Ryuu to Ichigo

Today’s featured manga is Ryuu to Ichigo, a shogi-themed series by the eccentric genius Mitsuharu Yanamoto. Known for his previous work Hibiki: Shousetsuka ni Naru Houhou (Hibiki: How to Become a Novelist), where he depicted a literary genius, Yanamoto now shifts focus to a shogi prodigy in Ryuu to Ichigo. If you’re familiar with Yanamoto’s style, you know he has a thing for “brilliantly insane protagonists.” Ichigo Aida, the heroine of Ryuu to Ichigo, is no exception. Much like Hibiki from the previous series, Ichigo is a fiercely unorthodox, borderline insane genius—bursting with raw instinct and fearless drive. To fully appreciate Ryuu to Ichigo, a basic understanding of shogi is helpful. Shogi is a traditional Japanese strategy board game, similar to chess, often used historically as a form of military training or simulation. The objective is to capture the opponent’s king, and the game demands intense concentration and foresight. Despite the deep-rooted culture of professional shogi in Japan, no female has yet attained the rank of full professional player. Ryuu to Ichigo boldly challenges this reality by placing a middle school girl—Ichigo—into the heart of this male-dominated world. The true charm of Ryuu to Ichigo lies in its refreshing audacity and chaotic brilliance. Ichigo’s actions—completely unpredictable and often outrageous—don’t inspire discomfort. Quite the opposite: they’re thrilling. As a reader, you’ll constantly wonder: What insane move will Ichigo pull off next? How will she dominate her next opponent? This mix of craziness and satisfaction is what gives the manga its momentum. It’s a chaotic but tightly balanced experience. And it’s not just Ichigo’s personality that’s wild—the story itself takes some pretty shocking turns. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that the latest volume takes an unexpected leap into a 100-years-later future timeline, launching the plot into mysterious and mind-bending territory. Ryuu to Ichigo is a series where genius, madness, and sheer willpower collide—if you like strong-willed female leads and stories that break all the rules, this manga is a must-read.

July 31, 2025