Takashi Ikeda, the acclaimed manga artist behind the popular series Whispered Words (Sasameki Koto), has debuted a new manga titled Bakepen no Mamiko-chan. The first two chapters of the series were released on Shogakukan’s Big Comic platform on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Ikeda’s Latest Work: Bakepen no Mamiko-chan
The new series, Bakepen no Mamiko-chan, centers on Mamiko Maeno, a middle-schooler grappling with being lost in her new school. In an unexpected turn, she decides to take up her late grandfather’s old camera—a formidable, monster-sized Pentax camera affectionately nicknamed “Bakepen.” The narrative promises to explore Mamiko’s journey as she navigates her new environment and perhaps finds her footing through the lens of her inherited camera.
About Takashi Ikeda: The Creator
Takashi Ikeda is a respected figure in the manga industry, known for his distinctive storytelling and art. His most prominent work, Whispered Words (Sasameki Koto), is a yuri manga that ran in Media Factory’s Monthly Comic Alive magazine from 2007 to 2011, spanning nine compiled volumes. The series, which focused on the romantic feelings of Sumika Murasame for her best friend Ushio Kazama, inspired a 13-episode anime television series in 2009 and was released in North America by One Peace Books.
Previous Works and Themes
Prior to Bakepen no Mamiko-chan, Ikeda also authored The Two of Them Are Pretty Much Like This (Futari wa Daitai Konna Kanji), another yuri manga that was serialized on Gentosha’s Comic Boost website from January 2020 to February 2022. This series, licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment for English release, followed the daily lives of a 30-year-old scenario writer and a 20-year-old voice actress. Ikeda’s diverse body of work showcases his ability to craft compelling character-driven stories across various genres.
Publication Details
Bakepen no Mamiko-chan is being published on Shogakukan’s Big Comic platform, indicating its target demographic likely leans towards seinen (young men) or general manga readers. The immediate release of two chapters provides readers with a substantial introduction to Mamiko’s world and the premise of the story. Further details regarding the serialization schedule and potential compiled volume releases are anticipated as the series progresses.
Fans of Takashi Ikeda’s previous works, particularly those who appreciated the nuanced character development in Whispered Words and The Two of Them Are Pretty Much Like This, will likely be eager to see how Bakepen no Mamiko-chan unfolds.
