Manga artist Ema Toyama is set to launch a brand-new series, “Mahō Renshūsei Riri Raspberry” (Magical Apprentice Riri Raspberry), in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi magazine. The announcement came on Friday, October 3, revealing that the manga will debut in the magazine’s upcoming December issue, which goes on sale October 31.
The new magical girl series will feature a color opening page and will grace the front cover of the Nakayoshi December issue, marking a significant return for Toyama to the magazine where her popular “Vampire Dormitory” series recently concluded.
A New Magical Journey Begins: “Mahō Renshūsei Riri Raspberry” Plot
“Mahō Renshūsei Riri Raspberry” introduces readers to its titular character, Riri Raspberry, a young girl who has known profound loneliness and has yet to experience a truly happy day. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives an opportunity to attend Scientia, a magical school that Riri has long dreamt of. At Scientia, students are trained to become powerful wizards with the ultimate goal of achieving a joyful life. However, an unforeseen incident quickly unfolds within Riri’s class, setting the stage for the series’ central conflict and adventure.
Ema Toyama’s Recent Works and Notable Career
Ema Toyama is a prolific manga artist known for a diverse range of shōjo titles. Her latest launch adds to a busy period for the artist, who has recently introduced several other new series. In November 2024, Toyama launched “Sare Koi: Saikaishita Moto Kare” (Sare Love: Reunited with the Ex-Boyfriend) in Shogakukan’s Betsucomi Flower digital magazine, which is currently ongoing. Earlier in May 2025, she also began “Sen-nen no Hanayome” (Millennium Bride) in Kodansha’s new ARTEMIS by sirius digital manga magazine, another ongoing work.
One of Toyama’s most recognized recent works, “Vampire Dormitory,” was serialized in Nakayoshi from November 2018 to June 2024. This popular series concluded its “first part” in July 2022, resumed with a “second part” in December 2022, and eventually wrapped up in June 2024. “Vampire Dormitory” also inspired a television anime adaptation that premiered in April 2024, with Crunchyroll streaming the series as it aired.
Toyama is also celebrated for her award-winning romantic comedy manga, “Missions of Love” (Watashi ni xx Shinasai!), which ran in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi magazine from 2009 to June 2015. Kodansha USA Publishing has released this manga in English.
The anticipation for “Mahō Renshūsei Riri Raspberry” is high, as fans eagerly await Toyama’s return to the magical girl genre within the pages of Nakayoshi.
