Renowned manga artist Takako Shimura, known for her deeply empathetic storytelling, is set to conclude her series Hatsukoi no Tsugi (My First Love and Next) in December. The final chapter will appear in the next issue of Kodansha’s Kiss magazine, officially shipping on December 25, 2025. This news comes from the January 2026 issue of the magazine.
Details on My First Love and Next‘s Conclusion
Hatsukoi no Tsugi (My First Love and Next) launched in Kiss magazine in April 2024. The romantic manga centers on Akai and Chika, a married couple navigating the complexities of their relationship. Despite being sweethearts, their bond is tested by the lingering shadow of Akai’s first love. Kodansha released the first compiled book volume in December 2024, followed by the second volume on June 13, 2025.
Other Recent and Concluded Works by Shimura
Shimura has had a busy period with several works recently concluding or beginning serialization. Her collaboration with Michi Ichiho, the boys-love manga Only Talk, recently ended on February 25, 2025. This series had launched in Shodensha’s OnBLUE magazine in April 2024. Additionally, her long-running Awajima Hyakkei manga concluded on March 15, 2024.
Amidst these conclusions, Shimura also launched new projects in 2024:
- Sōiu Ie no Ko no Hanashi (A Story of the Children of That House): This series began in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits magazine in May 2024. It follows three childhood friends who grew up in the same religious household and, at age 28, confront major life decisions regarding marriage, work, and independence.
- Futari de Hitorigurashi (Living Alone Together): What began as a one-shot manga evolved into a regular series, with its first chapter released in the spring issue of Bungeishunju’s Bunshun Woman magazine on March 21, 2024.
Her manga Even Though We’re Adults (Otona ni Nattemo) is also being released digitally and in print by Seven Seas and inspired a live-action series that debuted in April 2025.
Takako Shimura’s Enduring Legacy
Takako Shimura is widely recognized for her thoughtful exploration of LGBTQ+ themes and human relationships in her manga. She is best known for critically acclaimed works such as Wandering Son (Hōrō Musuko) and Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana), both of which received television anime adaptations in 2011 and 2009, respectively. Fantagraphics Books has released Wandering Son in North America, while Viz Media handles Sweet Blue Flowers. Shimura also contributed original character designs for anime like Aldnoah.Zero, Battery the Animation, and Overtake! Her work Happy-Go-Lucky Days (Dōnika Naru Hibi) inspired an anime film that premiered in Japan in October 2020. Shimura’s consistent output and impactful storytelling continue to resonate with a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
