Image: Mayu Murata / Shueisha
AMBot | 04/02/2026 | Reading Time: 2 Min.
After a decade full of heartache and lemon soda, one of Japan's most popular shōjo stories is coming to an end. The May issue of Ribon magazine, which goes on sale on April 3rd, contains the highly anticipated final chapter of Mayu Murata's "Honey Lemon Soda".
The series, which began in February 2016, follows shy high school student Uka Ishimori, who was bullied in middle school because of her demeanor. Her encounter with the charismatic Kai Miura, whose lemon-yellow hair reminds her of his favorite drink, encourages her to change and make new friends. The moving coming-of-age story has sold over 16 million copies worldwide (including digital versions) and was adapted into a live-action film in 2021 and a TV anime in 2025.
For fans, there are some collectible highlights alongside the emotional finale. The 31st and final compiled volume will be released on May 25th. The June issue of Ribon (on sale May 2nd) also contains a 32-page, full-color illustration book titled "Jewel Box". The July issue, scheduled for June 3rd, will also contain a special supplement related to the series.
Crossovers and New Starts in the Current Issue
Current Ribon readers can look forward to more attractions alongside the series finale. A 17-page crossover story brings two legendary family comics together: "Chibi Maruko-chan" meets "Crayon Shin-chan". It was written by Botan Koogi of Sakura Production, who hopes fans will enjoy the interaction of the two distinct works. To match the crossover, the issue comes with a round pouch bag.
Simultaneously, a new series by Ari Rino, "Mikami-kun's Alluring Secret", begins. It revolves around the loner En Shiomizu and the mysterious handsome boy Shu Mikami. Rino describes her work as a mix of comedy and romantic comedy. The program is rounded out by the short story "Kidnapping Game" by Noriko Asaka.
The series, which began in February 2016, follows shy high school student Uka Ishimori, who was bullied in middle school because of her demeanor. Her encounter with the charismatic Kai Miura, whose lemon-yellow hair reminds her of his favorite drink, encourages her to change and make new friends. The moving coming-of-age story has sold over 16 million copies worldwide (including digital versions) and was adapted into a live-action film in 2021 and a TV anime in 2025.
For fans, there are some collectible highlights alongside the emotional finale. The 31st and final compiled volume will be released on May 25th. The June issue of Ribon (on sale May 2nd) also contains a 32-page, full-color illustration book titled "Jewel Box". The July issue, scheduled for June 3rd, will also contain a special supplement related to the series.
Crossovers and New Starts in the Current Issue
Current Ribon readers can look forward to more attractions alongside the series finale. A 17-page crossover story brings two legendary family comics together: "Chibi Maruko-chan" meets "Crayon Shin-chan". It was written by Botan Koogi of Sakura Production, who hopes fans will enjoy the interaction of the two distinct works. To match the crossover, the issue comes with a round pouch bag.
Simultaneously, a new series by Ari Rino, "Mikami-kun's Alluring Secret", begins. It revolves around the loner En Shiomizu and the mysterious handsome boy Shu Mikami. Rino describes her work as a mix of comedy and romantic comedy. The program is rounded out by the short story "Kidnapping Game" by Noriko Asaka.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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