Kumiko Saiki’s beloved manga series, Kageki Shojo!!, has officially entered its final arc. The announcement, made by Saiki herself on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, September 7, 2025, signals the impending conclusion of the popular narrative, with one more volume expected to follow. This development marks a significant moment for fans who have followed the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts students for nearly a decade.
The Journey of Kageki Shojo!!
The Kageki Shojo!! saga began in 2012, originally serialized under the title Kageki Shojo! (with one exclamation mark) in Shueisha’s Jump X magazine. This initial run concluded in 2014 when the magazine ceased publication. Shueisha compiled the series into two tankōbon volumes before Hakusensha re-released it as an omnibus edition titled Kageki Shojo!! Season Zero in March 2019. Seven Seas Entertainment licenses this prequel in North America under the title Kageki Shojo!! The Curtain Rises.
The ongoing sequel, Kageki Shojo!! (with two exclamation marks), launched in Hakusensha’s Melody magazine in 2015 and has been the primary narrative focus since. The series has been critically acclaimed, even earning a nomination for Best Shōjo Manga at Kodansha’s 44th annual Manga Awards in 2020.
A Glimpse into the Kouka School
The story of Kageki Shojo!! immerses readers in the highly competitive world of the Kouka School of Musical and Theatrical Arts, an all-female institution inspired by Japan’s renowned Takarazuka Revue. The school trains young women to become performers in the esteemed Kouka Acting Troupe, where they take on all roles, both male (otokoyaku) and female (musumeyaku).
The narrative primarily follows Sarasa Watanabe, a tall, cheerful, and sometimes outspoken student who dreams of playing Oscar in the Kouka Revue’s production of The Rose of Versailles. Her journey is intertwined with that of her roommate, Ai Narata, a stoic former J-pop idol seeking to escape a troubled past. Together with their classmates in the 100th generation, including the intense Kaoru Hoshino and the spirited Chika Sawada, they navigate the rigorous training, personal challenges, and complex relationships that define their path to stardom. The manga is praised for its ability to balance lighthearted moments with serious themes such as self-esteem, past traumas, and the pressures of performance.
Anime Adaptation and Stage Plays
The popularity of Kageki Shojo!! extended beyond manga, with a television anime adaptation produced by Pine Jam airing from July to September 2021. Funimation streamed the series and an English dub, later releasing it on home video. The anime received a “Climax” trailer ahead of its “Bunkasai Audition Arc” (Cultural Festival Arc).
Furthermore, the manga has inspired stage play adaptations. A stage play based on Kageki Shojo!! ran in Tokyo in October 2023, and a sequel was announced to run in December 2024 at the Mitsukoshi Theater. These adaptations feature talented casts bringing the beloved characters to life on stage.
What the Final Arc Means for Fans
The announcement of the final arc, coupled with the upcoming release of Volume 16 on September 5, 2025, and an interview with Kumiko Saiki in Melody‘s October issue, sets the stage for a poignant conclusion. Fans can anticipate an emotional farewell to Sarasa, Ai, and their classmates as they confront their final challenges at Kouka and pursue their dreams. The manga has taken a short break earlier in the year before returning in March, leading directly into this concluding phase.
As the curtain begins to close on Kageki Shojo!!, readers worldwide will be eagerly awaiting how Kumiko Saiki brings the compelling story of aspiration, friendship, and the rigorous world of musical theater to its grand finale.
