Contrary to recent discussions, Eri Sakai’s manga adaptation of Natsuo Kirino’s novel, Tsubame wa Modotte Konai (The Swallow Won’t Return), is not slated to conclude in January. Instead, the series officially began its serialization in Shueisha’s Cocohana magazine in February 2024, and its serialization is ongoing.
The Journey of Tsubame wa Modotte Konai Manga
The manga, based on Natsuo Kirino’s critically acclaimed novel, commenced its run in the March issue of Cocohana magazine, which was released on February 28, 2024. This adaptation follows Sakai’s previous work, He’s Expecting (also known as Kentaro Hiyama’s First Pregnancy), which inspired a live-action series.
Adapting a Prize-Winning Novel
Natsuo Kirino’s original novel, Tsubame wa Modotte Konai, was first published in March 2022 and earned the prestigious Yoshikawa Eiji Award for outstanding popular fiction. Sakai’s decision to adapt such a well-regarded work has been anticipated by fans of both the author and the manga artist.
The Story’s Core: A Woman’s Struggle in Tokyo
The narrative of Tsubame wa Modotte Konai centers on Riki, a 29-year-old woman facing significant life challenges. After leaving her caregiving job in her hometown of Hokkaido, Riki moves to Tokyo to work at a hospital. However, the demanding and inconsistent nature of her new employment leads to financial instability.
Exploring Surrogacy and Financial Hardship
In a desperate search for better income, Riki learns about a high-paying side job from a colleague, Teru. This leads her to the Japanese branch of Arte, an American assisted reproductive technology clinic, where she considers becoming a surrogate mother. The story delves into the ethical and personal complexities surrounding surrogacy, set against the backdrop of a young woman’s struggle for economic survival in a challenging urban environment.
Eri Sakai’s Recent Endeavors
In addition to Tsubame wa Modotte Konai, Eri Sakai has recently launched another new manga project titled Shōsansei no nai Nigorikawa (Unproductive Nigorikawa). This series began serialization in Futabasha’s Jour magazine on January 4, 2024, demonstrating Sakai’s active presence in the manga industry with multiple ongoing works.
As of August 2025, Tsubame wa Modotte Konai continues its serialization, with two volumes currently released. Fans can look forward to more developments in Riki’s story as Sakai continues to bring Kirino’s narrative to life in manga form.
