First Volume of Equestrian and Youth-Themed Manga Harui Kakuho Released
Sports and youth themes have always been engaging in the world of manga, but this time we are not looking at soccer or basketball, but a much more elegant sport that requires discipline: Horse riding! The new work by beloved author Mifumi Hamada, Harui Kakuho (はるい駈歩), said "hello" to readers with its first volume released on June 26, 2026. Published under the KADOKAWA label, this manga tells the story of a young girl looking for something to be passionate about in her life as she steps into the world of horses, using an emotional and immersive narrative.
At the center of our story is Harui Hanakawa, a first-year high school student. Unlike her peers, Harui is an ordinary young girl who feels an inner void, having not yet found a hobby or goal to dedicate herself to. However, one day she sees her senior from middle school, Midori Mizuki, on a horse, seemingly becoming one with the wind. Impressed by the nobility of the horse and the enchanting atmosphere of the sport of horse riding, Harui takes her first step toward the philosophy of "human and horse as one" (Jinba Ittai). The term Kakuho in the series title refers to the "canter," the three-beat rhythmic gait of a horse, symbolizing the new rhythm in Harui's life.
Author Mifumi Hamada is a name known for her mastery in reflecting the inner worlds of characters, having previously managed to touch readers' hearts with works like Kimi no Koe (Your Voice). Hamada's delicate narrative style is also felt in Harui Kakuho. Blending a sport with many technical details like horse riding with a classic "seishun" (youth) drama, the series continues to be published digitally on the Alive+ (Comic Alive Plus) platform. Beyond being just a sports manga, the work addresses the process of a young individual overcoming their fears and building a new identity.
Equestrian-themed manga have always held a special place for fans of the genre since Hiromu Arakawa's legendary Silver Spoon (Gin no Saji) series. Harui Kakuho continues this tradition, promising readers the world of horses and that special bond formed with nature. If you enjoy watching the inner growth of characters and are interested in an unconventional sport, you should definitely give this new adventure of Harui a chance. With the first volume, how the story will deepen and Harui's relationships with other members of the equestrian club are already a subject of curiosity.
