Umi Shiina’s popular supernatural horror romance manga, “I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die” (Aono-kun ni Sawaritai kara Shinitai), is set to conclude its serialization in September. The announcement brings an end to the series that has captivated readers since its debut in December 2016. An epilogue is expected to follow the final chapter.
A Journey Through Love and the Supernatural
The manga, which has been serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon magazine, tells the unique and often unsettling story of high school student Yūri Kariya. Yūri begins a relationship with her first boyfriend, Ryūhei Aono, only for him to tragically die in a car accident just two weeks later. Distraught and attempting suicide, Yūri is stopped by Aono’s ghost, who promises to stay by her side.
The Unbreakable Bond and Its Challenges
Their continued “relationship” explores the complexities of love beyond the physical realm, as Yūri and Aono navigate a connection where they can never truly touch. The series delves into themes of horror, romance, and the supernatural, often with an underlying psychological intensity. Readers have praised the manga for its compelling narrative, unique premise, and its exploration of emotional exploitation and supernatural occurrences.
Manga’s Legacy and Adaptations
Since its launch, “I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die” has garnered significant attention and critical acclaim. It was recognized as one of the Jury Recommended Works at the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival in 2018 and was included in Brutus magazine’s “Most Dangerous Manga” list in December 2019. The series also received nominations for prestigious awards such as the 25th annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in 2021.
In May 2021, a live-action television drama adaptation of the manga was announced, which later aired from March to May 2022 on Wowow. Shori Sato, a member of the Japanese boy band Sexy Zone, starred in the series.
The Final Arc and Collected Volumes
The manga entered its final arc with the release of its eighth compiled book volume in May 2021. As of August 22, 2025, thirteen volumes of the manga have been released in Japan. Kodansha USA has been publishing the series digitally in English. The conclusion of the manga will undoubtedly be a significant moment for its dedicated fanbase, who have followed Yūri and Aono’s poignant and eerie love story for years.
