Kore Yamazaki

Kore Yamazaki is a Japanese manga artist born in Hokkaido, renowned for her fantasy manga series The Ancient Magus' Bride, which blends elements of folklore, magic, and emotional character development.^[1] She began drawing at around age two or three and started creating manga by age seven, eventually making her professional debut in 2012.^[1] Yamazaki's work draws inspiration from classic manga artists like Yasuhiro Nightow and Hitoshi Ashinano, as well as English fairy tales and fantasy literature set in folklore-rich landscapes.^[1] Her breakthrough series, The Ancient Magus' Bride (serialized starting in 2013), follows the story of a young witch apprentice and her enigmatic mage mentor, exploring themes of growth, isolation, and the supernatural; by 2017, it had sold over four million copies in Japan and been translated into more than 14 languages worldwide, with over 12 million copies in circulation as of April 2025.^[1][2] The series has been adapted into an anime, with Season 1 produced by Wit Studio in 2017 and Season 2 by Studio Kafka in 2023, along with multiple OVAs, cementing its international popularity in the fantasy genre.^[3] Prior to this success, Yamazaki published earlier works such as the short series Futari no Renai Shoka in 2012 and the one-shot Denpatou in 2016, followed by Frau Faust in 2014, a reimagining of the Faust legend centered on a female scholar.^[4] Yamazaki maintains a dedicated creative routine, often working extensive hours while incorporating personal interests like travel, photography, and interior design into her life; she lives modestly and uses her earnings to support her passion for collecting books.^[1] More recent projects include the ongoing series Ghost and Witch, launched in 2021, showcasing her continued evolution in supernatural storytelling.^[4] Her accessible yet emotionally resonant art style appeals to a broad audience, balancing depth for female readers with broader appeal.^[1]

Early life

Childhood and family background

Kore Yamazaki was born on June 10, 1990, in Hokkaido, Japan.^[5] Yamazaki's early years were spent in Hokkaido. From around the age of two or three, Yamazaki began drawing, a hobby she has described as lifelong, eventually leading to her creation of manga by age seven.^[1] Her fascination with fantasy was ignited early through immersion in British literature, particularly stories featuring fairies and folklore set in England, which sparked an enduring interest in European mythology.^[1]

Artistic beginnings

Kore Yamazaki developed her artistic abilities through self-directed practice. From a young age, she engaged in habitual drawing, beginning with simple sketches as early as age two or three and progressing to manga-style illustrations by age seven. This personal exploration evolved into a consistent illustration practice that formed the foundation of her creative expression.^[1] Growing up in Hokkaido provided a serene backdrop for Yamazaki's imaginative play, where she frequently immersed herself in drawing sessions inspired by the fantasy books she read voraciously. These early experiments focused on fantasy-themed sketches, such as depictions of fairies and mythical elements drawn from stories set in enchanting worlds like England, pursued purely as a hobby without any professional aspirations. Her lifelong dedication to drawing, as she has described it—"I’ve been drawing all my life"—reflected a natural progression from childhood pastime to a more intentional creative outlet.^[1] This progression laid the groundwork for her future as a manga creator.^[1]

Career

Professional debut

Kore Yamazaki made her professional debut in 2012 with the short series Futari no Renai Shoka, serialized in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward.^[6] She entered the professional manga industry more prominently in 2013 with the serialization of her original work The Ancient Magus' Bride in Monthly Comic Blade, a magazine published by Mag Garden.^[7] As a self-taught artist who had honed her skills through personal drawing practice since childhood, Yamazaki uploaded samples of her work online, which attracted the attention of Mag Garden editors and led to the acceptance of her submission for serialization of The Ancient Magus' Bride.^[8][1] Facing typical challenges as a newcomer, she balanced her intuitive, self-developed techniques—such as a preference for visual storytelling over descriptive text—with the rigorous deadlines and collaborative standards of professional publishing, drawing on prior experience as an assistant to established mangaka to adapt.^[8] The series' initial run in Comic Blade from November 2013 to July 2014 garnered enough positive response to warrant continuation, prompting its transfer to Monthly Comic Garden starting in September 2014; the first tankōbon volume was released on April 10, 2014, marking a promising start to her career.^[7]

