Aiko Koyama, Takenori Ichihara Launch New Manga Kimi wa Akeboshi in January

The combined fourth and fifth issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine announced on December 25, 2025, that Aiko Koyama and Takenori Ichihara will launch a new manga titled Kimi wa Akeboshi (You are a Morning Star) in the magazine's eighth issue on January 21, 2025. The Kimi wa Akeboshi manga launch announcement marks a significant collaboration between award-winning creator Aiko Koyama and former Weekly Shonen Sunday editor-in-chief Takenori Ichihara, bringing together their expertise in storytelling and manga production. The series follows a young girl who embarks on a journey with her mysterious companion in her grandfather's old car. The Kimi wa Akeboshi plot summary suggests a sentimental slice-of-life journey narrative, featuring a young girl protagonist traveling in a vintage car, creating an appealing story for readers seeking heartwarming adventure tales. Koyama launched the Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san (Makanai in the Maiko Lodge) manga in Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in December 2016 and ended the series on January 22, 2025, after running for nine years. The manga won the Best Shōnen Manga award in the 65th Shogakukan Manga Awards in January 2020, demonstrating Koyama's exceptional storytelling abilities and recognition within the industry. The Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san manga's success established Koyama as a respected creator capable of crafting engaging slice-of-life narratives that resonate with readers. The manga inspired an anime titled Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House. The anime premiered on the NHK World channel with English subtitles in February 2021, and new episodes debuted once a month. Crunchyroll is also streaming the anime, bringing the story to international audiences. The Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san anime adaptation expanded the franchise's reach, introducing Koyama's work to viewers worldwide. The manga also inspired a live-action series titled The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, which debuted on Netflix worldwide in January 2023. The live-action adaptation was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, further elevating the franchise's profile and demonstrating the story's universal appeal across different media formats. The Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san Netflix adaptation brought the series to an even broader audience, showcasing Koyama's ability to create stories that translate successfully to different mediums. Ichihara previously worked as an editor-in-chief of Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine and announced in April 2022 he had resigned from Shogakukan to write manga as an original author, instead of as an illustrator. Ichihara stepped down as the editor-in-chief of Weekly Shonen Sunday in October 2021, after being in the position for six years and three months. During his tenure, Ichihara was credited with reviving the magazine from a period of declining sales through major editorial reforms, demonstrating his deep understanding of the manga industry and reader preferences. The Takenori Ichihara career shift from editor to writer represents a significant transition, bringing his editorial expertise to creative storytelling. The Kimi wa Akeboshi January 2025 launch represents a unique collaboration between an award-winning illustrator and a former editor-in-chief with extensive industry knowledge. The combination of Koyama's proven artistic and storytelling abilities with Ichihara's editorial experience and understanding of manga production creates an appealing package for readers seeking new series in Weekly Shonen Sunday. The series' debut in the magazine's eighth issue on January 21, 2025, provides fans with a specific timeline to look forward to, while the creative team's track record suggests a high-quality narrative experience. As the January 2025 launch approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans of Koyama's previous work and readers interested in discovering new series from experienced creators. The combination of a heartwarming journey narrative, vintage car setting, and the creative team's proven track record creates an appealing package for readers seeking slice-of-life and adventure stories. The Kimi wa Akeboshi January 2025 release will join other anticipated manga launches in what promises to be an exciting period for Weekly Shonen Sunday readers.