After charming readers for nearly ten years, the popular manga series Horimiya has reached its conclusion. The series, a delightful romantic comedy, has garnered a dedicated global fanbase. The final chapter of the manga was published in March 2021, marking the end of an era for fans. While the main story has concluded, a special 17th volume featuring new chapters was released in July 2023, providing a further glimpse into the lives of the beloved characters.
The End of a Heartwarming Journey
The Horimiya manga, illustrated by Daisuke Hagiwara, concluded its serialization in Square Enix’s Monthly G Fantasy magazine on March 18, 2021. This marked the end of the main storyline, which had been ongoing since October 2011. The series, based on the original webcomic Hori-san to Miyamura-kun by HERO, captured the hearts of many with its sweet and relatable characters, and its focus on the blossoming romance between Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura.
The final chapter, Chapter 122, provided a bittersweet conclusion as the main characters graduated high school. It focused on Miyamura’s character growth, reflecting on his experiences with Hori and their friends. Although the finale brought a sense of closure, it also left fans feeling nostalgic, marking the end of the main part of their favorite series.
A Look Back at the Series’ Origins
Horimiya began as a four-panel web manga titled Hori-san to Miyamura-kun, created by HERO. This original webcomic gained popularity and led to Daisuke Hagiwara’s manga adaptation, which was serialized from October 2011 to March 2021. The manga series was published in sixteen volumes, with a special seventeenth volume released later on. The series follows the lives of Kyoko Hori, a popular and seemingly perfect high school student, and Izumi Miyamura, a quiet and unassuming classmate who hides multiple piercings and tattoos.
The Story of Hori and Miyamura
The central focus of Horimiya is the development of Hori and Miyamura’s relationship. The manga follows their journey as they navigate high school, family dynamics, friendships, and ultimately, love. It is known for its exploration of themes such as self-acceptance, breaking stereotypes, and the beauty of unexpected connections.
The story unfolds as Hori and Miyamura, seemingly complete opposites, discover hidden aspects of each other’s personalities. Hori is popular but has a very different persona at home. Miyamura is quiet at school but has a unique style outside of it. Their mutual acceptance of each other’s true selves is a major theme.
As their relationship progresses, they move from being friends to lovers. The series portrays the development of their romance, including a marriage proposal. The webcomic ending shows that Hori and Miyamura eventually marry and have a son named Kyouhei.
The Manga’s Legacy and Impact
Horimiya has had a significant impact on the manga and anime community. The series is widely recognized for its endearing characters and its portrayal of realistic relationships. Its themes of self-discovery and acceptance resonate with readers of all ages.
The series is also notable for its distinctive art style and character designs. Hagiwara’s illustrations bring the characters to life, capturing their emotions and personalities effectively. The manga has been praised for its balance of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments.
Adaptations and Spinoffs
The popularity of Horimiya has led to several adaptations, including an anime television series produced by CloverWorks. The anime adaptation aired from January to April 2021, bringing the manga’s story to a new audience. The series also received an original video animation (OVA) series, and a second anime adaptation titled Horimiya: The Missing Pieces was released in 2023.
In addition to the anime adaptations, the manga has been licensed for English publication by Yen Press, making it accessible to a wider international audience. The series’ continuing popularity has led to special editions and additional content being released.
The 17th Volume: A Piece of Memories
In July 2023, a special 17th volume of the manga, titled A Piece of Memories, was released. This volume featured new chapters that explore the married life of Hori and Miyamura, offering fans a glimpse into their future. The volume also included bonus content, further enriching the Horimiya universe.
The new chapters follow the couple and their friends as they embark on a vacation, highlighting the series’ slice-of-life aspect. The 17th volume is a testament to the enduring popularity of Horimiya and the fans’ desire to see more of the characters.
Fan Reactions and Community
The conclusion of the Horimiya manga was met with a mixture of sadness and satisfaction from fans. While there was disappointment that the series was over, many fans appreciated the complete and heartwarming story it provided. The fan community has remained active, continuing to celebrate the series and its characters.
Fans have expressed their appreciation for the series through online forums, fan art, and cosplay. The enduring popularity of Horimiya is a testament to its impact and the emotional connection fans have with the story. The series continues to be discussed and re-read by fans around the world, keeping its legacy alive.
Where to Start Reading
For those who are new to Horimiya, the manga is available in English through Yen Press. The series is available in print and digital formats, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The first volume of the manga was released in English on October 27, 2015. The English version of the manga has received positive reviews for its quality and faithfulness to the original Japanese version.
Final Thoughts on the End of Horimiya
The ending of Horimiya marked the end of a significant chapter for many manga fans. The series provided a heartfelt and engaging story of love and self-discovery. While the main storyline has concluded, the characters and their journey will continue to live on in the hearts of fans.
The release of the 17th volume provides an opportunity to revisit the Horimiya universe and enjoy a continuation of their story. As the series is enjoyed by more and more fans the legacy of this romantic comedy will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.
