The monumental 'Honey Lemon Soda' series, with over 16 million copies in circulation, finally concludes! The May issue of 'Ribon' on sale April 3rd features new series & one-shot festival, plus a dream collaboration between 'Chibi Maruko-chan x Crayon Shin-chan'!

Topics1. The monumental youth romance 'Honey Lemon Soda' finally reaches its conclusion

The leading youth romance in the shojo manga world, 'Honey Lemon Soda' (by Mayu Murata), will conclude in the May issue.

This work has surpassed a cumulative circulation of 16 million copies (including digital editions), was adapted into a live-action film in 2021, and an anime TV series in 2025, expanding its media presence and captivating readers across generations. This series has resonated with all girls who wish to change themselves, depicting the sparkle of love and youth. At the milestone of its 10th anniversary, the journey of youth shared with readers finally reaches its climax. Please look forward to the future that the protagonists Uka Ishimori and Kai Miura, along with their friends, will arrive at.

Furthermore, Volume 31 of the comic, which includes this final chapter, is scheduled to be released on Monday, May 25th. In addition, the June issue of 'Ribon' (scheduled for release on May 2nd) and the July issue (scheduled for release on June 3rd) will include luxurious separate appendices for 'Honey Lemon Soda' for two consecutive issues.

The first installment in the June issue will include the "Honey Lemon Soda Illustration Book Jewel Box." This is a lavish, all-color 32-page special edition condensing 10 years of sparkle. The second installment in the July issue is also planned to be a must-see for fans.

【Work Information】

Title: Honey Lemon Soda

Author: Mayu Murata

Synopsis: Uka Ishimori, who was called "Stone" in middle school, enrolled in Hachimitsu High School with its free atmosphere to change herself. Her classmate and desk neighbor was Kai Miura, a cool and free-spirited "Lemon Soda Boy" with lemon-colored hair. Uka had actually met Kai once in middle school, and his words inspired her to choose her desired high school. For Uka, the popular Kai was a distant figure. Yet, Kai inexplicably started calling her "Ishimori's 담당" (Ishimori's 담당, meaning Ishimori's caretaker) and began looking after her. With Kai's encouragement, Uka gradually blended into the class, but... Uka's world was increasingly changed by Kai's presence---.

A sparkling youth romance for all girls who want to change themselves.

【Mayu Murata Profile】

Born in Kumamoto Prefecture. Debuted in 2005 with 'Kimi no Hitomi ni' published in the December issue of 'Ribon Original', and first appeared in 'Ribon' in 2006 with 'Dokuro x Heart'. 'Nagareboshi Lens', which started as a short-term intensive serialization in 'Ribon' in 2010, gained popularity and concluded in 2014 with 10 volumes. In the same year, 'Mata Ashita' began serialization. 'Honey Lemon Soda' began serialization in 2015. In 2025, she celebrated her 10th anniversary of serialization and 20th anniversary of debut.

Topics.2 A miraculous collaboration of nationally popular characters! Special collaboration manga 'Chibi Maruko-chan: Maruko Meets Shin-chan' published

A special collaboration between the beloved works 'Chibi Maruko-chan' (by Momoko Sakura) and 'Crayon Shin-chan' (by Yoshito Usui) will be realized in the May issue of 'Ribon'! The special one-shot 'Chibi Maruko-chan: Maruko Meets Shin-chan' (story by Sakura Production's Botan Kohagi, supervised by Yoshito Usui & UY Studio) will be published in 17 color pages.

The story begins with Maruko visiting a local department store. There, she coincidentally meets none other than the "storm-calling 5-year-old" Shin-chan! You're sure to laugh at the thrilling and unpredictable interactions between these two slightly mischievous characters. Please pay attention to this special collaboration manga, which depicts the precious encounter between national characters and can only be read here.

【Comment from Botan Kohagi】

While both works depict families,

'Chibi Maruko-chan' and 'Crayon Shin-chan' have different charms, and this unexpected collaboration.

I hope you enjoy Shin-chan's cuteness and the interesting interplay unique to these two works.

Please see their encounter and their day in Ribon.

Topics3. A dream collaboration! Special appendix "'Chibi Maruko-chan' x 'Crayon Shin-chan' Collaboration Commemorative! Round Pouch"

The appendix is a "Round Pouch" commemorating the special collaboration between 'Chibi Maruko-chan' and 'Crayon Shin-chan'. With its round, plump form and plenty of original illustrations from both works, it's a cute and impactful design. The front and back offer different atmospheres, making it cute from any angle. With a transparent window, the contents are easy to see, and it can store plenty of pens, stickers, cards, and fan merchandise. This special appendix, filled with the charm of popular characters loved across generations, will be useful for daily outings and organization.

Topics.4 Too beautiful to look directly at!? Ari Rino's highly anticipated new series 'Bishin-kun no Tsuyayakana Himegoto' starts!

Ari Rino, who garnered significant attention with her previous work 'Kusattemo, Hatsukoi.' depicting a cross-dressing girl's fan activities, launches her latest work! The highly anticipated new series 'Bishin-kun no Tsuyayakana Himegoto' will be published in 25 color pages. The protagonist of this work, En Shiozaki, is a super cool high school girl who enjoys a peaceful "loner life." Appearing before her is Shu Bishin, an exceptionally sexy handsome man who can make people faint and cause nosebleeds with just one glance. He emits dangerous pheromones just by being there, but he actually has an unexpected side...? Please pay attention to the comical developments that will make you chuckle and the overwhelming beauty of Bishin-kun that seems to glow from the pages.

