#Yuriko Publishing

[angela-yuriko-smith]

My First Short Story Workshop Taking Sign Ups

See your work published in the upcoming Rising Voices anthology!

You know the short story workshop I’ve been talking about doing for awhile? It’s finally ready… and one of my former (and earliest) students has offered a generous scholarship! Here are the details: Limited availability (15 students) – Class begins on August 1 Join me for a generative workshop on short fiction. This 12-week course will guide you from writing your first draft to seeing your…

[thaoworra]

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association recently released the poems that made it to the finalist stage for consideration for the 2024 Rhysling Awards for Short and Long Speculative Poems of the year. Congratulations to all of the nominees! This will be the 46th year these awards have been conferred!

Short Poems (50 finalists)

Attn: Prime Real Estate Opportunity!, Emily Ruth Verona, Under Her Eye: A Women in Horror Poetry Collection Volume II

The Beauty of Monsters, Angela Liu, Small Wonders 1

The Blight of Kezia, Patricia Gomes, HWA Poetry Showcase X

The Day We All Died, A Little, Lisa Timpf, Radon 5

Deadweight, Jack Cooper, Propel 7

Dear Mars, Susan L. Lin, The Sprawl Mag 1.2

Dispatches from the Dragon's Den, Mary Soon Lee, Star*Line 46.2

Dr. Jekyll, West Ambrose, Thin Veil Press December

First Eclipse: Chang-O and the Jade Hare, Emily Jiang, Uncanny 53

Five of Cups Considers Forgiveness, Ali Trotta, The Deadlands 31

Gods of the Garden, Steven Withrow, Spectral Realms 19

The Goth Girls' Gun Gang, Marisca Pichette, The Dread Machine 3.2

Guiding Star, Tim Jones, Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa, ed. Lee Murray (Clan Destine Press)

Hallucinations Gifted to Me by Heatstroke, Morgan L. Ventura, Banshee 15

hemiplegic migraine as willing human sacrifice, Ennis Rook Bashe, Eternal Haunted Summer Winter Solstice

Hi! I am your Cortical Update!, Mahaila Smith, Star*Line 46.3

How to Make the Animal Perfect?, Linda D. Addison, Weird Tales 100

I Dreamt They Cast a Trans Girl to Give Birth to the Demon, Jennessa Hester, HAD October

Invasive, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, Polar Starlight 9

kan-da-ka, Nadaa Hussein, Apparition Lit 23

Language as a Form of Breath, Angel Leal, Apparition Lit October

The Lantern of September, Scott Couturier, Spectral Realms 19

Let Us Dream, Myna Chang, Small Wonders 3

The Magician's Foundling, Angel Leal, Heartlines Spec 2

The Man with the Stone Flute, Joshua St. Claire, Abyss & Apex 87

Mass-Market Affair, Casey Aimer, Star*Line 46.4

Mom's Surprise, Francis W. Alexander, Tales from the Moonlit Path June

A Murder of Crows, Alicia Hilton, Ice Queen 11

No One Now Remembers, Geoffrey Landis, Fantasy and Science Fiction Nov./Dec.

orion conquers the sky, Maria Zoccula, On Spec 33.2

Pines in the Wind, Karen Greenbaum-Maya, The Beautiful Leaves (Bamboo Dart Press)

The Poet Responds to an Invitation from the AI on the Moon, T.D. Walker, Radon Journal 5

A Prayer for the Surviving, Marisca Pichette, Haven Speculative 9

Pre-Nuptial, F. J. Bergmann, The Vampiricon (Mind's Eye Publications)

The Problem of Pain, Anna Cates, Eye on the Telescope 49

The Return of the Sauceress, F. J. Bergmann, The Flying Saucer Poetry Review February

Sea Change, David C. Kopaska-Merkel and Ann K. Schwader, Scifaikuest May

Seed of Power, Linda D. Addison, The Book of Witches ed. Jonathan Strahan (Harper Collins)

