Today, digital manga platform emaqi is kicking off its spring lineup with three new manga releases, including the first-ever official English translation of The Gene of AI.
New Titles
- The Gene of AI by Kyuri Yamada
- Izakaya of Extinct Animals by Kuromaru
- A Witch’s Journal to Otherworldly Parenting: Raising Familiars and Fluffy Magical Creatures by Mokuhachi
This slate brings together three distinct stories that explore what it truly means to be human, even when the characters themselves are not. Through extraordinary beings, each title reflects deeply human emotions and struggles: from a thought-provoking sci-fi drama about the treatment of humanoids, to an otherworldly izakaya where extinct creatures unwind after long days, and finally a lighthearted yet relatable fantasy about a hard-working witch navigating sudden motherhood.
Izakaya of Extinct Animals (R13)
- Author: Kuromaru
- Publisher: SHONENGAHOSHA CO., LTD.
- Genres: Seinen, Drama, Nature, Food
- Release Date: April 24, 2026
Official Synopsis: As night falls, the bar’s lights gently flicker to life… Weary from their daily work and lives, customers seeking solace and drinks to wash away their fatigue gather at the establishment of a beautiful and kind-hearted Mama-san. But these patrons are all—believe it or not—extinct creatures!? Kuromaru presents an unprecedented tale: the shocking grand opening of the Izakaya of Extinct Animals!
Team Comment: There’s a special kind of freedom unique to manga in the way it can bring to life an imagined world like this—where creatures from the Cambrian period gather in an izakaya, sharing drinks and lively chatter.
Though their forms are nothing like our own, there are moments as you read when you catch yourself thinking, “I get that… that might be me.” These are creatures we can no longer meet, yet the more you read, the more endearing they become—a work that gently draws you closer to them with every page.
The Gene of AI (R16)
- Author: KYURI YAMADA
- Publisher: AKITASHOTEN Co., Ltd.
- Genres: Seinen, Sci-fi, Drama, Medical
- Release Date: May 1, 2026
Official Synopsis: Humanity’s dream and the crystallization of technology: Humanoids. Just like humans, they can fall “ill,” but they have different options for “treatment.” A new doctor, Sudo, dedicated to helping these troubled A.I.s, takes the stage! A humanoid medical story of the near future!
Team Comment: Since the days of Astro Boy, stories in Japan have repeatedly explored the question of “what it means to be human” through the lens of robots. In the era when Astro Boy was first depicted, artificial intelligence stood as a symbol of future technology. Today, however, it has become something familiar to everyone—and perhaps, as a result, these questions feel closer to us than ever before.
Where does the mind reside? What proves that you are truly yourself? For those who find themselves drawn to such unanswerable questions, this is a work we wholeheartedly recommend you pick up.
A Witch’s Journal to Otherworldly Parenting: Raising Familiars and Fluffy Magical Creatures (G)
- Author: Mokuhachi
- Publisher: SHONENGAHOSHA CO., LTD.
- Genres: Josei, Slice of Life, Fantasy
- Release Date: May 15, 2026
Official Synopsis: Senobia, a witch striving to surpass her father as a magical scholar, intended to conjure a sheep familiar; however, an ingredient mishap involving her own hair results in the accidental creation of a human child. Already balancing a hectic schedule as a part-time lecturer and researcher, Senobia now faces her toughest assignment yet: motherhood! It’s a fantasy featuring a career-driven witch and the trials of parenting!
Team Comment: This is a story we hope every adult struggling to balance parenting and their career will pick up. By placing child-rearing alongside the study of magic, the fantasy setting keeps things from feeling too heavy, while still offering plenty of moments that make you want to say, “I know exactly how that feels.”
The challenges of working while raising a child are surely not unique to Japan. As you follow the witch’s tireless efforts and the child’s irresistible charm, you’ll find yourself smiling—and feeling just a little more ready to take on another day.
In addition to the above titles, emaqi is also releasing two new volumes for ongoing series.
Parallel Leap Syndrome, Volume 2
- Publisher: SHONENGAHOSHA CO., LTD.
- Author: Nobuyuki Takahashi
Official synopsis: Yumejiro’s childhood sweetheart, Haruko, is marrying a handsome stranger! Even with their destined romance ended, Yumejiro refuses to give up and repeatedly travels between parallel worlds in an attempt to achieve a happy ending with Haruko. Meanwhile, Satoimo, who has a complex relationship with Yumejiro, chases after him to try and confirm their feelings for each other?! This is a rom-com set in parallel universes, following a hopeless romantic as he chases after his first love!
The Morning After, Volume 10
- Publisher: SHONENGAHOSHA CO., LTD.
- Author: Kenichi Okuyama
Official synopsis: Glass noodle soup, crepes, and pickled plum ochazuke. Simple breakfasts shared after a night together are always special. Indulge in delicious morning meals alongside heartwarming and, at times, bittersweet tales of love. A collection of short, appetizing love stories that went viral on SNS!
Source: Press Release
