Haruko Ichikawa, the acclaimed creator behind Land of the Lustrous, is returning to manga with a brand-new series. Cosmic Mimimi, described as a “neo kawaii sci-fi” story, will debut in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon magazine on November 25, 2026.
Mimimi (Credits: Kodansha)
The announcement came in the December issue of Monthly Afternoon, which revealed that Ichikawa’s next work is already set for the magazine’s following issue. For fans who have waited since Land of the Lustrous wrapped up, the news marks a welcome return from one of modern manga’s most distinctive voices.
What Is Cosmic Mimimi About?
Cosmic Mimimi follows Mimimi, a creature who lives in a “cool” and “dreaming” city. Mimimi’s goal is simple but ambitious: to make everyone happy. According to the series description, strange and happy things are sure to happen around this creature of happiness, setting the stage for a whimsical, offbeat adventure.
The “neo kawaii sci-fi” label hints at a blend of cute aesthetics and science fiction ideas, a combination that fits neatly with Ichikawa’s past work. Land of the Lustrous was famous for its gemstone people, surreal worldbuilding, and striking visual style, and readers will be watching closely to see how that sensibility carries over into a lighter, cuter premise.
Haruko Ichikawa’s Land of the Lustrous Legacy
Ichikawa launched Land of the Lustrous in Kodansha’s Afternoon magazine back in 2012. The series ran for more than a decade before ending in April 2024, with Kodansha publishing the 13th and final compiled volume in November 2024. Kodansha USA Publishing releases the manga in English.
The manga’s reputation has only grown since its conclusion. Its 12-episode anime adaptation premiered in October 2017 and earned praise for its groundbreaking CG animation. More recently, the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of Japan awarded Land of the Lustrous the grand prize at the 45th Nihon SF Taisho Awards in 2025, while the Japanese Association for Gender, Fantasy & Science Fiction gave it the top prize at the Sense of Gender Awards in August 2025.
With that kind of acclaim behind her, Ichikawa’s next series arrives with high expectations. Cosmic Mimimi may look softer than the battles of the Lustrous gems, but if history is any guide, there will be much more going on beneath the cute surface.
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Source: Anime News Network — read the full story there.