Sleeping Beauties, Carina Bissett, HWA Poetry Showcase X

Solar Punks, J. D. Harlock, The Dread Machine 3.1

Song of the Last Hour, Samuel A. Betiku, The Deadlands 22

Sphinx, Mary Soon Lee, Asimov's September/October

Storm Watchers (a drabbun), Terrie Leigh Relf, Space & Time

Sunflower Astronaut, Charlie Espinosa, Strange Horizons July

Three Hearts as One, G. O. Clark, Asimov's May/June

Troy, Carolyn Clink, Polar Starlight 12

Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary, John Grey, Medusa's Kitchen September

Under World, Jacqueline West, Carmina Magazine September

Walking in the Starry World, John Philip Johnson, Orion's Belt May

Whispers in Ink, Angela Yuriko Smith, Whispers from Beyond (Crystal Lake Publishing)

Long Poems (25 finalists)

Archivist of a Lost World, Gerri Leen, Eccentric Orbits 4

As the witch burns, Marisca Pichette, Fantasy 87

Brigid the Poet, Adele Gardner, Eternal Haunted Summer Summer Solstice

Coding a Demi-griot (An Olivian Measure), Armoni “Monihymn” Boone, Fiyah 26

Cradling Fish, Laura Ma, Strange Horizons May

Dream Visions, Melissa Ridley Elmes, Eccentric Orbits 4

Eight Dwarfs on Planet X, Avra Margariti, Radon Journal 3

The Giants of Kandahar, Anna Cates, Abyss & Apex 88

How to Haunt a Northern Lake, Lora Gray, Uncanny 55

Impostor Syndrome, Robert Borski, Dreams and Nightmares 124

The Incessant Rain, Rhiannon Owens, Evermore 3

Interrogation About A Monster During Sleep Paralysis, Angela Liu, Strange Horizons November

Little Brown Changeling, Lauren Scharhag, Aphelion 283

A Mere Million Miles from Earth, John C. Mannone, Altered Reality April

Pilot, Akua Lezli Hope, Black Joy Unbound eds. Stephanie Andrea Allen & Lauren Cherelle (BLF Press)

Protocol, Jamie Simpher, Small Wonders 5

Sleep Dragon, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

Slow Dreaming, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

St. Sebastian Goes To Confession, West Ambrose, Mouthfeel 1

Value Measure, Joseph Halden and Rhonda Parrish, Dreams and Nightmares 125

A Weather of My Own Making, Nnadi Samuel, Silver Blade 56

Welcoming the New Girl, Beth Cato, Penumbric October

What You Find at the Center, Elizabeth R McClellan, Haven Spec Magazine 12

The Witch Makes Her To-Do List, Theodora Goss, Uncanny 50

The Year It Changed, David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Star*Line 46.4

Voting for the Rhysling Award begins July 1; a link to the ballot will be sent with the Rhysling Anthology, as well as with the July issue of Star*Line. More information on the Rhysling Award can be found here.

[dykerory]

2025 Book Bingo!!

My dearest @batmanisagatewaydrug issued this challenge and here I am listing the books I intend to read in 2025! Under a read more because I'm not a monster

Literary Fiction: Our Share of Night (2019) by Mariana Enríquez, trans. Megan McDowell

Short Story Collection: Alien Sex: 19 Tales by the Masters of Science Fiction and Dark Fantasy (1990), edited by Ellen Datlow

A Sequel: Don’t Fear The Reaper (2023) by Stephen Graham Jones

Childhood Favorite: When You Reach Me (2009) by Rebecca Stead

20th Century Speculative Fiction: The Time of the Ghost (1981) by Diana Wynne Jones

Fantasy: To Shape a Dragon’s Breath (2023) by Moniquill Blackgoose

Published Before 1950: Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Brontë

Independent Publisher: Creatures of Passage (2022) by Morowa Yejidé, published by Akashic Books

Graphic Novel/Comic Book/Manga: Something is Killing the Children Book One (2021), by James Tynion IV, art by Werther Dell’Edera

Animal on the Cover: Coyote Rage (2019) by Owl Goingback

Set in a Country You Have Never Visited: Let the Right One In (2004) by John Ajvide Lindqvist, trans. Ebba Segerberg

Science Fiction: Finna (2020) by Nino Cipri

2025 Debut Author: Needy Little Things (2025) by Channelle Desamours

Memoir: Camgirl (2019) by Isa Mazzei

Read a Zine, Make a Zine: Leaving this one blank for now! If anyone has any zine recommendations I'd love to hear them!

