The popular manga adaptation of the light novel series, Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway, has reached its conclusion. Illustrated by Imaru Adachi, the manga’s final chapter was published in the March issue of Kadokawa’s Monthly Shōnen Ace magazine, marking the end of a serialization that began in November 2018. The 13th and final volume of the manga is scheduled for release on March 24th. This news comes as a significant development for fans who have followed the journey of the unlikely pair, Yoshida and Sayu, in this romantic comedy with its unique premise.
A Look Back at the Story
The story of Higehiro centers on Yoshida, a salaryman who, after being rejected by his crush, finds a runaway high school girl named Sayu Ogiwara sitting on the street. In a moment of unexpected kindness, and perhaps a little bit of drunken sympathy, Yoshida allows Sayu to stay at his apartment. What begins as a temporary living arrangement evolves into a complex relationship that tackles themes of personal growth and social issues, all while navigating the awkwardness and humor of their unusual situation.
The Manga’s Journey
Imaru Adachi‘s manga adaptation brought Shimesaba‘s light novel series to life, capturing the emotional depth and comedic timing of the source material. The manga has been serialized in Monthly Shōnen Ace since November 2018. The series has been compiled into 12 tankobon volumes, with the 13th and final volume arriving soon. One Peace Books has licensed the manga for English publication in North America, introducing the story to a wider audience since October 2021. The manga is known for its art style and the way it portrays the characters’ emotions.
The End of Sayu’s Journey
The final chapter of the manga sees Sayu reconciling with her mother. Yoshida plays a key role in this reconciliation, persuading her mother to mend their relationship. Sayu, who had fled from her home in Hokkaido, finally explains her reasons for leaving and seeks forgiveness from her mother. Her mother admits her own confusion and acknowledges that she is the only parent Sayu has. As a result, Sayu is instructed to stay with her mother until she finishes high school, after which she can choose her own path. With this reconciliation, Sayu’s time living with Yoshida comes to an end.
Comparing the Manga, Light Novel, and Anime
Higehiro originated as a light novel series written by Shimesaba and illustrated by booota. The light novel was serialized online from March 2017 to August 2018, before being published in five volumes by Kadokawa Shoten between February 2018 and June 2021. The light novel series is licensed in North America by Yen Press.
The anime adaptation, produced by Project No.9, aired from April to June 2021. It was streamed on Crunchyroll, including an English dub. The anime covers the entire light novel series. Many fans started with the anime and then explored the manga. The manga and anime provide different, but equally enjoyable, experiences of the same core story. While the anime concluded with a bittersweet note, the manga provides a more complete visual experience of the characters’ journeys.
Differences and Similarities
While the manga follows the storyline of the light novel and anime, there are some differences. The manga offers a more detailed visual representation of the characters and their emotions, while the anime brings the story to life through animation and voice acting. Some fans note that the manga’s art style makes Yoshida look younger than his mid-twenties. Despite these differences, the core themes and character development remain consistent across all three formats.
What the Ending Means for Fans
The conclusion of the manga brings a sense of closure to the story of Yoshida and Sayu. The ending, with Sayu returning to her mother, marks a significant step in her journey toward healing and independence. Though the conclusion of Sayu leaving Yoshida’s home is bittersweet, the ending emphasizes the importance of family and personal growth. The series has been praised for its handling of difficult subject matter while still maintaining its romantic comedy roots.
The series has garnered praise for tackling social issues while maintaining a lighthearted tone. It explores themes of emotional abuse, bullying, and suicide, while also focusing on the characters’ personal growth and the complexities of relationships. The series explores how even well-intentioned actions can be perceived as inappropriate due to societal norms. The ending highlights the importance of personal growth and the need to overcome past traumas to move forward.
The Final Volume
The 13th and final volume of the manga will ship on March 24, concluding the series. For fans who have been following the manga, this will be a must-have volume, providing the final chapter of Yoshida and Sayu’s story. Readers are encouraged to support the official release. The final volume will likely include any remaining plot threads and provide a final look at the characters’ journeys.
The Impact of Higehiro
Higehiro has made a notable impact within the manga and anime communities. The series has been praised for its unique premise and its exploration of complex themes. It has sparked discussions about social issues and challenged traditional romantic comedy tropes. The characters of Yoshida and Sayu have resonated with many, highlighting the potential for personal growth and healing through unexpected relationships. The series, overall, has been praised for the heart and depth it places into its narrative.
About Imaru Adachi
Imaru Adachi is a Japanese mangaka known for their work on the Higehiro manga adaptation. Prior to Higehiro, Adachi worked on a variety of other manga and has a distinctive art style. Adachi is also working on a new three-chapter one-shot manga with HERO, titled Terasu Hikari wa Ani no Omokage, set to be released in June 2024. While Adachi‘s work on Higehiro is complete, fans can look forward to their future projects.
Conclusion
The end of Imaru Adachi‘s Higehiro manga marks the conclusion of an emotional and engaging story. While the manga has come to an end, the impact of the series and its characters will continue to resonate with fans. The manga’s final volume, set to be released on March 24th, will be the final opportunity to experience the journey of Yoshida and Sayu in print form. Whether you are a fan of the manga, anime, or light novel, Higehiro has offered a unique and memorable experience that will be remembered within the anime and manga communities.
