The Summer of Shogi and First Loves Continues: “Emae, Zeffiro” Vol. 6 Now Available Digitally!
Dive into the unforgettable summer of Nishikaze High School’s Shogi Club as the acclaimed “Emae, Zeffiro” releases its long-awaited sixth volume as an e-book.
Bourbon Comic has announced the digital release of Volume 6 of the beloved shogi manga, Emae, Zeffiro: Nishikaze High School Shogi Club Story, on March 25, 2026. This installment plunges readers back into the vibrant, emotionally charged world of high school students navigating the complexities of friendship, budding romance, and intense shogi battles during their summer break.
A Masterpiece Reemerges
For years, Emae, Zeffiro has been a celebrated, yet often hard-to-find, gem among shogi manga enthusiasts and general readers alike. Originally serialized in the specialized shogi magazine “Weekly Shogi,” the series is renowned for its remarkably realistic depiction of shogi matches—a strategic Japanese board game akin to chess—coupled with a deeply interwoven narrative of youth, love, and personal struggles. Set against the backdrop of Nishikaze High School in Kanagawa Prefecture, it follows the club members as they strive for national glory, making it a powerful coming-of-age story that resonates with a broad audience.
Unforgettable Summer Encounters
Volume 6, titled “Second Year Summer ②”, captures the essence of a Japanese summer, blending the heat of competition with the warmth of evolving relationships. The story kicks off with the Nishikaze Shogi Club seeking a refreshing break at the beach, only to find themselves drawn into an unexpected challenge: a game of “Doubutsu Shogi” (Animal Shogi), a simplified and charming version of the game, against a formidable middle schooler named Sora. This encounter adds a playful yet meaningful layer to their shogi-filled holiday.
As the summer draws to a close, the stakes rise with the commencement of the “Metropolitan High School Shogi League,” an event that gathers top shogi schools from across the Kanto region. Here, main character Asukada faces a fated reunion with his rival, Ichiyanagi, setting the stage for a thrilling clash of minds and wills. The panels pulsate with the tension of these matches, reflecting the characters’ internal struggles and their passionate dedication to the game.
Beyond the shogi board, the volume delicately explores the characters’ romantic entanglements and individual growth. The air, thick with the scent of salty sea breeze and the quiet, rhythmic clatter of shogi pieces, forms the backdrop for these evolving relationships. Each character, with their unique blend of youthful idealism and competitive fire, navigates their passion for shogi and the tender complexities of first loves under the warm summer sun. “The way the characters’ emotions are woven into every move on the board is truly captivating,” one long-time reader might express, “it’s more than just shogi; it’s about finding yourself.”
Release Information
- Title: Emae, Zeffiro: Nishikaze High School Shogi Club Story 6
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Author: Akira Yanagiha
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Label: Bourbon Comic
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Release Date: March 25, 2026
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Price: 799 yen (excl. tax)
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Format: E-book (eEPUB3)
This release is part of an ongoing monthly rollout, with future volumes scheduled to be released one per month until all 15 volumes are available.
The Future of “Kawaii” Storytelling Abroad
The digital re-release of Emae, Zeffiro not only makes a cherished series accessible to a new generation of readers but also reinforces the global appeal of Japanese youth dramas. Stories like this, which blend traditional cultural elements like shogi with universal themes of friendship, romance, and self-discovery, continue to charm audiences worldwide. The dedicated fan following and the intricate portrayal of high school life contribute to the rich tapestry of “Kawaii” culture, showing that the essence of cute and charming extends beyond aesthetics to deeply emotional and engaging narratives.
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