Kodansha’s manga Sakigake no Hanamiko, released on October 9, has surged in popularity, prompting an immediate reprint of volume 1. Kodansha commented on the growing appeal, hinting at a potential boom of “holy cuteness” in manga.

The publishing team revealed that Sakigake no Hanamiko, serialized on the “Magazine Pocket” app, saw a 6.5-fold spike in views during the week surrounding its launch. Sales rapidly warranted an immediate reprint within a week. Additionally, the October lineup from Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine, which included several other highly anticipated titles due to recent anime adaptations, showcased standout success stories — particularly Sakigake no Hanamiko and Irotsuku Monochrome, both of which had immediate reprints after release. Kodansha’s sales division reported the surge in popularity for both series, suggesting that readers are increasingly drawn to stories featuring shrine maidens and sisters with “sacred and charming” allure.

Story Summaries

Sakigake no Hanamiko
By Ryouma Kitada

In Sakigake no Hanamiko, an all-female warrior group known as “Hana Miko” battles the dangerous “Malicious Gods” threatening humanity. Living together in a fortress called “Kakuya Castle,” their lives take an interesting turn when Shin, a temporary high school teacher with little direction in life, is appointed with overseeing the group after his father’s passing. Managing the team proves challenging, with each maiden bringing her own unique — and sometimes unruly — personality to the table. High-energy battles and romantic tension abound as the Hana Miko girls join forces in this action-packed series!

Kodansha Official Site (JP)

Irotsuku Monochrome
By Atsushi Uchiyama

Irotsuku Monochrome follows Issiki, a young man who falls for a devout, pure-hearted maiden. However, his life is turned upside down when he becomes possessed by Asmodeus, a demon of lust. The demon tries various tricks to stimulate the desires of the virtuous girls around him, putting Issiki in a constant struggle to resist temptation. Torn between purity and forbidden excitement, this romantic comedy brings a unique twist as Issiki must avoid succumbing to lust at all costs — no matter the seductive scenarios!

Kodansha Official Site (JP)

Source : ORICON NEWS