Essay Collection: Unquiet Spirits: Essays by Asian Women in Horror (2023), edited by Lee Murray and Angela Yuriko Smith

2024 Award Winner: Linghun (2023) by Ai Jiang, winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Long Fiction

Nonfiction: Learn Something New: Abominable Science! Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and Other Famous Cryptids (2012) by Daniel Loxton and Donald Prothero

Social Justice & Activism: Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia (2019) by Sabrina Strings

Romance Novel: Such Sharp Teeth (2022) By Rachel Harrison

Read and Make a Recipe: The Sopranos Family Cookbook: As Compiled by Artie Bucco (2002), by Allen Rucker, David Chase, and Michele Scicolone

Horror: SOUR CANDY (2015) by Kealan Patrick Burke

Published in the Aughts: Abandon (2009) by Blake Crouch

Historical Fiction: The Hacienda (2022) by Isabel Cañas

Bookseller or Librarian Recommendation: Leaving this one blank for now as well! If any booksellers or librarians want to recommend me a book so I don't have to talk to someone in real life. I'd love that.

[yuriko-mukami]

Book Mail ♡

Yesterday, I ran into OC hate, which makes today an even better day to post this amazing thing I just received. Such a great reminder that we all should do what makes us happy if we aren't hurting anyone.

And creating Yuriko’s story makes me happy. I love writing this story and sharing it with others. Surely, it's not for everyone, but that's okay. As long as I enjoy doing this, I'll keep writing and publishing. For me and for people who also love OC stories.

So, new chapters of Her Calamity will be out on Saturdays until I'm done with Maniac. After that, I'll release the free ebook version, if you would rather have that. It's a digital copy of this physical one I ordered for myself.

[lgbtqmanga]

New Releases June 18, 2024

Adachi and Shimamura (manga) vol. 5 by Hitoma Iruma and Moke Yuzuhara

Summer vacation is here! This is the perfect chance to get closer to Shimamura…or so Adachi thought. While part-timing at a food stall at the summer festival, she sees Shimamura happily strolling around with an unfamiliar girl. Has a new rival appeared?! 

Assorted Entanglements (manga) vol. 5 by Mikanuji

Kujo carries the weight of a friendship broken apart by unrequited feelings… Heke and Lala are afraid of their relationship changing, and neither wants to take the first step forward… Minami cries out in her sleep that she doesn’t have a place where she belongs, and Shizuku worries for her… The past makes each recall that to be together, to have a place where they are not alone, isn’t something to be taken for granted—so they must treasure the loves they have built. 

Chasing Spica (manga) vol. 1 by Chihiro Orihi

Nekozuka Serina isn’t satisfied. Even though she’s fashionable, popular, and smart to boot, she’s always found herself gnawing at the heels of the cold and condescending public morals officer Tachibana Reiko. With them now in their third year and a scholarship on the line, Serina must finally defeat Reiko and get the highest exam results in their grade. It’s easier said than done! That is until Serina snaps a photo of Reiko visiting a love hotel late at night with an unknown woman and hatches a plan…

Cheerful Amnesia (manga) vol. 3 by Tamamushi Oku

The loss of Arisa’s memories has still has her girlfriend Mari worried, but Arisa herself is cheerfully enjoying their lovey-dovey days together. That said, there are certain things couples do together—things Arisa no longer has any experience with. Can she step up to the plate and give Mari what she wants?!

Cover My Scars With Your Kiss (manga) vol. 2 by Io Amaki

Seiichi Kurusu and Nao Seto are officially dating and living together.

Even though they share a home now, their busy jobs have made it difficult for them to spend time together. When Seiichi reveals that his father has been trying to set him up with marriage interviews, Nao realizes that he doesn't want to let Seiichi go. With Seiichi's position as the eldest son set to inherit his father's company, will they be able stay together forever?

