The Japanese manga series Show-ha Shoten!, written by Akinari Asakura and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, is set to conclude with its 11th volume in September. This delightful series, which follows the comedic journey of two high school students, has captured the hearts of readers since its debut in October 2021.
A Comedy Duo’s Dream
Show-ha Shoten! revolves around Azemichi Shijimi, a shy high school student with a talent for writing jokes, and Taiyo Higashikata, a former child actor. Taiyo discovers Azemichi’s anonymous joke-writing fame and cleverly convinces him to form a comedy duo for their school’s cultural festival. Their performance is a hit, leading them to win the best performance award. Recognizing their complementary strengths – Azemichi’s writing and Taiyo’s performing and improvisational skills – they decide to pursue their dream of becoming the best comedy duo in Japan, calling themselves “One-Way Ticket to the Top”.
Publication and Release
The manga has been serialized monthly in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine since October 4, 2021. Shueisha has been compiling the individual chapters into tankōbon volumes, with ten volumes available as of May 2025.
- Japanese Publication:
- Writer: Akinari Asakura
- Illustrator: Takeshi Obata
- Magazine: Jump Square
- Publisher: Shueisha
- First Release: October 4, 2021
- English Release: Viz Media has licensed the series for English release in North America.
A Story of Laughter and Teamwork
Critics have praised Show-ha Shoten! for its humor and the dynamic between its two main characters. Antonio Mireles from The Fandom Post lauded the teamwork between Azemichi and Taiyo, highlighting how they work around each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Mireles noted the series draws on Obata’s experience in creating similar duos, referencing his previous work on Bakuman. He recommended the series to those interested in understanding the structure of Owarai, a style of Japanese stand-up comedy.
Final Volume on the Horizon
As the series approaches its conclusion, fans eagerly await the release of the 11th and final volume in September. The journey of Azemichi and Taiyo has been filled with laughter, challenges, and the pursuit of their comedic aspirations. The manga has garnered positive attention, with many appreciating its comedic elements and the strong bond between the protagonists.
