On February
25 , Shinchosha publishing's Kurage Bunch website published the
final chapter of The Yokai Caretaker ( Yōkai no
Shiikuin-san ), a work created by Michihiko Fujiei .
This brings to a close a heartwarming story that has captivated fans of
Japanese folklore and supernatural creatures since 2015.
The story
follows Toritsuki Hiyori , who works in a peculiar garden
where youkai are raised and cared for . Under the tutelage
of youkai doctor Mutsu Goro , Hiyori learns to coexist with
these fantastic creatures while facing the complications of such unusual work.
Nine
years of supernatural fantasy
The
Yokai Caretaker was
originally released in 2015 and reached its 14th compiled volume in
April 2024. Internationally, the MediBang and Manga
Planet platforms have published the work digitally in English,
allowing more readers to discover this universe full of mysticism and
tenderness.
Michihiko
Fujiei continues to expand his legacy
In addition
to this work, Fujiei —who also signs under the pseudonym Michihiko
Tōei— is known for Saigo no Restaurant ( The
Last Restaurant ), a series that combined history and gastronomy, and
which even had a live-action adaptation released in 2016. This
work came to an end with volume 23 in June 2024 .
The author
is currently working on Saigo no Restaurant Dante , a new
spin-off project that began publication in the digital magazine Comic
Bunch Kai in April 2024. The first volume of this manga was released
on December 9 .
The end
of The Yokai Caretaker marks the farewell of a work that for
nearly a decade explored everyday life alongside supernatural creatures,
leaving an indelible mark on readers who grew up with its pages.