【Comment from Ari Rino】

"I am very happy to be able to deliver a new work. I am nervous about this new challenge, but also full of excitement...! I will do my best to create a work full of excitement, where you can enjoy both gag elements and romantic comedy elements! Thank you for your support!"

【Work Information】

Title: 'Bishin-kun no Tsuyayakana Himegoto'

Author: Ari Rino

Synopsis: Shu Bishin, a pheromone-filled handsome man, appears before En Shiozaki, who is enjoying her loner life. He can knock girls down with just a glance, but why is he suddenly approaching the "loner" En!? However, his "self-identification" hidden beneath his perfect appearance is far too unexpected... A new sensation uneven romantic comedy presented by a sexy handsome man and a cool girl!

【Ari Rino Profile】

Debuted in 2019 with the four-panel manga 'Shinde kara ga Honban desu.' published in the January issue of 'Ribon'. She gained fans with her sharp characters and non-stop, furious gags, and her first serialization 'Inagami-mura no RICE-san' gained popularity. In 2024, 'Kusattemo, Hatsukoi.' began serialization. In May 2026, 'Bishin-kun no Tsuyayakana Himegoto' will begin serialization in the May issue of 'Ribon'.

Topics.5 Noriko Asaka's new one-shot 'Yukoku Gokko' depicting a forbidden elopement published

Noriko Asaka, who gained enthusiastic support with her hit work 'Zessei no Akujo wa Maouji-sama ni Chouai sareru' (original story by *Aira*), makes a comeback to the main 'Ribon' magazine! Her highly anticipated latest work 'Yukoku Gokko' will be published in a large volume of 57 color pages.

The story is set in modern Japan. Alicia, the daughter of a global conglomerate, is suddenly kidnapped...!? However, behind this incident lies a certain "secret"---.

In this work, Asaka depicts a poignant yet beautiful "secret elopement." Please pay attention to the overwhelming detailed artwork and the captivating world that, once entered, is impossible to escape.

【Work Information】

Title: Yukoku Gokko

Author: Noriko Asaka

Synopsis: Alicia, the daughter of a super-large corporation, accompanies her father on a business trip to her longed-for destination, Japan. Upon arriving, she meets a young man at a convenience store. He seems gentle but carries a coldness as if he has given up on life. Alicia, without even knowing his name, makes an "outrageous request" to him...? A thrilling love elopement begins, woven by a young lady and an unnamed young man who should never have crossed paths.

【Noriko Asaka Profile】
Debuted in 2015 with 'Koishite Inoreba'. In 2019, she began her first serialization 'Kyuketsuki to Bara Shojo', publishing 11 volumes of the comic. Her dramatic direction and overwhelming drawing ability, which captures the delicate emotions of characters, are her charm. She has gained widespread support from readers of all ages with 'Socho-sama, Dekiai-chu ni Tsuki.' in collaboration with *Aira*, and 'Zessei no Akujo wa Maouji-sama ni Chouai sareru' which began serialization in 2023.

Topics6. Full of excitement and emotion! "Spring One-Shot Festival" presented by talented artists!

A collection of fresh and intense one-shot works suitable for the season of encounters and changes. Please pay attention to the four diverse works that will move readers' hearts.

1. My best friend (♂) until yesterday is now a girl...!? 'Umiushi no Koi Noroi' by Aya Segawa

A new 40-page one-shot by Aya Segawa, who captivated readers by depicting the charms of various boys in 'Boku no Koto Oshite yo'.

2. The ultimate choice for an AI-dependent girl! A relatable, life-sized love story 'Ai no Kotoba' by Riku Koishi

A new 40-page work by Riku Koishi, who gained many fans by realistically depicting the emotional fluctuations of adolescence in 'Koi Suru Minimum Moon'.

3. The Occult Club's next target is... the unknown "love"!? 'Hasumi-kun no Kansatsu Nikki' by Kou Yukimura

Kou Yukimura, who gained popularity by depicting a cute cohabitation life in her previous work 'Hirotta Inui-kun to Koi wo Suru', presents her highly anticipated latest work in 40 pages.

4. The Grim Reaper's new mission is... human "child-rearing"!? 'Sodate no Oya wa Shinigami desu.' by Suzu Kumano

A new 24-page one-shot by Suzu Kumano, who depicts pure and innocent characters with overwhelming drawing ability.

【Other Features】VTuber Usada Pekora x Popular Manga Artists, plus OWV makes its first appearance!

In addition to manga, there are also plenty of special articles with great readability. We will deliver luxurious collaborations that can only be seen in the May issue of 'Ribon'.

1. Hololive's Usada Pekora x Mizuka Yuzuhara A dream collaboration article realized!

VTuber Usada Pekora, who boasts immense popularity for her multi-faceted streaming activities including game commentary and singing as a 3rd generation member of Hololive, descends upon 'Ribon'!

Super beautiful newly drawn illustrations by 'Ribon' manga artist Mizuka Yuzuhara will brightly color the pages. The article is full of episodes that delve into Pekora's true self, such as what sparked her interest in games and what she focuses on in her daily streams. Furthermore, she will introduce games she recommends to readers.

2. The 4-member boy group OWV, boasting overwhelming performance, makes its first appearance!

The talented group OWV, which is attracting attention for its powerful performance and outstanding teamwork, makes its first appearance in 'Ribon'.

Each member will carefully answer unique questions that fans and non-fans alike will be curious about, such as "hero episodes from their school days" and "what kind of story would unfold if they were manga characters." Also, pay attention to the newly shot photos in cool and stylish costumes.

【About 'Ribon' May 2026 Issue】

Release Date: Friday, April 3, 2026