© kawabatashiki/kodansha

24th Manga Division Jury Selections

The earliest spring in the world

KAWABATA Shiki[Japan]

Outline

HARUTA Mahoro is a 26-year-old manga artist who debuted with a bestseller. But her manga is based on the worldbuilding notes of her high school upperclassman YUKISHIMA Shu, who died 10 years earlier. Mahoro wants to return the work to Shu, and she loses her footing and falls through time back into her high school years. Mahoro’s second chance at high school to prevent Shu’s death is illustrated with emotionality and a delicate touch.