Haruko Kumota — the acclaimed mangaka behind Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju — is back with a brand-new manga titled Ao no Hitomi no Ryū no Hime (The Blue‑Eyed Dragon Princess). The one‑shot/new series will debut in Libre Publishing's BE・BOY GOLD April issue, which ships on Friday, February 28, 2026. Fans of Kumota's detailed historical drama and emotive storytelling should mark their calendars: this appearance places her work squarely on the pages of one of BL's most established magazines. ([b-boy.jp](https://www.b-boy.jp/magazine/230417?utm_source=openai))
What we know about Ao no Hitomi no Ryū no Hime
Details about the story and length are being kept deliberately sparse ahead of the magazine's release, but the title suggests a fantasy‑tinged premise (a dragon princess with blue eyes) that could be a fresh tonal shift for Kumota while still leaning on the emotional depth readers expect from her work. Given BE・BOY GOLD's mix of one‑shots and serializations, the debut will likely function either as a lead‑in to a new series or as a high‑profile short story showcasing Kumota's latest creative direction. For confirmation of the publication date and the issue, check BE・BOY's official magazine page and the April issue listing. ([b-boy.jp](https://www.b-boy.jp/magazine/230417?utm_source=openai))
Why this matters to Kumota fans
Haruko Kumota built a reputation for quiet, human‑scale dramas, most notably with Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju. That series blended historical research, complex character work, and an affection for traditional Japanese storytelling (rakugo), earning both critical praise and multiple adaptations. A new Kumota piece in BE・BOY GOLD is important not just because of the name recognition — it’s an opportunity to see how she experiments with genre, art evolution, and narrative pacing outside her best‑known work. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descending_Stories%3A_Showa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinju?utm_source=openai))
Recap: Why Descending Stories matters (and what it tells us about Kumota)
Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju first ran as a manga and later received anime adaptations and a live‑action TV series — a sign of how broadly Kumota’s storytelling has resonated. The TV anime adaptation aired beginning January 2016, with a second season in January 2017; the manga also inspired a two‑episode original video anime (OVA) and a 2018 live‑action drama. These adaptations underline Kumota’s strength in producing emotionally resonant characters and layered, multi‑era narratives — strengths many readers will be looking for in Ao no Hitomi no Ryū no Hime. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descending_Stories%3A_Showa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinju?utm_source=openai))
Adaptation history at a glance
- TV anime — first season premiered January 2016; second season premiered January 2017. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descending_Stories%3A_Showa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinju?utm_source=openai))
- Two OVAs released in 2015. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descending_Stories%3A_Showa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinju?utm_source=openai))
- Live‑action TV adaptation aired on NHK beginning October 2018. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descending_Stories%3A_Showa_Genroku_Rakugo_Shinju?utm_source=openai))
Where and how to read the April issue
BE・BOY GOLD’s April 2026 issue is scheduled to be on sale February 28, 2026. Physical copies should appear at major Japanese retailers and magazine sellers, while digital editions are typically made available through BE・BOY’s official site and partner ebook stores. If you want a copy with the new Kumota entry or the issue cover, check the BE・BOY product page and the issue's retail listings (Amazon Japan carries magazine listings that often include the cover image and retail metadata). For convenience, bookmark BE・BOY’s official magazine page for purchase and e‑book release notices. ([b-boy.jp](https://www.b-boy.jp/magazine/230417?utm_source=openai))
Helpful purchasing links (no‑follow): BE・BOY magazine page — and the issue retail page on Amazon Japan is often the fastest place to see the cover art and ordering options. (Both links open external sites.)
What to watch for in the debut
Story tone and visual direction
Kumota is known for subtle facial acting in panels, carefully composed backgrounds, and a patient rhythm that rewards careful reading. For Ao no Hitomi no Ryū no Hime, pay attention to whether she keeps that intimate, human focus and simply shifts the setting (for example, adding folkloric or fantasy elements), or whether she uses the opportunity to explore new visual motifs — ornate fantasy design, dramatic creature work, or a more cinematic page layout.
Possible serialization or one‑shot?
BE・BOY GOLD often runs both short works and multi‑chapter serials. If the debut draws strong reader response and Libre chooses to continue it, this one appearance could be the start of a new ongoing story. If it’s a self‑contained piece, it will still be valuable as a signpost of Kumota’s current interests as an artist.
Final thoughts
Haruko Kumota returning with Ao no Hitomi no Ryū no Hime in BE・BOY GOLD’s April 2026 issue is one of those moments when long‑time fans and curious new readers both benefit: fans get fresh material from a beloved creator, and newcomers have a chance to sample her storytelling in a contemporary BL magazine setting. Whether the piece becomes a long‑running series or a standout one‑shot, expect careful character work, visually thoughtful pages, and emotional stakes that linger after you close the magazine. If you plan to pick up the issue, watch BE・BOY’s official page and retailers for the physical and digital release on February 28, 2026. ([b-boy.jp](https://www.b-boy.jp/magazine/230417?utm_source=openai))
https://www.myanimeforlife.com/haruko-kumota-showa-genroku-rakugo-shinju-launches-new-manga/?feed_id=174502&_unique_id=699f83cd2619c
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