The Last First Love: A New Chapter in Romance
The excitement is palpable as the continuation of the beloved comic series,
'The Last First Love' (
賭けからはじまる最後の初恋), is set to hit the shelves on
January 13, 2026. Published by
Micromagazine in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, this series has already achieved impressive milestones, surpassing
400,000 copies in cumulative sales, and has even been adapted into a popular drama on U-NEXT.
The Story So Far
The new series builds upon the established narrative from
'The Last Goodbye Love' (
賭けからはじまるサヨナラの恋), which chronicles the tumultuous love story between
Nao, a cool OL (office lady) nursing unrequited feelings for her colleague,
Rimura, who finds himself in a confusing situation due to workplace harassment. Their charming misunderstandings and tangled emotions captivated a broad audience, with strong support for their friends,
Riko and
So.
A New Beginning
In this sequel, the focus shifts to Nao's friend,
Riko, and Rimura’s friend,
So. This dynamic duo finds themselves embroiled in a brand-new romantic gamble, revolving around the themes of a woman who cannot fall in love and a man who refuses to engage in serious relationships. The complexities of their feelings promise to deliver fresh twists and engaging developments, keeping readers eagerly guessing about the outcome.
Exclusive Bookstore Fair and Promotions
To celebrate the release, a special bookstore fair will begin on
January 10, 2026, offering limited edition
illustration cards to customers purchasing specific titles, including the first volume of 'The Last First Love' and the first three volumes of 'The Last Goodbye Love'. This special card, featuring unique illustrations of beloved characters, will only be available while supplies last, adding an extra incentive for fans to grab their copies early.
Promotional Items by Retailers
Participating bookstores will provide unique offerings:
- - Gamers: A size A5 message paper.
- - Surugaya: A size A5 illustrations card.
- - Maruzen & Junkudo: An exclusive manga paper in size A6.
- - Meibundo: An exclusive manga paper in size A6.
This continuation not only deepens the existing relationships but also intrigues with new character exploration, highlighting contrasting personalities and the unique dynamics of friendship amid love troubles.
Release Information
- - Title: The Last First Love
- - Manga by: Watamuki Men
- - Original story by: Polun
- - ISBN: 9784867168974
- - Price: ¥897 (including tax)
- - Release Date: January 13, 2026
You can find out more about the comic series and upcoming titles on the
Comic ELMO official website. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an exciting journey filled with laughter, love, and perhaps a few tears!
Keep your eyes peeled for updates and don’t forget to participate in the fair to snag some fantastic exclusive merchandise!