Seven Seas Entertainment is expanding its manga offerings with the license of two new titles: Koharu and Minato: My Partner is a Girl and They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning. These series promise heartwarming stories, with one exploring a slice-of-life yuri relationship and the other a delightful commuter romance. In addition to these titles, Seven Seas has also announced the license of several audiobooks.
Koharu and Minato: My Partner is a Girl: A Yuri Slice-of-Life
Koharu and Minato: My Partner is a Girl by Hyaluron & Daruma, is a yuri manga that tells the story of two women who met online and navigate their relationship despite a ten-year age gap.
Storyline
Koharu and Minato decide to move in together after falling in love online. The manga follows their daily life as they navigate the ups and downs of a relationship, celebrating their domestic bliss with small joys like feasts and late-night strolls.
Publication Details
- Title: Koharu and Minato: My Partner is a Girl
- Creators: Hyaluron & Daruma
- Imprint: Seven Seas GL label (Girls’ Love/yuri)
- Release Date: April 2026 (Volume 1)
- Price: $15.99 USA / $20.99 CAN
- Format: Single large-trim editions, ebook editions available
Reception and Themes
Koharu and Minato: My Partner is a Girl began as an autobiographical web manga by the real-life couple Hyaluron and Daruma, initially shared on their Twitter and Pixiv accounts under the title “Toshiue Kanojo to no Nichijou” (Everyday Life With An Older Girlfriend). The series gained significant attention on social media before being serialized in Comic Yuri Hime.
The manga is praised for its wholesome and adorable portrayal of a relationship. It delves into the minutiae of their lives, depicting everyday moments such as boba tea outings and movie dates. The series emphasizes the couple’s love and mutual support, providing a comforting and heartwarming experience for readers.
Potential Concerns
Some readers have noted the age gap between the characters and raised ethical considerations, particularly regarding when the couple began dating. However, others point out that the age of consent in Japan is 16 (as of 2023), and the series portrays a steady relationship between adults.
Where to Read
- MangaDex
- Dynasty Reader
They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning: A Commuter Rom-Com
They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning by Eiji Masuda, is a romantic comedy manga that follows two students from different schools who develop feelings for each other during their daily commute.
Storyline
Every morning at 6:58, commuters board the train at Sakuranomiya Station. Among them are two students whose tentative romance captures the attention of their fellow passengers. The young man is shy and often steals glances at the young woman, but he never makes a move. The other passengers secretly cheer them on, hoping to see their love story blossom.
Publication Details
- Title: They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning
- Creator: Eiji Masuda
- Release Date: March 2026 (Volume 1)
Reception and Themes
They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning is noted for its unique premise, portraying a rom-com from the perspective of bystanders. The manga is praised for its comedic moments and relatable characters, with reviewers highlighting the humorously outdated views on love from some of the older characters.
The manga’s pacing is slow, with the leads taking many chapters to even learn each other’s names. Despite the slow burn, the comedy and jokes in each chapter keep the story entertaining. The series explores the small interactions and moments that lead to developing feelings, offering a “what if” scenario that many readers can relate to.
Connection to My Monster Secret
They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning is created by Eiji Masuda, the same author as My Monster Secret: Actually, I Am…. Fans of My Monster Secret may recognize similarities in art style and humor, and may even spot cameos from characters from the previous series.
Where to Read
- Bato.To
Additional Licensed Titles
Alongside the two manga series, Seven Seas Entertainment announced the license of the following audiobooks:
- I Have a Secret by Yoru Sumino, narrated by Sara Matsui-Colby (Release Date: June 26, 2025): A coming-of-age novel about five high school classmates holding secrets. Sara Matsui-Colby, known for her role as Lee Sun-Hee in the WEBTOON series Connect, will narrate the audiobook.
- Record of Lodoss War: The Grey Witch by Ryo Mizuno and Yutaka Izubuchi, narrated by Dan Bittner (Release Date: June 2025): An epic fantasy novel. Dan Bittner, recognized for narrating Star Wars: The High Republic: Into the Dark and Star Wars: Tempest Runner, will voice the audiobook.
- Exotic Animal Doctor by Kano Ninomiya: A manga series about an animal hospital that specializes in caring for exotic pets.
Seven Seas Entertainment: A Focus on Niche Markets
Seven Seas Entertainment has a history of focusing on niche markets and overlooked licenses. Founded in 2004, the company began by publishing original English-language manga before licensing Japanese titles. They have found success by being “nimble and creative” in their licensing choices, often selecting titles that appeal to specific fan bases.
In recent years, Seven Seas has expanded its offerings to include light novels, webtoons, and audiobooks. They have also created imprints like “Steamship” for mature-rated manga and “Airship” for light novels and Japanese prose novels. The company’s strategy involves identifying undiscovered gems and providing books that manga fans are excited about, contributing to their steady growth in the industry.
Seven Seas also actively engages with its audience through monthly licensing surveys, seeking suggestions for new series to license. This direct feedback helps the company stay in tune with fan desires and identify potential hits.
With the addition of Koharu and Minato: My Partner is a Girl and They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning, Seven Seas Entertainment continues its commitment to providing diverse and engaging content for manga readers. These new licenses promise heartwarming stories and unique perspectives, further solidifying Seven Seas’ position as a key player in the manga and light novel market.
