emaqi, Orange Inc.’s digital manga platform, is excited to announce four new manga titles for December, showcasing a wide range of storytelling — from suspense and true crime to heartwarming slice-of-life and immersive fan experiences. Each story offers a unique take on human emotion, passion, and perspective.
SHAM (R16)
- Manga: Kohei Tajika
- Original work: Masumi Fukuda
- Publisher: SHINCHOSHA Publishing Co., Ltd.
- Genres: Seinen, Drama, Non-fiction
Official Synopsis: A school just like any other in a town just like any other. A teacher just like any other and a mother just like any other. This was supposed to be a normal parent-teacher relationship just like any other… Until that nightmare of a “home visit” happened.
What begins as a “corporal punishment incident” in a quiet town rapidly captures national attention, spiraling into a full-blown trial. With the eyes of the nation watching, the hammer of justice appears ready to strike its decisive blow…
Team comment:
“A suspense story with real weight, based on actual events. Who is the perpetrator and who is the victim? Through shifting perspectives—a storytelling technique unique to manga—the truth of the incident takes on entirely different meanings, drawing you deeper into the story.
This work makes you question not just the featured case, but whether the anger you feel when watching the news is truly your own or something shaped by someone else’s agenda.”
Harigane Serve: Against All Odds (R13)
- Author: TATSUYA ARA
- Publisher: AKITASHOTEN Co., Ltd.
- Genres: Shonen, Sports, Coming-of-age
Official Synopsis: After failing to make the starting lineup in junior high, Kanna Shimodaira enrolls in Toyose Metropolitan High School with dreams of becoming a regular player. His determination is quickly tested when he discovers his three fellow first-years were all Tokyo junior high all-stars. Thus begins an inspiring tale of high school volleyball that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Team comment:
“Non-stop incredible plays that feel like reading an action manga. Even if you don’t know volleyball rules, you’ll get swept up in the story. At its core is finding and sharpening your “unique weapon.”
The story encourages you that teamwork can cover your weaknesses, so after finishing, you’ll want to think about what you should develop in yourself.”
Aoba Bicycle Shop – Season 1: Namikibashi Street（R13）
- Author: GAKU MIYAO
- Publisher: SHONENGAHOSHA CO., LTD.
- Genres: Seinen, Drama, Professional
Official Synopsis: Step into “Aoba Bike Shop,” nestled in a heart-healing town where spinning wheels and spokes create gentle breezes like windmills in motion. A refreshing tonic for the soul – Volume 1 of this heartwarming comic series.
Team comment:
“A heartwarming series you can read with peace of mind. It ranges from touching stories to comedic ones, offering a variety of reading experiences.
This work reminds you how bicycles have always been there during life’s turning points, bringing back that sense of freedom you felt the first day you rode a bike.”
Nanako Yano in the Stands: Take Me Out to the Ball Game(R13)
- Author: TOKIHIKO TAMARU
- Publisher: COAMIX Inc.
- Genres: Seinen, Sports, Slice of Life
Official Synopsis: Yano Nanako, 24, an office worker. No matter how much overtime she has or how many times her coworkers invite her out, there’s one place she can’t help but go after work—the baseball stadium! She laughs and cries with every twist and turn of the game, never taking her eyes off the action—and you won’t be able to take your eyes off her! A solo woman’s full-throttle, all-in baseball-watching chronicle!
Team comment:
“A rare work that focuses on watching baseball rather than playing it. It shows not just game flow but also fan support from the stands and different views from each seat, making it enjoyable even if you’re not familiar with baseball.
The genuine passion for something you love comes through clearly, making you want to cheer wholeheartedly for something yourself. Experience that exciting feeling of heading to the ballpark straight from these pages.”
Source: Press Release
