Kawabara Izumi: Laughing Archangel - Sei Michael Academy Store

Manga artist Kawabara Izumi continues to captivate readers with her philosophical gaze and one-of-a-kind humor.

Starting June 26, 2026 (Friday), Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore will launch a special nationwide touring event titled 'Kawabara Izumi: Laughing Archangel - Sei Michael Academy Store,' designed to deepen appreciation of her rich artistic world.

This event spotlights Kawabara Izumi's seminal work 'Laughing Archangel' (published by Hakusensha), delivering its unique blend of intelligence, elegance, and humor through original goods crafted from Maruzen Junkudo's distinctive perspective.

The philosophical depth, cultural sophistication, and warm human insight hidden beneath lighthearted comedy continue to resonate deeply with readers today.

Notably, the merchandise launched for this event marks the first full-scale original product line based on Kawabara Izumi's works.

Exclusive items available only at this event have been specially prepared for fans who cherish her universe.

This pop-up store offers both longtime fans and newcomers a unique opportunity to rediscover the charm of Kawabara's creations.

◇ Event Locations

June 26, 2026 (Fri) – August 2, 2026 (Sun)

Junkudo Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store

2-15-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022 1F POPUP Space

Mid-August – Early September 2026

MARUZEN & Junkudo Bookstore Umeda Store

7-20 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0013 Chasuka Chayamachi

Mid-September – Early October 2026

Maruzen Sendai AER Store

1-3-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-6101 1st Floor, AER

Late October – Mid-November 2026

Junkudo Bookstore Sannomiya Store

1-6-18 Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0021

Early – Late December 2026

Maruzen Hakata Store

1-1 Hakata-eki Chuo-dori, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka 812-0012 8th Floor, JR Hakata City

◇ Merchandise Information

'One Frame' Holder - Laughing Archangel A 'We Are the Miracle': 935 JPY (tax included)

'One Frame' Holder - Laughing Archangel B 'Friends Forever': 935 JPY (tax included)

'One Frame' Holder - Laughing Archangel C 'Kururi... Nba?': 935 JPY (tax included)

A4 Clear File - Laughing Archangel A: 550 JPY (tax included)

A4 Clear File - Laughing Archangel B: 550 JPY (tax included)

A4 Clear File - Laughing Archangel C: 550 JPY (tax included)

Handkerchief - Laughing Archangel Dancing Michael: 1,980 JPY (tax included)

And more—please refer to the full merchandise list!

◇ Kawabara Izumi Profile

Born September 24, 1960, in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

While studying at Kagoshima University's Faculty of Law and Letters, she submitted her first manga 'Juliet White Paper' to 'Hana to Yume.' She made her professional debut in 1983 with 'Factorization of Hesitation,' published in the September Special Issue of 'Hana to Yume' (Hakusensha).

Her unique style, weaving together humor, intellect, and warm human insight, has captivated countless readers.

After gaining popularity with short stories and one-shots, she launched her first long-running series 'Laughing Archangel' in 'Hana to Yume' (Hakusensha) in 1987. Transcending the boundaries of shoujo manga, this work remains a beloved classic across generations, celebrated for its philosophical depth and witty dialogue.

In 1999, she began serializing 'Bremen II' in 'Monthly Melody' (Hakusensha).

The series received high acclaim, winning the 4th Sense of Gender Award Special Prize in 2004 and the 36th Seiun Award for Best Comic in 2005.

Her one-of-a-kind intellectual humor and mastery across diverse genres—including sci-fi, history, animals, and sports—continue to attract a devoted fanbase to this day.