The combined fourth and fifth 2026 issue of Akita Shoten's Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine revealed on December 25, 2025 that manga author Yūji Nakamura (Rokudo's Bad Girls) will launch a new manga titled Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi (Hanzo and 13 Kunoichis) that will launch in the magazine's seventh issue on January 15, 2026. Manga anime news 2026 highlights Nakamura's return to Weekly Shōnen Champion, with the creator bringing a new ninja-themed action series following the conclusion of Rokudo's Bad Girls in 2021.
Nakamura's Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi manga's story centers on a lonely war orphan named Hanzō, and his battle against strong and cute kunoichi (female ninjas). Latest anime news today showcases Nakamura's continued focus on action-comedy themes, with the new series combining ninja battles with character-driven storytelling. Anime news 2026 demonstrates Weekly Shōnen Champion's commitment to diverse content, with multiple new series launching in January 2026.
Additionally, Tatsuya Ara's (Harigane Serve: Against All Odds) new soccer manga titled Campioni started serialization in the magazine on December 25, 2025. Anime news updates 2026 reveal Ara's return to Weekly Shōnen Champion with a new sports series, following the conclusion of Harigane Service Ace in 2023. The manga continues Ara's focus on soccer-themed stories, with Campioni representing the creator's latest work in the sports genre.
Manga artist nyo-n will launch an omnibus horror series titled Mashiro-kun in the magazine's eighth issue on January 22, 2026. Nijisanji VTuber Mashiro Meme is supervising the manga. Anime industry news 2026 showcases the collaboration between manga creators and virtual YouTubers, with Mashiro Meme providing supervision for the horror series. This partnership represents a growing trend in the manga industry, connecting digital content creators with traditional publishing.
Nakamura launched the Rokudo's Bad Girls (Rokudō no Onna-tachi) manga in Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine in June 2016, and ended it in April 2021. Akita Shoten published the manga's 26th and final compiled book volume in June 2021. AI localization company Orange Inc.'s emaqi e-bookstore service is publishing the manga in English. The manga inspired a television anime that aired in 2023. Anime adaptation news 2026 highlights Nakamura's successful track record, with Rokudo's Bad Girls receiving both manga and anime adaptations, establishing the creator as a recognized voice in the shonen genre.
The emaqi e-bookstore service also publishes Ara's Harigane Serve: Against All Odds manga. The manga ran in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 2014 to 2018. Ara launched the sequel manga Harigane Service Ace in Weekly Shōnen Champion also in 2018, and it ended in 2023. The ongoing spinoff manga Harigane Service Gaiden: Hydra Break launched in Akita Shoten's Monthly Shōnen Champion magazine in 2021. Manga anime news demonstrates Ara's extensive work in the Harigane Serve franchise, with multiple series and spinoffs continuing the soccer-themed narrative.
Weekly Shōnen Champion's January 2026 lineup represents a diverse range of genres, with Nakamura's ninja action series, Ara's soccer manga, and nyo-n's horror omnibus providing readers with multiple new titles to explore. Anime news today highlights the magazine's strategy of launching multiple new series simultaneously, creating excitement and variety for readers. The combination of established creators like Nakamura and Ara with emerging talent like nyo-n demonstrates the magazine's commitment to both continuity and innovation.
Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi marks Nakamura's first new series since concluding Rokudo's Bad Girls, representing a significant return for the creator. Anime news updates showcase how established manga creators continue to launch new works, maintaining their presence in the industry while exploring different themes and genres. The ninja theme represents a departure from Rokudo's Bad Girls' contemporary setting, demonstrating Nakamura's versatility as a creator.
The January 15, 2026 launch date for Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi provides fans with a specific release timeline, allowing anticipation to build for Nakamura's return to Weekly Shōnen Champion. Anime release dates 2026 highlight the importance of specific launch dates in manga news, with readers tracking when new series will begin serialization. The timing coincides with the new year, creating additional excitement for the magazine's 2026 lineup.
Weekly Shōnen Champion's announcement of multiple new series in December 2025 demonstrates the magazine's proactive approach to content planning, revealing upcoming launches well in advance of their publication dates. Anime announcements 2026 showcase how manga magazines use advance announcements to build anticipation and maintain reader engagement. The combination of established creators and new talent creates a balanced lineup that appeals to both existing fans and potential new readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yūji Nakamura's new manga?
Yūji Nakamura is launching a new series titled Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi (English translation: Hanzo and 13 Kunoichis).
What is Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi about?
The story follows a lonely war orphan named Hanzō and focuses on his battles against a group of powerful and "cute" kunoichi (female ninjas).
When does Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi launch?
The manga is scheduled to debut on January 15, 2026, in the seventh 2026 issue of its magazine.
Who is Yūji Nakamura?
Yūji Nakamura is a manga artist best known for creating Rokudo's Bad Girls (Rokudō no Onna-tachi), which ran from 2016 to 2021 and inspired a 2023 television anime.
What other new manga are launching in Weekly Shōnen Champion?
Alongside Nakamura's work, the magazine is launching Campioni by Tatsuya Ara and an omnibus horror series titled Mashiro-kun by artist nyo-n.
What is Campioni about?
Campioni is a new soccer manga created by Tatsuya Ara, the author of the volleyball series Harigane Service. It began serialization on December 25, 2025.
What is Mashiro-kun about?
Mashiro-kun is an omnibus horror series by manga artist nyo-n, supervised by Nijisanji VTuber Mashiro Meme, launching in Weekly Shōnen Champion on January 22, 2026.
Where can I read Rokudo's Bad Girls in English?
The English version of the manga is published by Orange Inc. through their emaqi e-bookstore service.
How many volumes did Rokudo's Bad Girls have?
Rokudo's Bad Girls concluded with 26 compiled volumes, with the final volume published in June 2021.
What magazine is publishing Hanzō to Jūsan-nin no Kunoichi-tachi?
The manga is being published in Akita Shoten's Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine.