Blue Period

Tsubasa Yamaguchi’s Blue Period (2020–present, Kodansha USA) follows a high-achieving but directionless Tokyo teen who discovers a consuming passion for painting, plunging into the fiercely competitive world of art school entrance exams. Over 17 issues, the series explores the raw, messy process of artistic growth—from technical struggles to the emotional toll of creating something true. Published under Kodansha’s line, it has resonated widely for its unflinching, human portrayal of creativity and self-discovery, earning a reputation as a standout modern slice-of-life drama.