The popular boys’ love (BL) manga series, Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!, has officially entered its final story arc, according to the 15th volume of the manga. This announcement marks a significant moment for fans of the series, which has captivated readers with its heartwarming and comedic portrayal of romance and self-discovery.
A Magical Premise
Cherry Magic!, penned by Yuu Toyota, revolves around the life of Kiyoshi Adachi, a seemingly ordinary office worker who, upon reaching his 30th birthday as a virgin, gains the ability to read minds through touch. This newfound power becomes both a source of anxiety and unexpected joy for Adachi. He soon discovers that his handsome and charismatic colleague, Yuichi Kurosawa, harbors deep romantic feelings for him. The story follows Adachi as he navigates his feelings for Kurosawa, learning to embrace his unique ability, and ultimately discovering love and acceptance.
From Manga to Global Phenomenon
The manga, which began serialization on pixiv’s Gangan pixiv service in 2018, has garnered a considerable following, leading to numerous adaptations:
- Live-Action Drama: A Japanese live-action television series premiered in October 2020. This successful series was streamed internationally by Crunchyroll, further expanding the manga’s global reach. The show’s popularity even spurred a two-episode net spinoff.
- Live-Action Film: A live-action film sequel was released in Japan in April 2022, continuing the story beyond the drama series.
- Anime Adaptation: An anime television series adaptation debuted in January 2024, with Crunchyroll streaming it as it aired, including an English dub. The anime also had a special edited compilation film released in Japan.
- Stage Musical: A stage musical adaptation, titled CheriMaho The Musical, is set to run in Tokyo and Aichi in April 2025, showing the story’s broad appeal across different media.
- Thai Remake: The series has also been adapted into a live-action Thai series, demonstrating its international appeal.
The Core of Cherry Magic
The series stands out for its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The plot revolves around Adachi’s initial struggle with his mind-reading ability and his growing awareness of Kurosawa’s affections. Adachi, who initially sees himself as an unremarkable office worker, is overwhelmed by the intense and genuine feelings Kurosawa harbors for him. The story explores Adachi’s journey of self-discovery as he learns to accept his feelings and navigate the complexities of a romantic relationship.
A key element of the series is the focus on character development. Both Adachi and Kurosawa are presented as nuanced individuals, and the story emphasizes their personal growth as they navigate their relationship. The series also features a compelling secondary subplot involving Adachi’s friend, Tsuge, who also gains the same mind-reading ability. Tsuge’s relationship with a younger man who dreams of being a pop star adds another layer to the narrative.
What To Expect From the Final Arc
As Cherry Magic! enters its final arc, fans are eager to see how the story will conclude. Here are some key questions and expectations:
- Adachi and Kurosawa’s Relationship: The core of the series lies in the relationship between Adachi and Kurosawa. Will they get their happy ending? Will they overcome all the obstacles in their path? The series has explored the development of their feelings, from initial bewilderment to deep affection. The final arc is expected to solidify their bond. It has been shown that they get back together after a break up, with Tsuge helping Adachi realize that his relationship is more important than his magical powers.
- Adachi’s Powers: Will Adachi learn to fully control or accept his mind-reading ability? The initial plot device was a source of anxiety and humor. It will be interesting to see how his powers play into the final arc.
- Supporting Characters: The development of supporting characters like Tsuge and Minato will likely continue. How will their stories resolve? The series has highlighted that Tsuge also struggles with his powers, and how his younger partner, Minato, comes to terms with this.
- Themes: The series has explored themes of self-acceptance, overcoming insecurities, and finding love. The final arc will likely reaffirm these themes, offering a satisfying conclusion to the character’s journeys.
- Ending: There is no confirmation of how the series will end. But fans are hoping for a happy ending. In the TV series, a kiss was not shown on screen but the manga could provide a conclusion that the TV series didn’t.
A Legacy of Love and Acceptance
Cherry Magic! has resonated with a global audience not only for its charming romantic narrative but also its positive representation of BL themes. It has been praised for its light-hearted approach to exploring the complexities of love and relationships, along with its humor and character development. The series has also been praised for the relationships being consensual and earned. The manga’s success has highlighted the growing popularity of the genre and its appeal to a broad audience.
The final arc of the manga is a significant moment for both the series and its fans. It promises to bring the beloved characters’ stories to a close, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of BL manga. The conclusion will likely be as heartwarming and engaging as the rest of the series.
As fans eagerly await the final chapters of Cherry Magic!, the series stands as a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. The announcement of the final arc has left fans anticipating the resolution of Adachi and Kurosawa’s relationship, hoping for a fulfilling conclusion to this popular series. The lasting impact of the manga and its numerous adaptations will continue to bring joy to fans around the world.
