Yoko Kamio, the creator of Boys Over Flowers (Hana Yori Dango), will release her first-ever essay collection, Hana Yori Manga, on Dec 11. The book will not only mark her debut as an essayist but will also include a newly drawn manga featuring the F4 and Makino Tsukushi.
Celebrated for selling more than 61 million copies worldwide and spawning multiple live-action adaptations and films, Boys Over Flowers remains one of the most influential shoujo manga of all time.
In her new book, Kamio reflects on her three-decade career in the manga industry through personal essays that detail her creative journey, the origins of Boys Over Flowers, and her experiences working with editors and adapting the story across different media.
The collection will reportedly explore Kamio’s inspirations behind F4 members Tsukasa Domyoji, Rui Hanazawa, Sojiro Nishikado, and Akira Mimasaka, as well as her connection to their strong-willed heroine, Makino Tsukushi. Beyond her work, the book offers a glimpse into Kamio’s personal life.
Pre-orders for Hana Yori Manga are currently available at bookstores and online retailers across Japan. A release event will also take place on Jan 10, 2026, at Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store in Tokyo, where Kamio will personally hand over signed copies of her book to attendees.
Source: Oricon