Breakthrough and serialization

Yamazaki's breakthrough came with the serialization of The Ancient Magus' Bride (Mahōtsukai no Yome), which began on November 30, 2013, in Mag Garden's Monthly Comic Blade magazine.^[7] The series quickly gained traction, leading to its transfer to the digital-focused Monthly Comic Garden in September 2014, where it continued to expand its reach.^[7] Tankōbon volumes were released steadily starting with the first on April 10, 2014, and by the end of 2017, eight volumes had been published in Japan, helping to cultivate a dedicated readership through consistent storytelling and intricate artwork.^[7] In October 2014, Yamazaki launched her second major series, Frau Faust, in Kodansha's josei magazine Itan, where it ran until December 2017, comprising five volumes.^[9] This serialization demonstrated her versatility, blending folklore with supernatural elements in a reimagined Faustian tale, and further solidified her presence in the industry alongside The Ancient Magus' Bride.^[9] A key milestone of international recognition occurred in August 2017 when Yamazaki attended Crunchyroll Expo, her first major appearance at a U.S. convention, where she participated in panels and autograph sessions, coinciding with the buzz around her works' growing global appeal.^[10] During the mid-2010s, Yamazaki's works shifted toward digital platforms, exemplified by The Ancient Magus' Bride's move to Monthly Comic Garden, and secured international licensing, with Seven Seas Entertainment acquiring English rights for the series in 2014 and releasing the first volume in May 2015.^[7][11]

Ongoing projects

Following the conclusion of earlier arcs in The Ancient Magus' Bride, Yamazaki continued the series with the "College Arc" (Gakuin-hen), which began serialization in May 2018 and explored Chise Hatori's experiences at a magical academy.^[12] This arc concluded with volume 19 in March 2023, after which the manga entered a hiatus.^[12] In September 2021, Yamazaki launched a new original manga series titled Ghost & Witch (Gōsuto to Majo), serialized on Mag Garden's Manga Doa app, depicting a fantastical journey across Ireland involving a girl possessed by a spirit. The series shares thematic and world-building elements with The Ancient Magus' Bride, including folklore-inspired narratives.^[13] In 2023, Yamazaki transitioned both The Ancient Magus' Bride and Ghost & Witch to Bushiroad Works' Comic Growl platform, resuming serialization in December under the influence of editor Kyohei Shimpuku, who serves as CEO of the publisher and has collaborated closely with Yamazaki on story development.^[14][15] The resumption of The Ancient Magus' Bride introduced the "Shishigari Arc" (Beast-Hunting Arc), focusing on new supernatural conflicts.^[16] As of November 2025, The Ancient Magus' Bride remains active on Comic Growl, with volume 23 released on October 8, 2025, and the main series surpassing 12 million copies in circulation as of April 2025.^[17] Yamazaki also released The Ancient Magus' Bride: Fragments Collection, a compilation of short stories expanding the universe, in May 2025.^[18] In March 2025, a visual novel adaptation, The Ancient Magus' Bride: Midsummer Phantom and Dreaming Journey, was announced for Nintendo Switch release later in 2025.^[19] Ghost & Witch continues monthly serialization on Comic Growl, with its English edition licensed to Seven Seas Entertainment and volume 1 scheduled for February 2026.^[13]

