Manga creators Hiromi Morishita, known for the beloved “Seishōnen Ashibe” series, and artist Syohei are set to launch a new manga titled The Palace at the Edge of Japan (Hate no Ōkyū) on Futabasha’s Web Action manga website on December 19. Morishita will provide the original story, with Syohei handling the artwork. This announcement follows the recent conclusion of their collaborative work on Seishōnen Ashibe.
A New Narrative Unfolds: “The Palace at the Edge of Japan”
The upcoming series, The Palace at the Edge of Japan, promises a compelling narrative centered around a young man named Agata. The story begins with Agata experiencing a profound loss of purpose after his fiancée’s infidelity with his friend. Seeking a new direction, he becomes involved in a project aimed at revitalizing the largest village in Japan. Alongside new companions, Agata dedicates himself to breathing life back into the community.
The official X (formerly Twitter) account for Futabasha’s Web Action manga website confirmed the December 19 launch, generating anticipation for what Morishita and Syohei will deliver in this new venture.
From “Seishōnen Ashibe” to a New Horizon
This new project marks a fresh start for the creative duo following the recent conclusion of their popular “Seishōnen Ashibe” manga. The final chapter of “Seishōnen Ashibe” was published in November 2024, and its ninth and final compiled book volume is slated to ship on February 27, 2025.
The Legacy of “Seishōnen Ashibe”
“Seishōnen Ashibe” itself was a sequel to Morishita’s original “Shōnen Ashibe” manga, which enjoyed a successful run in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine from 1988 to 1994. The original series chronicled the daily life of schoolboy Ashibe Ashiya and his pet spotted seal, Goma-chan, and spawned multiple television anime adaptations, including a 1991 series and a second in 1992-1993. A more recent anime adaptation, “Shōnen Ashibe GO! GO! Goma-chan,” premiered in 2016, with a second season in 2017. Morishita also created a manga sequel titled “ComaGoma” from 2000 to 2004.
The move to The Palace at the Edge of Japan highlights the creators’ continuous artistic evolution and their commitment to exploring diverse storytelling themes. Fans of their previous work, particularly the heartwarming “Seishōnen Ashibe,” are now eager to see how Morishita’s storytelling prowess and Syohei’s artistic talent will bring this new revitalization story to life.
