Kodansha USA Adds Trapped on Tape! and Sets English Print Debut for Hajime no Ippo

Kodansha USA Publishing announced a new horror license, an English print omnibus and five Kodansha Print Club releases at its Anime NYC panel Friday.

Joji Morikawa’s long-running Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit! will reach English print for the first time in fall 2027. Kodansha’s K MANGA service already publishes the series digitally in English.

Each premium paperback of Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit! Omnibus will collect three Japanese volumes. The generation-defining sports manga has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and inspired multiple hit anime series.

The story follows Ippo Makunouchi, a clumsy high school student who often faces bullying and wonders what strength feels like. Meeting professional boxer Mamoru Takamura reveals the explosive power in his fists.

Hoping to turn professional, Ippo joins Mamoru at Kamogawa Boxing Gym. His search for true strength develops both inside and outside the ring.

Kodansha’s new horror acquisition, TNSK’s Trapped on Tape! (Torimatorimasu), is also scheduled for fall 2027.

Its protagonist, Jun Makino, is an outspoken, energetic city girl eager for adventure. When her father accepts a rural doctor’s post, she searches for hidden treasure and discovers old VHS tapes and a sentient camcorder.

The old technology sends Jun on a mission to drive away ghosts haunting the countryside. Her new companion and loyal dog help, but the task may exceed her abilities. Her father’s reasons for relocating also remain a mystery.

New friendships, buried secrets and supernatural fear shape the slow-paced summer horror story. TNSK depicts Jun’s quiet country life in detail, combining sweetness, humor, terror and discovery with distinctive character designs and developed characterization.

The synopsis compares its cute artwork and dark subject matter with Made in Abyss. It also invokes the frightening videotape imagery of The Ring and V/H/S, alongside elements reminiscent of Spirited Away.

The five Kodansha Print Club additions are:

• How to Grill Our Love (Yaiteru Futari), by Shiori Hanatsuka — September 2026.
• Abe-kun’s Got Me Now! (Abe-kun ni Nerawaretemasu), by Aki Iwai — December 2026.
• I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die (Aono-kun ni Sawaritai kara Shinitai), by Umi Shiina — December 2026.
• Matcha Made in Heaven (Kono Koi, Chaban ni Tsuki!?), by Umebachi Yamanaka — January 2027.
• Changes of Heart (Honnō Switch), by KUJIRA — January 2027.

How to Grill Our Love follows Kenta, a practical barbecue enthusiast seeking someone who shares his passion. He finds a potential partner in Chihiro, a seemingly distant, flawless businesswoman.

Both fear rejection if they reveal their true selves, but food and companionship bring them comfort. When Kenta faces a work transfer, Chihiro proposes marriage to preserve their developing relationship.

They begin a long-distance marriage while barely knowing each other. Their shared enthusiasm for grilling accompanies all the awkwardness of dating.

In Abe-kun’s Got Me Now!, cheerful Akari has little interest in her school’s celebrated karate competitor, even after he qualifies for nationals. She finds the towering, rough-mannered Abe-kun nothing like her angelic childhood friend Takuto.

When Abe-kun hurts his arm protecting her, Akari helps him and discovers his secret. Their ensuing clashes drive a sporty high school romantic comedy with some heat and a protective streak.

The sharp-tongued girl insists she dislikes athletes. Her counterpart is a determined, loyal karate champion who loves her.

I Want to Hold Aono-kun So Badly I Could Die centers on the sometimes scatterbrained high school student Yuri-chan and her deceased boyfriend, Aono-kun. He remains present as a ghost, leaving them deeply connected but unable to touch.

Their attempts to be together at any cost move between obsession and possession. Others become entangled in a consuming romance that defies physical boundaries.

The hit manga combines horror, absurdity and intense romance in a life-or-death relationship between a high school girl and her ghostly boyfriend.

In Matcha Made in Heaven, Chako Hananoki returns to her family’s tea farm after years away. She hopes to escape her stalker ex-fiancé and start over.

She discovers a young niece she has never met and a widowed brother who appears to have withdrawn from others. A brusque young farmer, Isshin, now lives in their house and manages the struggling farm for him.

Chako wants to help, but Isshin dismisses her, expecting her to leave again soon. When her past catches up, a desperate lie forces them to pretend they are married.

Their hostile first impressions gradually soften in a romance built around a returning daughter, a fake marriage and a found family. Yamanaka also illustrated the manga adaptation of Ossan’s "LOVe".

Changes of Heart follows Koyori, who visits her longtime friend Hijiri to drink after her boyfriend dumps her. She ends up spending the night with him, and he confesses his love.

Having known Hijiri since childhood, Koyori struggles to understand their changed relationship. A failed romance could cost her their friendship, while her ex’s desire to reunite further complicates her decision.

Koyori must work out what she wants before risking everything.

Yen Press sponsors ANN’s Anime NYC 2026 coverage. Its promotional message highlights light novels, manga and manhwa, directing readers to Booth #1701 or YenPress.com for more information.