Yu Tomofuji — the mangaka best known for Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts — is returning to Hana to Yume with a brand-new series. The magazine’s June 1 issue revealed that Tomofuji’s next manga, Kimi o Norowaba (If I Curse You), will launch in the magazine’s next issue on July 27. Fans of Tomofuji’s lush fantasy storytelling and character-driven drama have plenty to be excited about: the new series grew out of a one-shot published earlier in the year and promises more of the emotional stakes and worldbuilding Tomofuji does so well.
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Announcement: Kimi o Norowaba (If I Curse You) Set to Serialize
The June 1 issue of Hana to Yume confirmed that Kimi o Norowaba — translated as If I Curse You — will begin full serialization in the magazine’s issue dated July 27. The project first appeared as a one-shot in Hana to Yume in January, and its positive reception appears to have paved the way for a serialized run. For readers who follow seasonal magazine announcements, this news positions Kimi o Norowaba as one of the notable new titles to watch in the upcoming magazine cycle.
One-Shot Origins and What That Means
Many long-running series begin life as a one-shot: a self-contained chapter used to test reader response and editorial interest. Tomofuji’s one-shot for Kimi o Norowaba was published earlier in Hana to Yume, and the decision to expand it into a serialized story indicates strong fan and editorial support. Expect the serialized version to expand on the one-shot’s concepts — deeper character development, extended worldbuilding, and new plot threads designed for long-form storytelling.
About the Creator: Yu Tomofuji
Yu Tomofuji rose to wide recognition with Niehime to Kemono no Ō (Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts), which launched in Hana to Yume in 2015 and concluded in October 2020. The series collected into 15 tankōbon volumes, with the final volume shipping in January 2021. Across print and digital editions, the franchise reached roughly 2.1 million copies in circulation — a clear indicator of Tomofuji’s appeal to romance-and-fantasy readers.
Adaptations and Spin-offs
Sacrificial Princess expanded beyond its manga run: an anime adaptation aired in two cours (the first in April 2023 and the second in July 2023), with streaming outside Asia handled by Crunchyroll. The franchise later inspired a stage play adaptation in 2024, and a spinoff manga titled White Rabbit and the Prince of Beasts (Shiro Usagi to Kemono no Ōji) serialized in Hana to Yume from August 2022 until 2024. English-language releases of the main series and the spinoff have been published by Yen Press.
What Fans Can Expect from Kimi o Norowaba
While details about plot and main characters remain limited pending the first serialized chapter, readers can reasonably expect hallmark elements of Tomofuji’s work: emotionally resonant relationships, visually striking character designs, and fantasy settings that mix folklore motifs with courtly intrigue. Since the series evolved from a one-shot, the serialized version will likely expand the core premise with new characters, conflicts, and longer narrative arcs designed to sustain serialization in Hana to Yume.
Tone, Themes, and Visual Style
Tomofuji’s previous work balanced romantic drama with political tension; Kimi o Norowaba may well continue in that vein. Expect delicate emotional beats alongside moments of suspense or moral complexity. Tomofuji’s art typically emphasizes expressive faces and detailed costumes, which should be a draw for readers who prioritize both narrative and aesthetics.
Release Details and Where to Read
The magazine notice places the series start in the Hana to Yume issue on July 27. International readers who follow serialized manga in English should keep an eye on official licensing announcements — publishers like Yen Press have handled Tomofuji’s previous works, and simulpub or licensed localizations may follow depending on demand. For streaming of related anime projects, Crunchyroll handled the TV adaptation of Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts outside Asia, and official distributor pages are the best place to verify availability. Crunchyroll is typically the streaming home for many licensed anime adaptations.
Why This Matters: Tomofuji’s Track Record
Tomofuji’s track record — a 2015–2020 run that produced 15 volumes and millions of copies in circulation, followed by an anime adaptation and stage play — makes any new serialization noteworthy. Kimi o Norowaba represents both a chance to see how the author’s storytelling evolves and an opportunity for fans to enjoy a fresh fantasy romance with the potential to expand into adaptations and spin-offs if it resonates with readers.
Community and Collector Considerations
Collectors and long-time fans should watch for early announcements about tankōbon releases and English licensing (if you follow Yen Press’ releases, they previously published Tomofuji’s final volume in April 2022). Early chapters and first-volume releases often contain bonus content — including author notes or extras — that make first editions especially desirable.
Further Reading
For the original announcement and the artist’s own post about the one-shot, see Tomofuji’s original post on X/Twitter. Yu Tomofuji’s X/Twitter announcement.
Final thoughts
Kimi o Norowaba (If I Curse You) is shaping up to be one of the more promising new titles to debut in Hana to Yume’s upcoming issue. With Yu Tomofuji at the helm — an author with a proven ability to craft emotionally driven fantasy romance — readers should expect a carefully paced, beautifully illustrated series that expands on a one-shot concept into a longer narrative. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Sacrificial Princess or newly curious about Tomofuji’s work, mark July 27 on your calendar and prepare for a new entry in contemporary fantasy romance manga.
