Essay by Princess Akiko, with over 430,000 copies sold, is adapted into manga for the first time—cover design for "Manga Aka to Ao no Gown" Volume 1 revealed

"Manga Aka to Ao no Gown Volume 1," based on the essay "Aka to Ao no Gown" (PHP Bunko) by Princess Akiko, which has sold over 430,000 copies, will be published by Shinchosha on March 25. Prior to its release, the cover design has been revealed for the first time.

This work depicts the story of Princess Akiko's study abroad life at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, as she became the first female member of the Imperial Family to earn a doctoral degree overseas. Her daily life walking alone through the streets, days spent rushing to write her dissertation, and interactions with local friends—the conflicts and youth during her study abroad are portrayed through the brushwork of manga artist Aoi Ikebe, known for works such as "Branch Line." Volume 1, published following serialization in "Shosetsu Shincho" and the website "Kurage Bunch," will also include a special essay by Princess Akiko.

To commemorate the release of this book, a talk event featuring the original author Princess Akiko and literary critic Kaho Miyake will be held at Junkudo Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store on Wednesday, March 25, at 2:00 PM. While in-person participation tickets have already sold out, "Online Viewing Tickets" (1,100 yen including tax) and "Book + Online Viewing Tickets" (2,310 yen including tax), which allow viewing of both the real-time event and archived broadcast starting at 3:00 PM the following day, are still available for purchase.