Manga creator Kouji Seo, renowned for romantic comedy series such as Suzuka, Fuuka, and most recently The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses, is set to launch a new manga series in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine on January 14, 2026. This announcement comes immediately after the conclusion of his popular manga, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses, which ended its serialization on November 5, 2025, in the same magazine.
The End of The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses
The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses (also known as Megami no Kafe Terasu) concluded its four-year and nine-month run in the 49th issue of Weekly Shōnen Magazine. The final compiled book volume, the 22nd, is slated to ship on January 16, 2026. The series, which began serialization in February 2021, centered on Hayato Kasukabe, a young man who returns to his grandmother’s struggling seaside café to find five women living and working there, leading to an unexpected communal life and romantic entanglements. The manga was well-received, inspiring two anime television seasons that aired in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Masaaki Mizunaka, the voice actor for protagonist Hayato, extended his congratulations on the manga’s completion, praising Seo’s dynamic storytelling in romantic comedies.
A New Beginning: Remote Island Rom-Com
Seo’s next venture will be another romantic comedy, teased to be set on a remote island. The new series will debut in the seventh issue of Weekly Shōnen Magazine for 2026. While no official title has been revealed yet, the premise suggests a fresh setting for Seo’s signature blend of romance and humor. Fans are eagerly anticipating what new characters and heartwarming (or heartbreaking) narratives the prolific author will introduce in this new island-based story.
Kouji Seo’s Legacy in Romantic Comedies
Kouji Seo, born on July 26, 1974, is a highly regarded manga artist known for his consistent output in the romantic comedy genre. His works often blend elements of sports and slice-of-life with intricate character relationships.
Some of his most notable works include:
- Suzuka: A sports romance focusing on track and field.
- A Town Where You Live (Kimi no Iru Machi): A drama-heavy romance following a long-distance relationship.
- Fuuka: Continuing the themes of romance and music, it’s a spiritual successor to Suzuka.
- Hitman: A unique take on romantic comedy set in the manga industry itself.
Seo’s ability to consistently deliver engaging romantic narratives has cemented his place as a prominent figure in Weekly Shōnen Magazine. His swift transition from one major series to another underscores his dedication and prolific nature, much to the delight of his loyal readership. The anticipation for his new, untitled romantic comedy set on a remote island is already building among manga enthusiasts.
