The phenomenon
Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku continues to break records in the Japanese
publishing industry. It was confirmed that its 20th volume will hit bookstores
on October 9, marking a historic event: it will be the third volume published
in three consecutive months, something unpublished for Magazine Pocket and
not seen in Weekly Shonen Magazine in at least 15 years. All
this happens while the work enjoys a boom thanks to its anime on air and a huge
growth in sales.
A
meteoric rise
The series,
written and illustrated by Non, debuted in October 2021 on
the Magazine Pocket app. The story tells the contrast between
two schools: the Chidori boys' high school, known for its troubled students,
and the posh Kikyo Girls. In this scenario, the relationship between Rintarō
Tsuzumi and Kaoruko Waguri arises, who star in a
youthful story of romance, friendship and personal growth.
Awards
and Recognition
From its
first volumes, the manga received praise and was nominated in multiple
competitions, coming in second place at the Tsutaya Comic Awards,
sixth at the Next Manga Awards 2022 and achieving distinctions
in bookstores such as Sanyodo. Its popularity has not stopped growing, and with
the start of its anime adaptation in July 2025, the impact skyrocketed even
more.
Impressive
figures
When the
anime adaptation was announced in September 2024, the manga had 3.5 million
copies in circulation. By the premiere of the television series in July 2025 it
had already reached 5.6 million, and just two months later the figure reached
7.5 million, adding 2 million in a record period thanks to the "anime
effect".
An
unprecedented strategy
Kodansha's
editors explained
that, since there was enough material accumulated, they decided to take
advantage of the moment of greatest popularity and publish volumes 18, 19 and
20 in consecutive months (August, September and October). In addition, there
are special campaigns such as floral-scented bookmarks and gigantic
advertisements in Osaka and Shibuya, all designed to respond to the enthusiasm
of fans.
Beyond
romance
The appeal
of the play lies not only in the school romance, but also in how it sensitively
reflects friendship and family bonds. According to its editors, the fact
that Non is a young author gives the series a special
authenticity that resonates with readers of all ages.
