Rin Shimokawa’s supernatural drama Godmother is set to debut in English on the K MANGA platform on November 18, following a sweep of the Young Magazine US poll. The series will run in parallel with its Japanese serialization in Monthly Young Magazine and on YanMaga Web, marking a coordinated launch across both markets.
Godmother began life as a one‑shot featured in the special Young Magazine US English issue released in August 2025. The story follows Kinryu, a college student whose studies are abruptly halted when she is forced to move overseas to Japan. There she discovers a 114‑year‑old grandmother she never knew existed, living behind a mahjong parlor in Yokohama. As Kinryu adjusts to her new reality, she becomes entangled in a hereditary supernatural secret that haunts the women of her family.
The one‑shot resonated strongly with readers, earning a place among the top five winners of the Young Magazine US manga poll announced in November 2025. According to the official announcement, the five selected titles are guaranteed simultaneous serialization on the K MANGA app, with parallel publication in Japan via Monthly Young Magazine and/or YanMaga Web. This dual‑track approach reflects Kodansha’s ongoing commitment to expanding English‑language manga accessibility while preserving domestic readership.
In addition to Godmother, the poll’s other winners include Still You, To Dusk and Twilight, Boys Run the Riot ‑In Transition‑, Protocol Ryugu, and The Last Terran. Of these, To Dusk and Twilight, Protocol Ryugu, and The Last Terran are already in active serialization, while Still You and the other titles are slated to begin shortly.
Recent news highlights the broader rollout of the winning series. K MANGA added Robico’s To Dusk and Twilight to its catalog earlier this year, and Daisaku Tsuru’s Protocol Ryugu followed suit in June. Meanwhile, Still You began its English run in August, and The Last Terran launched its simultaneous serialization in July.
Godmother’s entry into this lineup is notable for several reasons. First, the series expands the diversity of narratives available on K MANGA, offering readers a blend of family drama, supernatural intrigue, and a slice‑of‑life setting anchored in modern Yokohama. Second, the simultaneous release model underscores Kodansha’s strategic push to synchronize Japanese and English releases, reducing the lag that traditionally separated domestic and overseas audiences.
For fans of Shimokawa’s work, the upcoming serialization is a chance to see a longer‑form exploration of the characters introduced in the one‑shot. While the original story focused on Kinryu’s sudden relocation and the revelation of her enigmatic grandmother, the serialized version is expected to delve deeper into the family’s occult lineage, introduce new allies and antagonists, and flesh out the urban backdrop that frames the supernatural elements.
Industry observers have praised Kodansha’s approach as a model for future cross‑market manga projects. By leveraging the K MANGA app’s global reach and pairing it with established Japanese platforms, the publisher can test audience reception in real time and adjust marketing strategies accordingly. This method also benefits creators, who gain immediate exposure to an international readership without waiting for traditional print licensing deals.
Readers eager to follow Godmother can subscribe to K MANGA via its website or mobile app. The series will be released chapter‑by‑chapter on a weekly schedule, mirroring the cadence of its Japanese counterpart. Those who prefer to read the original Japanese version can find it in the print edition of Monthly Young Magazine or read it online through YanMaga Web, both of which will carry the same chapters concurrently.
As the November 18 launch approaches, Kodansha has hinted at additional promotional material, including a teaser visual and a short animated trailer that will debut on the publisher’s official YouTube channel. The company also plans to host a live Q&A with Shimokawa on X (formerly Twitter), giving fans an opportunity to ask about the series’ themes, creative process, and future directions.
Overall, the debut of Godmother represents a significant step forward for English‑language manga distribution, showcasing how collaborative publishing initiatives can bring fresh, culturally resonant stories to a global audience. With its blend of mystery, family dynamics, and supernatural lore, the series is poised to capture the imaginations of both longtime manga enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Featured image: ©Rin Shimokawa/Kodansha Ltd.
Source: Anime News Network