We mourn the loss of manga creator Majuro Kaname, whose sudden passing in February has left fans and colleagues in shock. Known for their collaborations and a distinct voice in shōnen storytelling, Kaname was actively working on a new project at the time of their death. This post summarizes the news, reviews Kaname’s most notable works and publication history, and reflects on the legacy they leave behind.
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News summary: Majuro Kaname’s passing and unfinished work
The editorial staff of Weekly Shōnen Magazine confirmed that Majuro Kaname died in February. At the time, Kaname had been drafting the 14th chapter of the web manga Doku o Kurawaba Sakura Made (毒を喰らわば桜まで). The family held a private funeral. The announcement was shared publicly by the magazine’s account on X (formerly Twitter). View the original announcement (nofollow).
Majuro Kaname — career highlights
Majuro Kaname built a reputation for character-driven comedy and dramatic moments that resonated with shōnen audiences. Over the years Kaname worked both as a primary creator and in collaborations, most notably with artist Sōsō Sakakibara. Their works combined sharp dialogue, romantic misunderstandings, and a playful approach to genre expectations—qualities that earned them a loyal readership and multiple collected volumes.
Can You Just Die, My Darling? — the series that reached English readers
One of Kaname’s best-known titles in the west is Can You Just Die, My Darling?, co-created with Sōsō Sakakibara. The series debuted in Kodansha’s Shōnen Magazine R in the magazine’s inaugural issue in April 2015 and later moved to Monthly Shonen Magazine in February 2017. Kodansha collected the story into ten volumes; Kodansha USA also released the series digitally in English, bringing Kaname’s voice to a broader international audience.
Doku o Kurawaba Sakura Made — final project and status
Kaname and Ōbata launched Doku o Kurawaba Sakura Made on Kodansha’s Getsu Maga Kichi website in October 2025. According to the announcement, Kaname was working on the draft for chapter 14 when they passed away. As of the editorial notice, the chapter remained unfinished. Readers and industry watchers have naturally begun to wonder how the series will be handled going forward—whether collaborators or the publisher will release Kaname’s draft posthumously, or if the series will be closed out in another way. For now, the announcement is the primary source of official information. Original Getsu Maga Kichi posting (nofollow).
Publication history and notable shifts
Kaname’s publication path demonstrates both traditional and digital-era shifts in manga distribution. After Can You Just Die, My Darling? began in Shōnen Magazine R, its move to Monthly Shonen Magazine reflected a common editorial decision to place ongoing stories where they best fit the publication schedule and readership. In June 2020 the series shifted to digital-only publication, a move many titles made during that period as publishers adjusted to changing reader habits. The series ultimately concluded in January 2021 under the retitled finish Konya wa Tsuki ga Kirei desu ga, Toriaezu Shine -last-.
Impact on readers and the manga community
Kaname’s works were celebrated for striking a balance between humor and heartfelt moments, often depicting awkward but endearing character dynamics. Their collaboration with Sōsō Sakakibara produced some of the most memorable panels in the series they worked on together, and the collected volumes allowed readers outside Japan to discover the work through Kodansha USA’s digital releases.
Fan reaction and tributes
Following the announcement, fans took to social platforms to share favorite scenes, panel scans, and personal reflections on how Kaname’s stories had impacted them. Fellow creators and industry professionals also shared condolences. As with many sudden losses in creative communities, tributes often mix sadness with gratitude—readers appreciate the work left behind even as they mourn the creator.
What the announcement tells us — and what it doesn’t
The Weekly Shōnen Magazine announcement confirmed the basic facts: Kaname’s death in February, their work on chapter 14 of Doku o Kurawaba Sakura Made, and the private funeral held by family. Details such as cause of death, specific dates, or future plans for the unfinished draft were not provided in the initial editorial notice. Given the sensitivity of the situation and the family’s privacy, publishers often reserve fuller details for follow-up statements when appropriate.
Where to read Kaname’s works today
Several of Kaname’s stories remain accessible through official channels. Kodansha’s digital platforms host various titles, and English readers can find select works via Kodansha USA’s storefronts and digital retailers. The Amazon page for the English release of Can You Just Die, My Darling? remains one place to locate collected editions. Buy/preview options (nofollow).
Preserving the creator’s legacy
When a creator passes while a story is ongoing, publishers, collaborators, and fans face difficult decisions about how best to honor both the work and the person. Posthumous releases, memorial editions, or charity-driven reprints are common approaches that can preserve the creator’s voice while respecting the family’s wishes. The manga community has precedent for both completing unfinished projects with care and keeping certain works as they were left, allowing readers to remember the creator’s authentic output.
Final thoughts
Majuro Kaname’s death is a profound loss for manga readers and the colleagues who worked alongside them. From the wry romantic beats of Can You Just Die, My Darling? to their last serialized effort on Getsu Maga Kichi, Kaname left behind storytelling that entertained, surprised, and moved readers. While questions remain about the unfinished draft and future publication decisions, what endures is the body of work and the memories shared by fans. As we await any further official announcements from the publisher or Kaname’s collaborators, the best tribute readers can offer is to (re)read and support the works that captured so many imaginations.