I Want to Be a Wall (manga) vol. 3 by Honami Shirono

*Final volume*

Gaku and Yuriko prepare to face the final hurdle of their newlywed life—meeting Gaku’s grandmother! But as they do, the pair are forced to consider exactly what kind of relationship they want to have and what kind of life they want to build together…

Love is an Illusion (manhwa) vol. 6 by Fargo

When Hye-sung’s name and photo are published in the news, neither he nor Dojin expect that it will bring long-lost relatives into their lives. Even though it’s been years since Hye-sung spoke to his parents, he’s forced to confront the hard truths of his troubled past. In the face of such trauma, can he endure for Dojin and Byul’s sake? Or is the terrified omega about to make another daring escape? Meanwhile, all Hye-sung and Dojin’s friends are settling down. Find out what’s ahead for the beta couples in the latest volume of the hit Boys’ Love webtoon!

Mitsuka (manga) vol. 3 by akabeko

Leo is host at a nightclub, and he always thought he had no interest in men — until he slept with Takahiro, a sex worker who introduced him to pleasures he'd never felt before. Now, sex with women doesn’t satisfy him, and after begging Takahiro to sleep with him again, they agree to a “friends with benefits” arrangement.

But just when Leo thinks he may be falling in love, one of his best customers asks him to sleep with her. Takahiro catches him in the act, and things take a dark turn…

The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter (novel) vol. 2 by Yatsuki Wakatsu

After getting accidentally summoned to another world, former office worker Seiichiro ends up becoming extremely close with the handsome knight commander Aresh—although what exactly that means remains ambiguous, even after they begin living together. Just as that’s happening, Seiichiro meets a priest who reminds him a bit of Aresh. When Aresh returns from his latest expedition, will he find a rival waiting for him?

Pandora in the Crimson Shell: Ghost Urn (manga) vol. 18 by Masamune Shirow and Rikudou Koushi

Now that the Bydo virus has been removed from Phobos’s system—and with it, Labrys’s brainwashing—Phobos faces Clarion again to try and regain the peaceful life she once had. Meanwhile, Poseidon’s evil tendrils are creeping closer and closer to the Korobase estate!

Senpai, This Can’t Be Love! (manga) by Shinta Harekawa

Friendly, confident, amazing at his job…All words applicable to veteran CG designer Yanase who was asked to teach the hardworking new hire, Kaneda, the ropes! Although excited about the prospect, he begins to lose heart in the face of Kaneda’s frosty indifference. However, on the inside, Kaneda’s been struggling to play it cool whenever Yanase so much as pats him on the back…

Shonen Note: Boy Soprano (manga) vol. 8 by Yuhki Kamatani

The only constant in life is change, and now the entire town of Kawami is forced to accept that reality. After the dismal results of the vote on the industrial waste disposal facility, everyone is lost in a fog of disappointment--Everyone, that is, except for the City Opera. As the saying goes, the show must go on, and the City Opera troupe hopes to lift the town's spirits with music. But will Yutaka be able to recover from Midori's shocking confession that his singing scares her…? After a long journey of self-discovery, Yutaka finally came to terms with who he was--as a boy, a singer, and a boy soprano. But now facing Midori’s words, will he gather the strength to press onward, or will all his growth come crashing down in a chaotic crescendo?

There's No Freaking Way I'll Be Your Lover! Unless… (manga) vol. 5 by Teren Mikami and Musshu

Sena Ajisai, the angel of the school, always seems to Renako like she has everything together. But this illusion is shattered during a Mai-sanctioned visit to Ajisai’s house where Renako witnesses her normally sweet-natured friend get into a fight with her family. Later, when Ajisai declares over the phone that she’s running away from home, it’s up to Renako to keep her friend from doing something she’ll regret!

This Monster Wants to Eat Me (manga) vol. 1 by Sai Naekawa

“I’ve come to eat you.” So softly utters the mermaid Shiori, as she emerges from the sea and takes high school girl Hinako by the hand. Hinako lives alone in a town by the sea, and possesses an unusually delicious body that is irresistible to nearby monsters. To ensure that she matures to the best condition, Shiori seeks to protect Hinako—all so that someday, she can devour every piece of her. What will become of Hinako’s feelings as this looming unjust death closes in on her…?

