Wataru Midori’s atmospheric seinen series Kagami no Kuni no Shitateya (The Tailor Through the Looking Glass) has reached its conclusion in Akita Publishing’s Mystery Bonita, bringing a delicate and stylish run to a close on February 6. The serialized tale — which began life as a 2024 one-shot and quickly expanded into a full serialization — will soon be collected into its second tankōbon volume, scheduled to ship in Japan this April. For fans of melancholic mystery, character-driven drama, and elegantly paced art, this marks an important moment in Midori’s growing bibliography.
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Publication Update: Final Chapter and Upcoming Volume
The March issue of Mystery Bonita confirmed that the final chapter of Kagami no Kuni no Shitateya was published on February 6. Readers following the magazine serialization will see the story collected in the second compiled book volume, which Akita Publishing has slated for release in April. The series originally appeared as a one-shot under the title Kagami no Kuni no Sarto before being greenlit for regular serialization in March 2024; the first compiled volume shipped on May 15 of the same year.
Key dates at a glance
- One-shot debut (as Kagami no Kuni no Sarto): 2024 (Mystery Bonita)
- Serialization launch: March 2024 (Mystery Bonita)
- Volume 1 released: May 15, 2024 (Akita Publishing)
- Final serialized chapter published: February 6, 2026 (Mystery Bonita)
- Volume 2 scheduled to ship: April 2026 (Akita Publishing)
Why Kagami no Kuni no Shitateya resonated
Midori’s series stands out for several reasons. First, the premises that blend personal mystery with an evocative, often surreal atmosphere appeal to readers who prefer introspective storytelling over action-heavy beats. Second, the art direction and character design lean into quiet mood and detailed backgrounds, giving the narrative a cinematic, almost theatrical air. Finally, the serialization’s steady pacing — beginning as a one-shot and expanding into a full story — allowed Midori to refine themes and deepen character arcs organically.
Thematic highlights
- Exploration of identity and reflection — both literal and metaphorical — runs throughout the narrative.
- Atmospheric mysteries are resolved more through character revelation than through external spectacle.
- Strong visual storytelling, emphasizing mood, mise-en-scène, and careful panel composition.
Wataru Midori: broader works and career notes
Midori is no stranger to serialized storytelling. Prior to Kagami no Kuni no Shitateya, Midori launched Kuchikake Ryū no Keiyakusha (The Decaying Dragon’s Contractor) in Mystery Bonita in March 2022, with Akita Publishing shipping the fourth volume of that series in March 2024. In addition, Midori adapted Hiroki Nagaoka’s Kyōjō (Classroom) novels for Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits beginning in December 2020; that adaptation entered its final arc in October 2021 and concluded with its fifth and final volume in January 2022.
English-language availability
For English-speaking readers, Yen Press has acquired licensing rights to Midori’s Run on Your New Legs (Atarashii Ashi de Kakenukero.), and the first volume was scheduled for release on March 22. Such licensing activity indicates international interest in Midori’s voice and suggests more of their works could appear outside Japan in the coming years. For purchasing and pre-order details, refer to official publisher pages and reputable retailers. Yen Press is a reliable source for official English releases and announcements.
What the conclusion means for fans and the magazine
The ending of Kagami no Kuni no Shitateya in Mystery Bonita is bittersweet: while the serialized run concludes, the collected volumes give readers a lasting format to revisit the story. For Mystery Bonita, the conclusion opens space for fresh series to take the spotlight; for readers, it’s an opportunity to appreciate a complete arc and anticipate how Midori’s style might evolve in future projects.
Collector and reader notes
- Volume 2 (April shipment) will likely include any final chapters, afterwords, and potential bonus material — standard for collected Japanese tankōbon.
- If you follow the series digitally or in print, check reputable bookstores and publisher pages for confirmed shipment and preorder windows.
- Translations or English printings may lag behind the Japanese schedule; keep an eye on official press releases for localization updates.
Where to follow and buy
To support creators and publishers, purchase official releases when possible. The first volume remains available from Japanese retailers, and the second volume is expected in April. For international readers waiting on licensed editions, publisher pages such as Yen Press provide official release details and preorder links. Additionally, major booksellers often list upcoming import volumes for pre-order.
Final thoughts
Kagami no Kuni no Shitateya is a compelling example of modern seinen manga that values mood, character, and subtle mystery. Wataru Midori has demonstrated skill in crafting evocative narratives that reward patient readers, and the series’ collected volumes will offer a satisfying way to experience the full story. With Midori’s other works receiving attention and licensing interest, this conclusion feels less like an endpoint and more like a milestone in an ascending career. Fans of introspective manga should keep an eye on both Akita Publishing releases and international licensing announcements to catch Midori’s next move.