Works

The Ancient Magus' Bride

The Ancient Magus' Bride (魔法使いの嫁, Mahōtsukai no Yome) is the breakthrough manga series written and illustrated by Kore Yamazaki, marking her rise to prominence in the fantasy genre.^[16] The series began serialization on November 30, 2013, in Mag Garden's Monthly Comic Blade magazine, continuing until the publication's cessation in September 2014, after which it transferred to Monthly Comic Garden under the same publisher.^[20] In 2023, following Mag Garden's restructuring, serialization shifted to Bushiroad Works' online platform Comic Growl, where it remains ongoing as of November 2025.^[14] By October 2025, the manga had reached 23 tankōbon volumes, with the series exploring intricate world-building drawn from global folklore and mythology.^[21] At its core, the story follows Chise Hatori, a teenage orphan with latent magical abilities who, after enduring neglect and abuse, is purchased at a secret auction by Elias Ainsworth, an enigmatic mage with the skull of a beast.^[11] Elias, a powerful sorcerer skilled in ancient arts, declares Chise his apprentice—and eventual bride—thrusting her into a world of magic, faeries, and supernatural beings while she grapples with her own emotional scars and growing powers. The narrative delves into themes of personal growth, the balance between human and otherworldly realms, and the ethical complexities of magic, blending dark fantasy with introspective character development.^[16] Key story arcs structure the progression of Chise's journey, beginning with her initial apprenticeship under Elias, where she learns the fundamentals of magecraft amid encounters with mythical creatures and moral dilemmas.^[20] This foundational phase transitions into the College Arc starting in 2018, in which Chise enrolls at a secretive institution for young mages, fostering her independence, relationships with peers, and deeper understanding of sorcery's societal role, spanning volumes 10 through 19.^[22] Following a brief hiatus, the series resumed in late 2023 with the Shishigari Arc (Beast Hunt Arc), teased earlier that year, introducing new conflicts involving pursuit of legendary creatures and Chise's evolving mastery, continuing into subsequent volumes.^[16] Internationally, the manga has been licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment for English-language release, with 21 volumes published in North America by November 2025, maintaining close pace with the Japanese editions through ongoing translations.^[11] This adaptation preserves Yamazaki's detailed artwork and folklore integrations, contributing to the series' global appeal among fantasy readers.^[23]

Frau Faust

Frau Faust is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kore Yamazaki, serialized in Kodansha's josei magazine Itan from October 7, 2014, to December 7, 2017.^[9] The series was compiled into five tankōbon volumes, released between April 2015 and March 2018.^[9] The story serves as a gender-bent adaptation of the classic Faust legend, set in 19th-century Germany, where the titular character, Johanna Faust, is a brilliant female alchemist who forged a pact with the demon Mephistopheles over a century earlier to gain immense knowledge and power.^[24] After the demon's body was dissected and its parts scattered across the land to contain its influence, Johanna embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve these fragments, accompanied by her homunculus familiar, Nico, a young girl who manages an orphanage-pharmacy.^[9] During her travels, Johanna encounters Marion Ranke, an impoverished boy desperate for education after his mother can no longer afford his schooling; she saves him from a criminal's fate and enlists his aid in exchange for teaching him alchemy, drawing him into her supernatural odyssey.^[25] Through their adventures, the narrative delves into themes of unchecked ambition, the moral perils of pacts with otherworldly entities, and the human cost of pursuing forbidden wisdom in a world fraught with inquisitors and demonic remnants.^[24] As Yamazaki's second major serialized work following the success of her debut, Frau Faust stands as a self-contained story, concluding with the climactic resolution of Johanna's quest to reassemble Mephistopheles and confront the consequences of her long-ago bargain.^[9]

Other publications

Yamazaki's early one-shot Futari no Renai Shoka, serialized from August 2012 to July 2013 in Houbunsha's Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine, comprises two volumes and explores a gentle romance between Kanako, a young woman managing an old bookstore, and Akio, a teenage customer who bonds with her over shared literary interests.^[26] This work marks one of her initial forays into serialized storytelling, emphasizing themes of loneliness and connection through books.^[26] In 2016, Yamazaki published the one-shot Denpatou (Lamp Tower), a futuristic tale set in a world where telecommunication has vanished, centering on a girl discovering one of the last remaining radios and its poignant implications for human isolation.^[27] The story blends science fiction elements with introspective narrative, highlighting Yamazaki's versatility beyond fantasy genres.^[27] Transparent Museum (also known as The Invisible Museum), a supernatural one-shot included as an extra chapter in the first volume of Frau Faust (published in Japan in 2015 by Kodansha), follows Asaki as she enters a seemingly empty museum that reveals hidden, ethereal wonders, introducing motifs of mystery and the unseen world.^[28] This piece showcases her ability to craft concise, atmospheric tales with fantastical undertones.^[29] Yamazaki launched Ghost & Witch in September 2021 via Mag Garden's Manga Doa app, with serialization resuming in December 2023 under Bushiroad Works' Comic Growl platform after a hiatus; the series, licensed for English release by Seven Seas Entertainment starting in 2026, depicts a girl named Saku escaping to Ireland, where she encounters a silver-haired witch amid hauntings by a monstrous entity, weaving supernatural adventure across folklore-rich landscapes.^[14][13] Beyond standalone pieces, Yamazaki has contributed to anthologies and fragment collections tied to her broader oeuvre, such as The Ancient Magus' Bride: Collected Fragments, a series of short stories and illustrations expanding on peripheral characters and untold moments, with the first volume set for English publication in February 2026 by Seven Seas.^[30] These works provide glimpses into side narratives, enriching her established universes without forming core serializations.^[30]