The Witches' Marriage (manga) vol. 3 by studio HEADLINE

Though the original purpose of her marriage was to open the doors of truth and reunite with her mistress, the cold and beautiful witch Melissa finds herself more and more drawn to the kindness of her partner and apprentice, Tanya. After surpassing various challenges in The WMC (Witches’ Marriage College) together, Melissa and Tanya finally reach the last trial, but then…

[satoshi-mochida]

SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky launches October 23 in the west - Gematsu

Romance visual novel SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky will launch for PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam on October 23 in the west, publisher PQube and developer MAGES. announced.

SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky is the latest entry in the long-running Memories Off series, and first launched for PlayStation 4 and Switch on September 16, 2021 in Japan and Asia, followed by PC on December 16, 2021.

Here is an overview of the game, via PQube:

About

Grieving the death of his brother, Junya is confronted by a mysterious girl who utters the words, “you should have been the one to die.” Plagued by his tragic past, yet surrounded by those that want to help him, Junya begins renovating a traditional Japanese manor house, a task so large he can not tackle it alone. SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky is a successor to the celebrated Memories Off, series. Set 10 years after the Memories Off series and in a modern setting, a familiar coming-of-age visual novel full of growth, love, and healing.

Key Features

Uncover the Mystery – As you rebuild the Hojo manor, uncover the tangled past and the truth behind Junya’s brother’s death and the mysterious girl who blames you.

Branching Routes – Explore different character routes as you foster relationships both old and new, with the five heroines, Chihaya, Hinata, Chunyu, Yuriko, and Azusa.

Character Designs by U35 – Phenomenal artwork from U35, acclaimed character designer, bringing exquisite production values and unique character creations.

A Memorable Story – Scenario writing by Tsukasa Tsuchiya, Hiro Akizuki, Rio Izumi, Decocool, Moe Gungu, and Chiyo Yakaku—whose credits include the likes of Steins;Gate 0, Fate/Zero, and the Atelier series.

Voiced Characters – Fully voiced in Japanese, bringing the characters personalities and interactions to life, allowing you to immerse and experience their raw emotion and heartfelt reactions.

Exceptional Soundtrack – Notable for his work on Steins;Gate, Chaos;Head, and the Memories Off series, Takeshi Abo has produced a moving soundtrack which transform this visual novel into a cinematic experience.

Multiple Character Routes to Explore

Junya Mizumoto, a university student is mourning the loss of his brother from a tragic accident only a year prior, when he encounters a mysterious girl who tells him he should have been the one to die, before disappearing.

Carrying the weight of those terrifying words alongside the memories of his brother, Junya finds himself taking on an unexpected project with his childhood friend, Chihaya Hojo. The Hojo manor, a traditional Japanese house, needs renovating and it’s Junya’s first big job to undertake. But it is a job he cannot undertake alone.

Featuring an Exceptional Soundtrack

SINce Memories brings together breathtaking artistry and incredible production values, along with a stellar soundtrack to create a wonderfully memorable story. While grieving his brother’s death, Junya encounters a vivid cast of characters – each bringing with them their life’s trials and tribulations for you to explore and resolve.

Exquisite Character Design

Build and nurture your relationship with the women in Junya’s life as he works to restore the Hojo manor, and uncover the truth of what happened to his brother, and why that mysterious woman uttered those fateful words.

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer

[putschki1969]

30th Anniversary Yuki Kajiura LIVE Vol. #19 Kaji Fes. 2023

Oh wow! So, there has been no official announcement yet but people have already received their copies of the new FictionJunction album which contains a serial code that would allow you to participate in a ticket lottery (05/08~06/07) for the as of yet unannounced “Kaji Fes. 2023″. There already exists a website which will open today at 20:00 (JST). Apparently, this 2-day event in December  (12/08 & 12/09) will take place at Nippon Budokan which is a pretty big deal! We can expect a huge celebration with a ton of guest vocalists and muscians.

Now it finally makes sense why the upcoming “30th Anniversary Yuki Kajiura LIVE vol.#18 〜The PARADE goes on〜” tour seems kinda lacking in terms of concerts and guest vocalists.

I’ll update this post with more details once they make an official announcement (guess they will publish one later today)

UPDATE:

We’ve got our announcement now with all the details. Look at that lineup!! Hikaru as guest vocalist for DAY 2!! How will I be able to resist???!!

