Karakarakemuri, the famous artist behind hits like Laughing Under the Clouds, and colleague Haruki Hajime are joining forces for a new project. They will launch a soccer manga, aimed at a new generation, in issue number 13 of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine. With a release date scheduled for February 25, 2026, the work emerges at a time when the sport remains popular in Brazil and worldwide, always captivating comic book fans. Thus, the duo aims to bring a fresh narrative to fans of the sports genre.
The project marks a new chapter in Karakarakemuri’s career, who recently completed the manga Scavenger of the Blue Flame in April 2025. The choice of soccer as the central theme is no coincidence, as the sport has a huge cultural connection with the Brazilian public. Therefore, the expectation is that the story will capture the emotion and passion of the sport, offering an engaging read. The soccer manga promises to explore conflicts and triumphs typical of the shonen universe, but with the creators’ characteristic perspective.
Creator’s trajectory and legacy
Karakarakemuri is not a new name for manga fans. His career is marked by works that often receive adaptations. His best-known work, Laughing Under the Clouds, was published between 2011 and 2013 and spawned a 12-episode anime in 2014, plus a film trilogy and a live-action production. Additionally, the mangaka was also responsible for the comic adaptation of the drama series MARS RED, which became an anime in 2021. This experience with complex visual narratives suggests the new project will have detailed and dynamic art, essential for portraying soccer action.
Meanwhile, details about the plot or characters of the new manga are still kept secret. However, the track record of those involved guarantees attention from the fan community. With a premiere expected by the end of the first quarter of 2026, the work should start generating more information and promotional materials in the coming weeks. Thus, Brazilian readers who follow news from Japan have another series to keep an eye on next year.
