Ayu Watanabe, the acclaimed manga artist best known for her hit series “LDK,” is set to launch a brand new manga titled “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu” (Kokoro is not in love). The announcement was made in the August issue of Kodansha’s Kiss magazine, exciting fans eager to see what Watanabe has in store. The new series is scheduled to debut in the magazine’s next issue on July 25, 2025.
What We Know About “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu”
While details are still emerging, here’s what we know so far about Watanabe’s upcoming manga:
- Title: “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu” (ココロ、愛にあらず。) which translates to “Kokoro is not in love.”
- Genre: Likely shojo, given Watanabe’s previous works and the magazine it will be published in.
- Premise: The story centers around Kokoro, a woman who is somewhat feared by her younger colleagues, but unexpectedly finds herself living with a younger bartender in her apartment.
Ayu Watanabe: A Master of Shojo Manga
Ayu Watanabe is a celebrated Japanese manga artist specializing in shojo manga, which is generally targeted towards a young female audience. She debuted in 2002 and has since created numerous series, earning a dedicated following for her engaging storytelling and relatable characters.
Key Works:
- LDK: Watanabe’s most famous work, “LDK,” is a romantic comedy about a high school girl, Aoi Nishimori, who ends up living with the school’s “prince,” Shūsei Kugayama. The series was serialized in Bessatsu Friend from 2009 to 2017 and has been adapted into multiple live-action films.
- LDK Pink: A sequel to “LDK,” “LDK Pink” revisits Aoi and Shusei as 23-year-olds and explores their evolving relationship. The series began serialization in Bessatsu Friend in February 2022 and is serialized irregularly.
- Arashi-kun no Dakimakura (Arashi’s Hug Pillow): This manga launched in Bessatsu Friend in March 2020 and concluded in January 2023.
Style and Themes:
Watanabe’s works often explore themes of:
- Romance: Her stories frequently center around budding relationships, love triangles, and the challenges of navigating young love.
- Co-habitation: “LDK” prominently features the trope of characters living together, leading to humorous and heartwarming situations. This theme seems to be revisited in “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu”.
- Relatable Characters: Watanabe’s characters are often portrayed as ordinary individuals dealing with everyday issues, making them easy for readers to connect with.
“LDK”: A Cultural Touchstone
“LDK” holds a special place in the hearts of many manga fans. Its success has not only solidified Watanabe’s career but has also contributed to the popularity of the shojo genre.
Manga Details:
- Original Run: 2009 – 2017
- Magazine: Bessatsu Friend
- Volumes: 24
- Synopsis: Aoi Nishimori, a high school student, finds herself living with Shūsei Kugayama, the most popular boy in school, after a series of unexpected events. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they gradually develop feelings for one another as they navigate the challenges of living together.
Live-Action Adaptations:
The popularity of “LDK” led to two live-action film adaptations:
- LDK (2014): Starring Ayame Gōriki as Aoi and Kento Yamazaki as Shūsei.
- LDK Hitotsu Yane no Shita, “Suki” ga Futatsu (Two Loves Under One Roof) (2019): Featuring a different cast, this adaptation offers a fresh take on the story.
Impact and Legacy:
- “LDK” has been praised for its lighthearted and engaging storyline, appealing to a wide audience.
- The series has contributed to the popularity of the “living together” trope in shojo manga.
- The live-action adaptations have further broadened the reach of the series, introducing it to new fans.
What to Expect from “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu”
Given Watanabe’s track record, fans can likely expect “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu” to deliver:
- Compelling Characters: Watanabe is known for creating characters that are both relatable and endearing. Kokoro, the female lead, already presents an intriguing premise as a woman “feared” by her younger colleagues.
- Engaging Storyline: While the exact plot details are unknown, the setup of a woman living with a younger bartender suggests a potentially complex and heartwarming relationship dynamic.
- Emotional Depth: Watanabe’s stories often explore emotional themes, and “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu” is likely to delve into the characters’ feelings and personal growth.
- Humor and Heart: A blend of comedic moments and heartfelt interactions is a staple of Watanabe’s work, creating a balanced and enjoyable reading experience.
Where to Read Ayu Watanabe’s Manga
For fans eager to dive into Ayu Watanabe’s works, here are some options:
- Manga Retailers: Companies like Kodansha USA Publishing release English translations of Watanabe’s manga, including “LDK.” These can be found at major book retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local comic book stores.
- Online Manga Platforms: Websites and apps like MangaDex offer a wide selection of manga, including works by Ayu Watanabe.
- Digital Manga Services: Services like ComiXology and Crunchyroll Manga provide digital access to a vast library of manga titles, often through subscription-based models.
A Look Back at Ayu Watanabe’s Career
Ayu Watanabe’s career has been marked by consistent success in the shojo manga world. Here’s a closer look at her journey:
Early Works and Breakthrough:
- Debut: Watanabe debuted in 2002 with “Sweet Darling,” which won an award and marked the beginning of her professional career.
- Early Success: “Kimi ga Suki” was one of her first hits, establishing her as a rising talent in the manga industry.
Key Milestones:
- LDK Launch (2009): The launch of “LDK” in Bessatsu Friend marked a significant turning point in Watanabe’s career. The series quickly gained popularity and became her signature work.
- Live-Action Adaptations (2014 & 2019): The adaptations of “LDK” into live-action films further elevated Watanabe’s profile and introduced her work to a broader audience.
- LDK Pink (2022): The sequel to “LDK” demonstrated Watanabe’s continued commitment to her characters and her desire to explore their stories further.
Other Notable Works:
In addition to “LDK” and its sequel, Watanabe has created numerous other manga series, including:
- Ageha
- Arashi-kun no Dakimakura
- Dear Friends
- Genshoku Tsundere Danshi
- Moero S-kei Seifuku Danshi!
The Enduring Appeal of Shojo Manga
Ayu Watanabe’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of shojo manga. This genre continues to resonate with readers of all ages, offering a unique blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth.
Key Characteristics of Shojo Manga:
- Focus on Relationships: Shojo manga often revolves around the development of relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or familial.
- Emotional Storytelling: These stories frequently explore the characters’ emotions, allowing readers to connect with their experiences on a personal level.
- Visually Appealing Art Style: Shojo manga is known for its distinctive art style, characterized by expressive characters, detailed backgrounds, and creative panel layouts.
Themes Commonly Explored in Shojo Manga:
- First Love: The excitement and challenges of first love are a recurring theme in shojo manga.
- Self-Discovery: Characters often embark on journeys of self-discovery, learning about themselves and their place in the world.
- Friendship: The importance of friendship and the bonds between friends are frequently highlighted in shojo stories.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Characters often face challenges and obstacles that they must overcome, demonstrating resilience and determination.
A Promising Future for Ayu Watanabe
With the upcoming release of “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu,” Ayu Watanabe is poised to continue her successful career in the manga industry. Her dedication to creating engaging and emotionally resonant stories has earned her a loyal following, and fans eagerly anticipate her future works.
What’s Next?
- Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu Release: The debut of her new manga on July 25, 2025, is highly anticipated.
- Continued Serialization of LDK Pink: Fans can look forward to further installments of the “LDK” sequel.
- Potential for New Projects: Watanabe may have other manga series in development, offering even more stories to captivate readers.
Ayu Watanabe’s new manga, “Kokoro, Ai ni Arazu,” promises to be another captivating addition to her impressive body of work. With its intriguing premise and Watanabe’s signature storytelling style, fans can expect a heartwarming and engaging series that explores the complexities of love and relationships. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build, and the manga world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Ayu Watanabe’s career.