Kaji Fes.2023 Day 1 2023/12/08 OPEN 17:00 / START 18:00 Day 2 2023/12/09 OPEN 16:00 / START 17:00 The program for each day will be different, there will be no overlap in terms of setlist.

Ticket price: ￥9,900 Yuki Kajiura／FictionJunction（Piano/Chorus） Vocal：KAORI・KEIKO・YURIKO KAIDA・Joelle / rito・LINO LEIA 【Guest】 DAY1: Revo(Sound Horizon) / Aimer / Yuri Kasahara / Remi DAY2: Eri Itō / Aira Yūki / Tomaru Hanae / Hikaru / JUNNA / ASCA

FC Advanced Lottery ■Application period：4/24 15:00 ～ 5/7 23:59 ■URL： https://fictionjunctionstation.com/contents/ticket ■Fan club members can apply for a special 2-Day ticket ￥19,300 ■1 application per performance is possible ■Up to 4 tickets per member ■It is possible to buy tickets for non-members

「PARADE」CD Serial Code Advanced Lottery ■ Application period： 5/8 12:00～6/7 23:59

General sale ■2023/10/21 10:00 ~

[ruki-mukami-dl]

"Ruki, look, look! I found all these Insta accounts that publish pics of lunchboxes!"

"Would you like to go through them with me? Maybe we could find inspiration for our next lunches~"

Ruki was standing in the kitchen and tried to make an octopus out of small sausage when Yuriko suddenly rushed in.

"Why so excited? Did something happen?"

After hearing Yuriko's words, he put the knife aside and looked at her phone.

"Lots of accounts... I had no idea..."

Attentively, the vampire gazed at the phone screen.

"All these lunchboxes look good."

Smiling, he nodded.

"Yes, I would like to go through them with you. Perhaps we can find something suitable for us."

Before Yuriko could react, Ruki was already holding her phone in his hands and started scrolling. Without taking his eyes off the screen, Ruki pulled Yuriko closer.

"Let us see if we can find a lunchbox with a tiny octopus."

[cutelih]

🎶✨When you get this, you have to put 5 songs you actually listen to, publish, then send this ask/tag 10 of your favorite followers  🎶✨

Tagged by @dryams03 and @yuriko-tsukino-rp

Tagging @mukami-kuron-mrsadisticcat @fruit-of-infidelity @wintermoonwritings and whoever wants to do it!

[yuriko-mukami]

Yuriko

closeted romance novellist

the homoeroticism was just too much... you spent your days writing passionate love letters to your "close friend" and publishing novels under a pseudonym for mere pennies. you probably ended up killing yourself in a melodramatic fashion, with poison or a dagger or something. in this life, you have a way with words and are an expert at pining and yearning. you might be a water sign, or else just very good at crying in the shower.

"Umh... I'm not admitting anything!"

But I tag @elizabeth-virnien @nalia-wagner-rp @minestracalda @lured-into-wonderland @kissstampfield

take my quiz and find out who you really were in a past life!

[angela-yuriko-smith]

“The Gates of Katharion” by Maxwell I. Gold

Please welcome Maxwell I. Gold into the Poetry Spotlight reading “The Gates of Katharion” originally published in Weird Tales Magazine #366, Sword and Sorcery Issue.

Iron mouths smiled with teeth of rust and blood,while Katharion waited,with hinges so black and doomful.On amethystine nights, there collecteda mass of death and pride as the armies of tomorrowrotted and decayed on fields of someday.Old bones, so gray and dusty,withered under shadows aghast,expelled from garish, crooked towers,while Katharion waited;where cities fell, banners wilted in the…

[elen-000]

Ore Monogatari!! (俺物語!!): The original Japanese title, which translates directly to "My Story!

My Love Story!! (Japanese: 俺物語!!, Hepburn: Ore Monogatari!!, lit. "My Story!!") is a Japanese romantic comedy manga series created by Kazune Kawahara and illustrated by Aruko. Serialized in Shueisha's Bessatsu Margaret from October 2011 to July 2016, this charming series has captured hearts with its unique love story. Viz Media brought it to English-speaking audiences, further cementing its popularity. The tale revolves around the lovable but awkward giant, Takeo Gōda, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he defends Rinko Yamato from a groper on the train.

