New Manga Series "Shichijou-ke no Itozukai" Officially Launches: Hunting Yokai with String Games in Modern Japan
Shichijou-ke no Itozukai – to give its full title "Shichijou-ke no Itozukai ~Futsuu ni Ikitai Tensai Jutsushi, Oshikake Deshi to Youkai Taiji Hajimemasu~" – has officially hit the shelves. The original story created by screenwriter Seishi Ai, known for Blue Silk Thread (Seishi Ai), is illustrated by Saro Moroboshi. The series debuted on June 25, 2025, with Square Enix's monthly magazine Monthly Big Gangan Vol. 07.
In terms of plot, Shichijou-ke no Itozukai is a "contemporary Japanese fantasy" work set in modern Japan. At the center of the story is a master recognized as a genius in hunting yokai (demons), and a pure but determined apprentice who forces the master to accept them by their side. While the master actually wants to live an ordinary life, he is drawn back into yokai hunting by the apprentice's persistent pursuit. The "Itozukai" (string user) in the series title symbolizes both physical strings and magical bonds.
Blue Silk Thread (Seishi Ai) had previously gained attention as a screenwriter for works such as "Ao no Hana" and "Majo no Tabitabi". The illustrator Saro Moroboshi had previously worked as an assistant on series like "Kyoukai no Rinne" and was known for short stories. The duo has achieved a strong synergy in this project, both in terms of character depth and visual storytelling. Especially the combination of modern clothing combat scenes and traditional Japanese motifs makes the series visually stand out.
Monthly Big Gangan is one of Square Enix's most popular monthly magazines. Having previously hosted mega series like "Kaguya-sama: Love Is War" and "Sword Art Online", the magazine now brings a new breath to the fantasy genre. After the first chapter, reactions on social media, especially from Japanese fans, have been positive, with comments like "The master-apprentice dynamic is so cute" and "The string battles remind me of Naruto's Chiyo."
Although an international licensing agreement has not yet been announced, if the series gains popularity, translated releases are expected from platforms like Manga Plus or Seven Seas Entertainment. For those who want to follow, the digital version of Monthly Big Gangan can be purchased via Japanese Amazon and BookWalker. In the coming months, the series may expand further and possibly give early signals for an anime adaptation.
