Shueisha’s Jump J‑Books imprint announced on Wednesday that the original anime Love Through a Prism (also known as Prism Rondo) will be adapted into a two‑volume novel series. Both books are scheduled to ship on December 4, and each will feature newly illustrated cover art designed for the release.
The news was shared via the official Jump‑J Books X/Twitter account, where a short video highlighted the upcoming volumes. A second video posted by Netflix Japan celebrated the collaboration, underscoring the streaming platform’s ongoing support for original anime projects.
Love Through a Prism debuted on Netflix on January 15, 2025, marking the first original anime from the creator of the classic shōjo series Boys Over Flowers. The series was crafted by Yōko Kamio, who provided the original story, character designs, and co‑wrote the scripts alongside Saki Fujii (profile).
Direction was handled by Kazuto Nakazawa, known for his work on Vassalord and the anime B: The Beginning. The series was produced at Wit Studio (company profile), with Yasuko Takahashi serving as one of the chief animation directors and character designer; she also contributed to Fena: Pirate Princess. The musical backdrop was composed by Naoki Chiba (profile).
From Anime to Manga to Novel
Although the story originated as an anime, it quickly inspired a manga adaptation. Maki Minami, the creator behind Special A and Voice Over!: Seiyuu Academy, began serializing the manga on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform and the Manga Mee girls app on January 8, 2025. The manga expands on the anime’s themes of love, identity, and self‑discovery, offering fans an additional medium to explore Kamio’s world.
Now, with the novel adaptation, the franchise completes a rare media triad: anime, manga, and prose. The novels are expected to delve deeper into character backstories and present new scenes that were not possible within the constraints of a 12‑episode series. Readers will also get a fresh visual experience through the bespoke cover illustrations, which were teased in the announcement tweet.
Legacy of Kamio’s Shōjo Mastery
Yōko Kamio’s reputation stems largely from her seminal work Boys Over Flowers, which earned a Guinness World Record in 2023 for the most published copies of a shōjo manga written by a single author. That series has been adapted countless times: a 1995 live‑action film, a wildly popular 2005 TV drama that spawned sequels and a feature film, the Taiwanese remake Meteor Garden, a 2011 Korean live‑action series streamed by Crunchyroll, and recent Chinese and Thai productions. The enduring popularity of Kamio’s original story highlights the significance of Love Through a Prism as her first original anime venture.
Beyond the novel release, the franchise continues to enjoy a vibrant presence across media. The Takarazuka Revue staged an all‑female musical adaptation in 2019, and a new Takarazuka production is set to run from June 9‑30, indicating sustained interest in the property’s themes and characters.
What Fans Can Expect
The two‑volume novel will be released simultaneously, allowing readers to experience the complete narrative without waiting for a second installment. While exact page counts have not been disclosed, the volumes are expected to match the length of typical light‑novel releases from Jump J‑Books. Given the involvement of the original staff, fans can anticipate a faithful translation of the anime’s tone, complemented by expanded internal monologues and world‑building details.
For those eager to get their hands on the books, pre‑orders are expected to open shortly on major Japanese retailers and the Jump J‑Books online store. International fans should keep an eye on future announcements regarding English licensing, as Jump J‑Books has previously partnered with overseas publishers for novel translations.
Overall, the novel adaptation reinforces Love Through a Prism as a multi‑platform success story, showcasing how a contemporary original anime can grow into a broader franchise that spans manga, prose, stage, and streaming.
Featured image: © SHUEISHA Inc.
Source: Anime News Network