The First Volume of Gumi Tendo's New Manga Ame to Oshaberi na Koushinryou Has Been Released
Known for her mastery in blending culinary arts with fantasy elements, Gumi Tendo has returned with her new series Ame to Oshaberi na Koushinryou (Rain and Talkative Spices). The eagerly awaited first volume of the series officially hit shelves in Japan on May 13, 2026. Serialized in Kodansha's long-standing Nakayoshi magazine, this new adventure invites readers to the intersection of the tranquility of rural life and the magical world of spices.
At the center of the story is Ame, a 4th-grade student who leaves the bustling life of Tokyo with her father to move to a mountainous village. Struggling to adjust to her new school and complaining about the insects and hardships of the village, Ame's life changes completely when she encounters a strange entity one day. This "spice ghost," who introduces himself as Habanero and can only be seen by Ame, sparks a series of events that will change the young girl's perspective on the world. The series progresses through the theme that every spice has its own unique personality and power, illustrating how daily life can be beautified with small touches.
Author Gumi Tendo has a solid career in the manga world, especially with her food-themed works. The Hell's Kitchen series, which she previously wrote with Mitsuru Nishimura and which made a great impact, combined the culinary world with dark fantasy. Also known for works such as B no Shokutaku and the emotional cat story 3-bon Ashi no Shijimi-chan, the artist adopts a softer and more soothing (iyashikei) tone in this new series. Tendo's detailed drawing style offers readers a visual feast, especially in the visual presentation of food and spices.
