New Good News from the Author of Nigeru wa Haji: A New Series Arrives as Cloe Ma Concludes
Tsunami Umino, one of Japan's most beloved josei manga authors, is in the spotlight with news that has left fans both saddened and excited. The author's series Cloe Ma (Kuroema: Chloe et Emma), which has been serialized in Kiss magazine since 2022, concluded with the August issue published on June 25. However, Umino has no intention of resting her pen; it has been announced that immediately following the finale, the author will begin a brand-new romantic series set in the Meiji era.
Cloe Ma followed the intersection of the paths of 30-year-old Emma, whose life is turned upside down in a single day, and Chloe, a mysterious and wealthy heiress. Expertly exploring the place of the modern woman in society and the complexity of human relationships, this series quickly gained a large fan base. The series' popularity grew so much that a live-action mini-series adaptation, available to watch worldwide via Amazon Prime Video, was released on June 12, 2024. The manga, expected to be completed in about 5 volumes, once again proved Umino's mastery in creating character depth.
Many fans will remember the name Tsunami Umino from the Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu (The Full-Time Wife Escapist) series, which became a true social phenomenon in Japan in 2016. Addressing the concept of a "contract marriage" with a modern language, this work garnered awards not only for its manga but also for its series starring Yui Aragaki and Gen Hoshino. Umino holds a very respected place in the world of josei manga with her deep observations on gender roles and marriage dynamics. Therefore, every new project by the author is awaited with great curiosity in the industry.
Umino's next stop will take us to the Meiji Era, when Japan was experiencing the pains of modernization. The new series, whose title has not yet been finalized, promises a "Meiji Romance" that will take shape around two different couples. How the author, who loves to blend historical texture with emotional depth, will handle love and social changes in this new era is already a subject of curiosity. Eyes will be on the official announcements to be made by Kodansha in the coming months for the release dates of the final volumes of Cloe Ma and the first chapter of the new series. If you also love period stories and layered romances, don't forget to add this new series to your list!