Artistic style

Influences and inspirations

Kore Yamazaki's creative work draws heavily from British fairy tales and folklore, which she encountered extensively during her childhood. She has stated that she grew up reading numerous fantasy books about fairies, many of which were set in England, fostering a deep emotional connection to that landscape and its mythical elements.^[1] This early exposure to English fairy lore, including influences from authors like J.K. Rowling and particularly Diana Wynne Jones—whose works such as Howl's Moving Castle shaped her storytelling approach—formed a foundational pillar of her imaginative world-building.^[31] Yamazaki's inspirations extend to broader European mythology, incorporating Celtic and Germanic traditions that inform her adaptations of classic legends. For instance, her series Frau Faust reinterprets the Germanic Faust myth, drawing on medieval European beliefs about magic, alchemy, and folklore to explore themes of ambition and the supernatural.^[32] She researches these elements through published encyclopedias, such as Katharine Mary Briggs' An Encyclopedia of Fairies, and direct visits to historical sites in the UK to ensure authenticity in depicting Celtic fairies and other mythological figures.^[33] In addition to literary sources, Yamazaki expresses general admiration for manga creators whose works have inspired her artistic development, citing the impact of reading acclaimed series that blend fantasy and character-driven narratives. Her upbringing in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, has also imbued her with a profound appreciation for nature's isolating beauty, including its snowy landscapes and vast wilderness, which subtly informs the atmospheric depth of her fantastical settings.^[1][33]

Themes and techniques

Kore Yamazaki's manga frequently explore themes of isolation and loneliness, often portraying characters who are ostracized due to their unique abilities or otherworldly connections, as seen in the protagonist Chise Hatori's experiences of rejection for perceiving magical entities that others cannot.^[34] This sense of solitude extends to broader reflections on human disconnection, influenced by societal misunderstandings and the isolating effects of modern communication.^[34] Redemption emerges as a central motif, with characters undergoing personal transformation through self-acceptance and relational bonds, marking a shift from passivity to agency in their lives.^[34] Human-monster relationships form a core narrative element, delving into multifaceted dynamics such as mentorship, familial ties, and romantic partnerships between humans and non-human entities, emphasizing mutual growth and emotional interdependence.^[33] Magical realism permeates her stories, seamlessly integrating supernatural phenomena into everyday settings to blur the boundaries between the mundane and the fantastical.^[35] Yamazaki's artistic techniques feature detailed and expressive linework that captures both ethereal beauty and subtle horror, enhancing the atmospheric depth of her fantasy worlds.^[35] Her character designs prioritize personality-driven poses and expressions, allowing visual storytelling to convey emotional nuances without relying heavily on dialogue.^[33] She employs a classic style that balances intricate details with accessibility, drawing on traditional manga influences to evoke a timeless quality in her illustrations.^[1] In integrating folklore, Yamazaki draws from diverse sources including British, Gaelic, Japanese, and Judeo-Christian traditions, adapting elements like fae lore and legendary figures to construct an original mythos rather than direct retellings.^[35] Her research involves encyclopedic texts on fairies and visits to historical sites in the UK, enabling her to infuse authentic cultural resonances while crafting unique supernatural frameworks that serve the narrative's emotional core.^[33] Yamazaki's storytelling has evolved from intimate, house-centered explorations of character relationships to expansive arcs involving wider interactions between human and monstrous realms, incorporating real-life experiences to deepen psychological complexity.^[33] Early volumes focus on foundational bonds and personal redemption, while later developments reorder planned elements—like shifting a college arc earlier—to prioritize gradual character growth and intricate emotional layering.^[33] This progression reflects an organic integration of new insights, allowing for more nuanced portrayals of isolation and connection over time.^[1]