Plot

The series chronicles the life of Takeo Gōda, a towering high school student whose intimidating presence often scares off potential romantic interests. Instead, girls tend to fall for his handsome best friend, Makoto Sunakawa. However, everything changes when Takeo rescues the shy and petite Rinko Yamato. Despite Takeo's self-deprecating belief that Rinko would fall for Makoto, she genuinely falls for him, sparking a heartwarming and comedic love story.

Main Characters

Takeo Gōda (剛田 猛男, Gōda Takeo)

Voiced by: Takuya Eguchi (Japanese), Andrew Love (English)

Actor: Ryohei Suzuki

Takeo is the gentle giant of the story, known for his enormous size and kind heart. Though initially worried that Rinko might prefer his friend Makoto, Takeo's genuine nature wins her over. His story is one of selfless love and commitment, highlighted by his supportive actions and eventual proposal to Rinko.

Rinko Yamato (大和 凛子, Yamato Rinko)

Voiced by: Megumi Han (Japanese), Tia Ballard (English)

Actor: Mei Nagano

Rinko is a sweet and determined girl who falls for Takeo after he saves her. Despite her initial shyness and Takeo's daunting appearance, she admires his strength and kindness. Rinko's journey involves overcoming personal and emotional challenges, including dealing with a move to Spain and her subsequent return to continue her life with Takeo.

Makoto Sunakawa (砂川 誠, Sunakawa Makoto)

Voiced by: Nobunaga Shimazaki (Japanese), Austin Tindle (English)

Actor: Kentaro Sakaguchi

Makoto is Takeo's level-headed and handsome best friend. Despite his charm attracting many girls, he values his friendship with Takeo above all. Makoto's role is crucial as he supports Takeo and helps navigate the ups and downs of his relationship with Rinko.

Supporting Characters

Ai Sunakawa (砂川 愛, Sunakawa Ai)

Voiced by: Kikuko Inoue (Japanese), Carli Mosier (English)

Makoto’s older sister who has quietly admired Takeo since childhood.

Yuriko Gōda (剛田 ゆり子, Gōda Yuriko)

Voiced by: Kazuyo Aoki (Japanese), Marcy Bannor (English)

Takeo’s devoted mother, who raised him with strength and love.

Yutaka Gōda (剛田 豊, Gōda Yutaka)

Voiced by: Tesshô Genda (Japanese), Josh Morrison (English)

Takeo’s father, known for his good looks and protective nature towards his family.

Media Adaptations

Manga

The manga began as a special in Bessatsu Margaret Sister on October 13, 2011, and was serialized until July 13, 2016. The series was compiled into thirteen volumes, with the final volume released on September 23, 2016. Viz Media has published the series in English, starting from July 1, 2014.

Anime

An anime adaptation by Madhouse aired from April to September 2015, capturing the essence of the manga’s humor and romance.

Live-Action Film

A live-action film adaptation was released in October 2015, bringing the beloved characters to the big screen.

Special Chapters

Additional chapters were released as side stories in Bessatsu Margaret, including a special crossover with Io Sakisaka’s Blue Spring Ride in July 2013.

My Love Story!! remains a beloved series for its heartwarming story, endearing characters, and the humorous yet touching portrayal of love and friendship.

[yuriko-mukami]

Ruki's version here. While publishing the last part of His Possession is still in process, my focus has moved on Her Calamity... Even though Yui's uniform didn't change for Dark Fate, I decided to make this change in my story. Because it is another timeline anyway, bigger changes than clothes will occur, so... It's going to take a while before I'm ready to publish Her Calamity: Dark, but I'm already excited about it. But I have written only about 10,000 words of it so far which means there is still a long way to go. But at least Yuriko's uniform is ready... even though she doesn't wear it before Maniac...🤭 That's if everything goes according to my plans. Since everything is a work in progress, changes might occur.

