Udon Entertainment Licenses Hiromi Matsuo's Manga Department Store Waltz and Rondo
Udon Entertainment announced on July 24, 2026, that it has brought exciting new licenses to the manga and anime world. The publisher has added two manga by mangaka Hiromi Matsuo, Department Store Waltz and Rondo, as well as the Belles Ruelles manga anthology and the Spy x Family anime art book. This move once again highlights Udon's interest in niche and artistic manga.
Department Store Waltz and Rondo offer two different stories that reflect Hiromi Matsuo's unique drawing style. The former focuses on the daily life of a department store employee, while Rondo is set in a mystical and dramatic world. Udon aims to bring Matsuo's works to Western readers by publishing these two manga in English. Additionally, the Belles Ruelles anthology stands out as a collective project bringing together short stories by various artists.
One of the most notable titles on the license list is undoubtedly the Spy x Family anime art book. Fans of the popular series will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the visual world of the anime with this full-color art book following the previously released manga. Udon Entertainment had previously published art books for major franchises such as Persona, Street Fighter, and Okami; this new license is seen as a strong addition to that catalog.
This move shows that Udon is investing not only in popular series but also in lesser-known manga with high artistic value. Bringing Hiromi Matsuo's works into English is a significant opportunity for Western readers. The publisher will begin the translation and printing process for these titles in the coming months. Although exact release dates have not been announced yet, based on Udon's past licensing processes, they are expected to hit shelves in the first half of 2027. Followers can keep up with developments through the publisher's social media accounts and official website.
