Manga artist Eri Sakai concludes the series “Tsubame wa Modotte Konai” this January 2026, as announced by the magazine Cocohana. The news marks the end of the manga adaptation of the novel that won the Yoshikawa Eiji Prize, which follows the life of Riki, a 29-year-old woman. The story, which began in February 2024, initially takes place in Hokkaido and later in Tokyo, where the protagonist faces financial problems. Therefore, she accepts a high-paying job at an assisted reproduction clinic, making the narrative a relevant reflection on contemporary issues of work, health, and female autonomy.
The plot develops when Riki, after leaving her job as a caregiver, moves to the Japanese capital. However, the exhausting routine at a hospital does not solve her problems. Thus, following a tip from a colleague named Teru, she finds an unusual solution at a specialized clinic. The work stands out not only for its premise but also for the recognition of the original novel, published in March 2022. With only two physical volumes released by the publisher Shueisha, the last one in August of last year, the series bids farewell leaving a legacy of important discussions for readers.
Trajectory and Related Works
Eri Sakai is not a new name for fans of narratives that address complex social themes. Before this work, the author had already created “He’s Expecting,” a manga about a man’s first pregnancy, published in 2012. This story, in fact, received a live-action series adaptation in April 2022, demonstrating the reach of her ideas. Additionally, Sakai remains active in the field, with another project called “Shōsansei no nai Nigorikawa” ongoing since January 2024 in the magazine JOUR. Therefore, while one door closes for “Tsubame wa Modotte Konai,” others remain open for new explorations by the author.
The conclusion of the series this January season may leave fans wanting more, but it also consolidates Sakai’s work as a sharp storyteller. The relevance of the theme of surrogacy and the financial difficulties of young professionals resonates globally, including here in Brazil, where similar debates are frequent. Thus, the manga becomes more than entertainment, serving as a starting point for reflection. Readers who followed Riki’s journey can now revisit the complete work and explore the author’s other titles, which continue to provoke and move.
