Machi Tawara Endorses "Koba-kun wa Koi ga Wakaranai," Manga About a High School Boy Fascinated by Love and Waka Poetry, Vol. 1 Released on Tuesday, June 9

Shinchosha Publishing Co., Ltd. has released the first volume of the manga "Koba-kun wa Koi ga Wakaranai" (Art by: Syo Aokomu), which is currently serialized on the web manga site "Kurage Bunch," on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

This work, serialized on Shinchosha's web manga site "Kurage Bunch," features protagonist Mitsuki Koba, a high school student who draws attention for his handsome appearance. Despite being seen as unapproachable, he is afraid of falling in love and being the object of someone's affection. Koba, who adores works about love, especially waka poetry, explores the feelings and affections of various people while deciphering the emotions embedded in classical Japanese poems. This series, which depicts human connections and the subtleties of the heart with a refreshing touch under the themes of ancient waka and romance, is Syo Aokomu's first serialized work.

Endorsement from Machi Tawara For the release of the first volume, we received an endorsement from the poet Machi Tawara. "Waka are like letters arriving from the classical world. Koba-kun, who deciphers them so cutely, must be savoring love more than anyone. I'm cheering for him!"

<Machi Tawara's Profile> Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1962. Poet. Graduated from Waseda University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences. She won the Modern Japanese Poets Association Award in 1988 and the Choku Prize in 2021. She has numerous publications, including "Salad Anniversary."

Bookstore Purchase Bonuses To celebrate the release of the first volume, bonuses are available at various bookstores. - Animate: Message sheet - Comirano!: Illustration card - Kikuya Shoten: Illustration paper *Please inquire at bookstores about availability. *Bonuses are available in limited quantities and will end once they run out.

Work Introduction In April, as new students are filled with anticipation for their new lives, one boy, Mitsuki Koba, stands out. Koba loves works dealing with romance and is a waka poetry enthusiast, but he himself is afraid of love. This is a story of the myriad romantic patterns woven by the various people Koba, who cannot fall in love, encounters.

Book Data - [Title] Koba-kun wa Koi ga Wakaranai Vol. 1 - [Author] Syo Aokomu - [Release Date] Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - [Format] B6 - [Price] 792 JPY (tax incl.) - [ISBN] 978-4-10-772944-6 - [URL] https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/book/772944/