[molocreates]

Happy Publication Day! My translation of Isis Aquino's story "The Train" is out in 'Extrasensory Overload: An anthology of Speculative Excess' from Angry Gable Press! This is my 2nd published collaboration with Isis, and my 1st time sharing a TOC with so many writing buddies! :D

[satoshi-mochida]

SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky coming west for PS4, Switch, and PC

From Gematsu

PQube will release MAGES.-developed romance visual novel SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky for PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam in the west, the publisher announced. Release timing was not announced, but Amazon lists a September 24 release date.

SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky is the latest entry in the long-running Memories Off series, and first launched for PlayStation 4 and Switch on September 16, 2021 in Japan and Asia, followed by PC on December 16, 2021.

Here is an overview of the game, via PQube:

About

Grieving the death of his brother, Junya is confronted by a mysterious girl who utters the words, “you should have been the one to die.” Plagued by his tragic past, yet surrounded by those that want to help him, Junya begins renovating a traditional Japanese manor house, a task so large he can not tackle it alone. SINce Memories: Off the Starry Sky is a successor to the celebrated Memories Off, series. Set 10 years after the Memories Off series and in a modern setting, a familiar coming-of-age visual novel full of growth, love, and healing.

Key Features

Uncover the Mystery – As you rebuild the Hojo manor, uncover the tangled past and the truth behind Junya’s brother’s death and the mysterious girl who blames you.

Branching Routes – Explore different character routes as you foster relationships both old and new, with the five heroines, Chihaya, Hinata, Chunyu, Yuriko, and Azusa.

Character Designs by U35 – Phenomenal artwork from U35, acclaimed character designer, bringing exquisite production values and unique character creations.

A Memorable Story – Scenario writing by Tsukasa Tsuchiya, Hiro Akizuki, Rio Izumi, Decocool, Moe Gungu, and Chiyo Yakaku—whose credits include the likes of Steins;Gate 0, Fate/Zero, and the Atelier series.

Voiced Characters – Fully voiced in Japanese, bringing the characters personalities and interactions to life, allowing you to immerse and experience their raw emotion and heartfelt reactions.

Exceptional Soundtrack – Notable for his work on Steins;Gate, Chaos;Head, and the Memories Off series, Takeshi Abo has produced a moving soundtrack which transform this visual novel into a cinematic experience.

Multiple Character Routes to Explore

Junya Mizumoto, a university student is mourning the loss of his brother from a tragic accident only a year prior, when he encounters a mysterious girl who tells him he should have been the one to die, before disappearing. Carrying the weight of those terrifying words alongside the memories of his brother, Junya finds himself taking on an unexpected project with his childhood friend, Chihaya Hojo. The Hojo manor, a traditional Japanese house, needs renovating and it’s Junya’s first big job to undertake. But it is a job he cannot undertake alone.

Featuring an Exceptional Soundtrack

SINce Memories brings together breathtaking artistry and incredible production values, along with a stellar soundtrack to create a wonderfully memorable story. While grieving his brother’s death, Junya encounters a vivid cast of characters – each bringing with them their life’s trials and tribulations for you to explore and resolve.

Exquisite Character Design

Build and nurture your relationship with the women in Junya’s life as he works to restore the Hojo manor, and uncover the truth of what happened to his brother, and why that mysterious woman uttered those fateful words.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

[putschki1969]

「KEIKO Billboard Live 2023 “CUTLERY” K009～012」 Comment Video

Check out this short but lovely comment video from KEIKO promoting her upcoming Billboard Live in Yokohama.

Yuki Kajiura and FictionJunction to perform “Homura” at The Anime Awards

During the 「Crunchyroll・Anime Awards 2023」, which are scheduled to take place on March 4, Yuki Kajiura and her regular FictionJunction members (KAORI, KEIKO, YURIKO, Joelle) will be doing a special performance of “Kimetsu no Yaiba”‘s popular theme song “Homura”. The event will be streamed on Crunchyroll's YouTube and Twitch Channels, and on crunchyroll.com/animeawards. Can’t make the livestream? The Anime Awards will be published on Crunchyroll to enjoy later on.

Date: March 4, 2023 at 18:30  (JST) Fans can take part in the voting process!

Note: Oh wow! Super excited for this! I really love “Homura” so I can’t wait to hear FictionJunction’s cover version. I’m sure it will be epic!