Umi Shinonome Kicks Off 2026 in “Monthly Shonen Champion”
Gravure idol and renowned gunpla builder, Umi Shinonome, is set to captivate readers as she graces the cover and a special gravure spread in the February 2026 issue of Monthly Shonen Champion. Released on January 6, 2026, this marks her impressive fifth appearance in the popular manga magazine, solidifying her status as a “nitouryuu” (two-sword style) talent in the Japanese entertainment world, effortlessly blending her glamorous modeling career with her celebrated hobby.
The 2026 inaugural issue promises an eight-page gravure feature filled with a diverse range of her charms, from “refreshing shots” and “super sweet shots” to “maturely sexy shots.” Fans can look forward to seeing the year painted in Shinonome’s unique colors.
Exclusive Appendices and Fan Services
This special issue comes packed with luxurious extras, including:
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A double-sided B4 poster featuring Umi Shinonome.
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A double-sided clear file.
Furthermore, readers have the opportunity to participate in exclusive fan services:
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A limited-edition QUO card (two types) available to all applicants (applicant bears a fee).
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A chance to win an autographed cheki (instax photo) of Umi Shinonome.
Exciting Manga Lineup for the New Year
Beyond the gravure, the February issue introduces a robust lineup of manga, catering to diverse tastes:
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New Series Launch: Training Ground’s Sandbag Old Man Was Actually the Strongest ~As Soon as He Got Fired, His Former Disciples Who Got Promoted Started Pressuring Him~
This new serialization kicks off with a lead color page, presenting a grand tale of an old man, Lyle, who was fired as a training instructor only to discover his old-fashioned “sandbag fighting style” is actually the strongest. Penned by Takahiro Nagase (original story) and Viatsu Sakurada (manga), this series promises an unwitting strongest old man’s rise to power.
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Latest Volume Release Commemoration: WORST Gaiden Zetton Sensei
Celebrating the release of its 16th volume, this series features a center color page. Written by Hiroshi Takahashi (original concept), Dai Suzuki (original story), and Shintaro Yamamoto (manga), it delves into the major conflict involving Hazama and Tsuru, engulfing the entire city.
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Second Installment of New Series: Getting Married to a Goddess and Living a Newlywed Life in Another World
The second chapter of this new series receives a center color spread and features two chapters simultaneously. With an original story by Kiraku Kishiba and art by Marumaru, it follows Gaku and Iris as they finally debut their newlywed second life in another world, beginning with establishing their living foundation.
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Special One-Shot: Bench
A 34-page neo-baseball manga one-shot by Kouki Ishikawa, this story explores the thoughts of a substitute player on the bench during a tense semi-final match of the Koshien preliminaries, promising to cut through the essence of youth.
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Award-Winning One-Shot: Jujurai-san is Cursed
The semi-finalist award winner of the 20th Next Champion contest, this one-shot by Saudi Umori features Jujurai Junko, a master of jujutsu, whose heart aches every time she sees Yukio Suzuki.
The February 2026 issue of Monthly Shonen Champion is available for a special price of 700 yen (tax included), published by Akita Shoten. This blend of captivating gravure and diverse manga genres ensures the magazine continues to be a vibrant part of Japanese popular culture, offering something for every reader. “It’s fantastic to see how Monthly Shonen Champion consistently highlights multi-talented individuals like Umi Shinonome, truly embodying the spirit of modern entertainment!” remarked a long-time reader.
For more information on Monthly Shonen Champion, visit the official website: https://www.akitashoten.co.jp/m-champion
Akita Shoten, established on August 10, 1948, is a publisher based in Tokyo, known for its magazines, books, comics, and media mix projects. You can find more about them at https://www.akitashoten.co.jp/.
The continued integration of popular idols and diverse storytelling through manga showcases the evolving landscape of Kawaii culture, where traditional appeal meets contemporary talents. This blend keeps the content fresh and engaging, likely influencing entertainment trends abroad by introducing global audiences to unique Japanese talents and narratives.
