Manga Artist Sato Hochi Returns to ASUKA After 30 Years: 'Diamond Blues' Begins
The creator of the unforgettable 'Hana no Asuka-gumi!' series of the '90s, Sato Hochi, has appeared before readers with a brand new manga after a long break. The new series 'Diamond Blues: Tsuchihashi Konan to 7-nin no Ojisan' began publication on June 24, 2024 under the COMIC BRIDGE label on Kadokawa's digital platform Kadokomi. Even more exciting, this series also marks Sato Hochi's return to ASUKA magazine after nearly 30 years.
Sato Hochi is especially known for 'Hana no Asuka-gumi!', which was published in Asuka between 1985-1995 and gained a large fan base. This series was a sukeban manga featuring strong female characters and conflicts between gangs, and it became one of the most popular shōjo manga of the time. Later, the artist also made a name for herself with works such as 'Jūkyū-kyō no Tsuki' and 'Kimi no Na wa.', but had remained relatively quiet in recent years.
Although the plot of the new series 'Diamond Blues' has not yet been fully revealed, it appears from the title to revolve around a character named Konan Tsuchihashi and the 7 old men (7-nin no Ojisan) around him. Promising a colorful and mysterious story, this manga aims to please old fans and attract new readers by blending Sato Hochi's classic storytelling style with a modern touch. The first chapter will be available for free on Kadokomi.
This return is seen as a significant event in the Japanese manga industry. The return of one of the cult authors of the '90s to the same magazine after about 30 years not only stirs nostalgia but also provides an interesting example of generational change in the industry. As ASUKA magazine once again trends on social media with this news, the series is expected to be published regularly in the coming days. For manga lovers, this new story from Sato Hochi is definitely worth following.
