off a roof. It turns out that this stranger is none other than Prince Lui, a sheikh from the prosperous nation of Armadia.
The Plot Thickens: A Proposal and a Harem?
Lui, captivated by Sanagi’s straightforward personality and money-making skills, proposes marriage to her. Sanagi initially refuses, but due to her family’s dire financial straits, she eventually accepts his offer to ensure their safety and well-being. She’s then whisked away to Armadia, a fictional country with a vaguely Middle Eastern setting, where she finds herself in a world of luxury and intrigue, and seemingly, a harem situation.
Themes and Tropes: A Shojo Cinderella Story?
With the Sheikh in His Harem utilizes several familiar shojo manga tropes, including:
- The commoner and the royal: Sanagi is a hardworking, ordinary girl, while Lui is a wealthy and powerful prince.
- The “chosen one”: Lui is immediately smitten with Sanagi and sees something special in her that others don’t.
- The fish-out-of-water: Sanagi struggles to adapt to the customs and lifestyle of Armadia.
- The love triangle (or square?): Other characters vie for Sanagi’s attention, creating romantic tension.
Reception and Reviews: A Mixed Bag
The manga has garnered mixed reviews, with some praising its humor and lightheartedness, while others have criticized its cultural insensitivity and reliance on stereotypes.
Positive aspects noted by reviewers include:
- Humor: Many readers found the manga genuinely funny, with Sanagi’s personality and interactions with Lui providing comedic relief.
- Fast-paced and entertaining: The story moves quickly and is full of dramatic twists and turns.
- “Ouran High School Host Club” vibes: Some reviewers compared the manga to Ouran High School Host Club, another popular series featuring a commoner girl who gets entangled with a group of wealthy and eccentric individuals.
- Guilty pleasure read: Despite its flaws, some readers found the manga to be an enjoyable and escapist read.
Criticisms of the manga include:
- Cultural insensitivity: Some reviewers found the portrayal of Middle Eastern culture to be stereotypical and even offensive.
- Problematic themes: The concept of a harem, even if not explicitly depicted, raised concerns for some readers.
- Over-the-top drama: The manga’s reliance on dramatic situations and conflicts felt forced and unrealistic to some.
- Questionable power dynamics: The relationship between Sanagi and Lui, with its inherent power imbalance, made some readers uncomfortable.
Is it Really a Harem?
While the title suggests a harem setting, many reviewers point out that the story doesn’t actually feature multiple wives or concubines. Instead, the “harem” refers to the group of people surrounding Prince Lui, including potential romantic interests and political rivals. This subversion of the traditional harem trope is a key element of the manga’s unique appeal.
Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu: What’s Next for Rin Miasa?
Miasa’s new manga, Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu (I Pledge My Love Before the Kiss), launched on Shodensha’s Our Feel web manga site on May 1, 2025. This series shifts the focus to Sayu Takagi, an actress on the verge of collapse. While details are still emerging, the premise suggests another exploration of romance with potentially dramatic undertones.
Other Works by Rin Miasa
Rin Miasa has created a variety of manga series, showcasing her talent for crafting engaging romantic comedies. Some of her notable works include:
- Usotsuki Ouji to Nisemono Kanojo (Liar Prince and Fake Girlfriend): A romantic comedy about a prince and a girl who pretend to be in a relationship.
- Doukyuusei ni Koi o Shita (My Bittersweet Crush): A school life romance about classmates falling in love.
- Koigakubo-kun ni wa Hajimete wo Ubawaremashita (Koigakubo-kun Stole My First Time): A story about a woman with no romance experience who gets lessons from an extroverted man.
- AKB0048 – Episode 0: A sci-fi, school life manga.
- Goshimei Arigatou Gozaimasu!: Another comedy, romance, school life manga.
- Kusanagi-ke Toushu wa Hatsuhana wo Mederu: A josei romance manga.
- Ontama: A romance, school life, supernatural manga.
Miasa’s Style and Influences
Rin Miasa’s work is characterized by:
- Relatable characters: Her protagonists are often relatable and flawed, making it easy for readers to connect with them.
- Humorous situations: Miasa incorporates comedic elements into her stories, creating a lighthearted and entertaining reading experience.
- Dramatic plot twists: Her manga often feature unexpected turns of events that keep readers engaged.
- Attractive art style: Miasa’s art is visually appealing, with detailed character designs and expressive backgrounds.
Miasa has mentioned being inspired by Sailor Moon and Glass Mask, two classic manga series that have influenced her storytelling style.
Where to Read Rin Miasa’s Manga
Rin Miasa’s manga are available in a variety of formats, including:
- Digital: Many of her series are available for purchase or subscription on digital platforms like Amazon Kindle, BookWalker, and Manga Mirai.
- Print: Physical copies of her manga can be found at online retailers like Amazon, Manga Republic, and RightStufAnime.
- Online Manga Sites: Sites like MangaDex and VyManga may offer fan translations of some of her works.
In Conclusion: A Prolific Manga Creator
Rin Miasa has established herself as a prolific and popular manga creator, with a diverse range of works that appeal to a wide audience. Whether you’re drawn to the unique premise of With the Sheikh in His Harem or intrigued by her latest project, Kiss Yori Saki ni Chikaimasu, Miasa’s manga offer a blend of romance, comedy, and drama that is sure to entertain. Her stories often explore themes of love, identity, and self-discovery, making them both enjoyable and thought-provoking. As she continues to create new and exciting manga, Rin Miasa’s influence on the shojo genre is sure to grow.
