Rensuke Oshikiri, known for his popular arcade romance manga “Hi Score Girl,” is set to release a new manga series titled “Kasaneya Tarō Kaii Roku” (Tarō Kasaneya’s Mysterious Record) on December 12. The announcement was made in the November issue of Asahi Shimbun’s Nemuki+ magazine, revealing the manga will debut in the magazine’s January 2026 issue.
Delving into the Mysterious: What to Expect from “Kasaneya Tarō Kaii Roku”
“Kasaneya Tarō Kaii Roku” promises a different thematic direction from Oshikiri’s previous works, focusing on the supernatural and mystery. The story will revolve around its titular character, Tarō Kasaneya, a ghost story writer. Despite his profession, Tarō is depicted as a cowardly individual who inexplicably attracts strange and mysterious occurrences. This premise suggests a blend of horror and dark humor, a style Oshikiri has explored in other works like “Sayuri,” which is getting a live-action film adaptation.
Publication Details and Release Schedule
The new manga will be serialized in Nemuki+, a magazine published by Asahi Shimbun. Its launch in the January 2026 issue, shipping on December 12, marks another significant entry in Oshikiri’s diverse portfolio. This adds to his active creative output, which has included various manga series and even directorial work on the anime “The House Spirit Tatami-chan”.
Rensuke Oshikiri’s Notable Works and Artistic Trajectory
Rensuke Oshikiri has gained significant recognition for his distinctive art style and compelling storytelling across various genres.
The Enduring Legacy of “Hi Score Girl”
His most prominent work, “Hi Score Girl,” captivated audiences with its nostalgic portrayal of 1990s arcade gaming culture and a charming romantic comedy. The manga was serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan from 2010 to 2018, culminating in 10 volumes. It inspired a popular anime adaptation, with the first season premiering in 2018 and a second season following in 2019, both streamed internationally by Netflix. A spin-off manga, “Hi Score Girl DASH,” which focuses on the character Koharu Hidaka as a middle school teacher, also began serialization in 2019.
Exploring Other Genres: Beyond Arcade Romance
Beyond “Hi Score Girl,” Oshikiri has demonstrated his versatility with other titles. He launched the sci-fi adventure manga “Geniearth” in Weekly Shōnen Champion in September 2021, which concluded in July 2022. Titan Manga has licensed “Geniearth” for English release, with the first volume due in April 2026. His horror manga “Sayuri” was published from 2010 to 2011 and is slated for a live-action film adaptation in Summer 2024, highlighting his proficiency in darker themes. These diverse projects showcase Oshikiri’s expansive creative range, moving from romantic comedy to sci-fi adventure and supernatural horror.