Reception

Critical response

Kore Yamazaki's The Ancient Magus' Bride has received widespread acclaim for its intricate world-building, which seamlessly integrates diverse cultural myths including British, Gaelic, Japanese, and Judeo-Christian folklore into a cohesive fantasy realm.^[35] Reviewers have praised the depth of its characters, particularly protagonist Chise Hatori's emotional journey from neglect and self-loathing to gradual self-acceptance, alongside the enigmatic Elias Ainsworth, whose mysterious past and evolving emotions add layers of complexity.^[35] The series' emotional resonance is highlighted in international analyses for its contemplative exploration of trauma and healing, portraying Chise's depression as a multifaceted struggle that underscores themes of resilience and interpersonal growth.^[36] Publications like Crunchyroll have noted its slower, introspective pace as a strength that fosters deeper engagement with these elements.^[37] Yamazaki's Frau Faust has been positively received for its fresh reinterpretation of the classic Faust legend, centering a tenacious female sorceress, Johanna Faust, who sold her soul to resurrect a demon, blending historical research with imaginative mystery.^[38] Critics appreciate the series' engaging characters and foreboding magical atmosphere, though it has garnered less international attention compared to The Ancient Magus' Bride.^[38] Some critiques of Yamazaki's works point to pacing inconsistencies, particularly in the early volumes of The Ancient Magus' Bride, where slow character revelations and repetitious elements can frustrate readers seeking quicker progression in the central relationship.^[39] Additionally, analyses have questioned the handling of sensitive topics like trauma, noting that Chise's acceptance of a potentially toxic dynamic with Elias risks undermining her empowerment narrative despite the series' overall sensitive depiction of emotional abuse and recovery.^[36] Yamazaki has solidified her reputation as a rising star in fantasy manga, recognized for her ability to craft captivating, myth-infused narratives that blend emotional depth with supernatural intrigue.^[40] This acclaim has contributed to the popularity of her works, including anime adaptations that expand their global reach.^[41]

Awards and recognition

Kore Yamazaki's work has garnered significant recognition through nominations and awards for her manga series, particularly The Ancient Magus' Bride. The series was nominated for the 8th Manga Taishō in 2015, an accolade selected by bookstore employees to highlight promising manga.^[42] It also received second place in the Comic Natalie Grand Prize in 2014 and second place in the Manga Ga Sugoi! awards in 2015, both of which celebrate notable manga publications.^[43] Additionally, The Ancient Magus' Bride ranked second in the print manga category of the inaugural Next Manga Award in 2015, voted on by manga enthusiasts.^[11] The anime adaptation of The Ancient Magus' Bride further amplified Yamazaki's acclaim, winning the Best Drama award at the 2nd Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2018 for its 2017 season. It has since earned multiple nominations, including Best Fantasy for the 2023 season at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2024 and Best Continuing Series in 2019.^[44] Yamazaki's series has achieved substantial commercial success, with The Ancient Magus' Bride surpassing 12 million copies in circulation worldwide by April 2025.^[2] This milestone reflects its broad appeal, bolstered by anime seasons in 2017 and 2023 produced by studios Wit and Studio Kafka, respectively. The manga's international reach includes translations in numerous languages, such as English, Italian, Spanish, Polish, French, and German, facilitating its publication by global publishers like Seven Seas Entertainment.^[1] Yamazaki has appeared at major events, including Crunchyroll Expo in 2017, Anime NYC in 2023 for a live drawing session, and SMASH! in Australia in 2024, where she engaged with fans through panels and signings.^[10][45][46] Through these achievements, Yamazaki has established herself as a key figure in making fantasy manga accessible to worldwide audiences, blending Japanese folklore with universal themes to foster global fandom.^[1]