Azuki Snags Over 150 Manga, Will Launch New Series Monthly
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Digital manga subscription service Azuki has finalized deals with Media Do International, Inc. and MediBang! to add over 150 English-translated manga series from the companies to the service. Azuki will announce a new batch of catalog titles at the beginning of every month with select chapters available as soon as they're announced. Fans can look forward to new announcements every month, unveiling the monthly slate of catalog additions as well as a schedule for weekly chapter updates.
The first six series available on Azuki are Somari and the Guardian of the Forest, A Side Character's Love Story, Wakako-zake, A Love Story Between My Boss and I, Natalie and Mysterious Takumi, and ARK, all of which are available now (including select free chapters) on the Azuki website and iOS and Android apps. Synopses for all six series are below:
Somari and the Guardian of the Forest by Yako Gureishi, published by Coamix Inc. and distributed by MD-i: The anime adaptation of this popular web series, titled “Somali and the Forest Spirit” premiered in Winter 2020. In a world populated by a diverse range of tribes, humans have been persecuted nearly to extinction. One day, a forest guardian known as a Golem crosses paths with an abandoned little human girl. This is the story of the bond between a member of the disappearing human species and a guardian of the forest.
A Side Character's Love Story by Akane Tamura, published by Coamix Inc. and distributed by MD-i: Growing up, Nobuko Tanaka was always a “side character” standing off in the corner. Now in her 20s, she's fallen in love for the first time. While she isn't any good at being assertive, she will muster her courage bit by bit as she tries her best to close the distance between herself and her crush – because even side characters fall in love. If you're tired of the same old romantic protagonists, this modest, refreshing love story is for you.
Wakako-zake by Chie Shinkyū, published by Coamix Inc. and distributed by MD-i: Wakako Murasaki, 26, lives to eat. She was born with a taste for alcohol and good food, so every night she searches for a good place to enjoy her meals alone. Perhaps she will sit next to you tonight? These popular shorts featuring the solo heavy drinker have been successfully turned into an anime and a drama! This series has been published in Japan since 2015 under the Japanese title “Wakako-zake”
A Love Story Between My Boss and I by Nanameguri, published by TORICO with an English version by MediBang!: The new employee, Takanashi, could not believe his ears when his mentor, Tokunaga, confessed that he was gay. Since then, Takanashi has awkwardly struggled to adapt to a company that doesn't seem to mind Tokunaga's sexuality. But once Takanashi got to know his mentor better, he couldn't take his eyes off of him anymore. Is this feeling... love?
Natalie and Mysterious Takumi by Yumika Tsuru, published by TORICO with an English version by MediBang!: A pure love comedy between a French Otaku Girl and a mysterious Ikemen! When she was still in France, Natalie went through a heartbreak that made her want to end her life. Surprisingly, the ray of hope that saved her from despair was anime and manga! Now determined to live her life to the fullest, Natalie travels to Japan to become closer to her 2D love, but meets a handsome and mysterious man...?!
ARK by Pubo, published by TORICO with an English version by MediBang!: After a massive earthquake, five ancient ruins containing the miracle mineral ""Arkdite"" appeared. Is this another blessing of civilization or a sleeping apocalypse? "ARK" is a full-colored comic with a beautiful art style and thrilling plot!
Azuki is available on the web at www.azuki.co and in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. The app features over 200 series, including international hits like Attack on Titan and acclaimed new series like Natsume & Natsume, Crescent Moon Marching, and My Dear Detective: Mitsuko's Case Files.
Start reading for free with advertisements today, or upgrade to Premium and access the full catalog for just $4.99 a month. A 14-day free trial and discounted annual plan are also available. All titles are available worldwide (except Japan). Stay up to date on the latest announcements by following Azuki at twitter.com/ReadAzuki, facebook.com/ReadAzuki, and instagram.com/readazuki.
About Azuki and KiraKira Media Inc.
Azuki is created by KiraKira Media Inc., a company dedicated to improving access to legally licensed manga led by a small team of passionate manga fans and tech experts in San Francisco, CA.
About MediaDo
Tokyo-based Media Do Co., Ltd. is one of the largest eBook distribution companies in the world and retains the largest share of Japan's eBook market. Media Do International, Inc. is based in San Diego, California. Media Do Group's mission is to make more content available for more people. NetGalley and its owner, Quality Solutions/Firebrand Technologies, were acquired by Media Do in 2021. Firebrand and NetGalley provide leading marketing and technology services to more than 500 publishers worldwide. NetGalley, LLC operates websites in the US, UK, France, Germany, and Japan. Supadu Ltd. was acquired by Media Do in 2022. Supadü is the lead provider of website and e-commerce solutions for publishers. For more information on Media Do's services and corporate divisions, please visit: https://mediado.jp/english.
About MediBang!
A dedicated manga localizer and distributor. Translating manga in-house with native speakers and sharing them to the rest of the world.
