The Dark Side Of Romance: 7 Reasons Why 'Yakuza Fiancé' (Raise Wa Tanin Ga Ii) Manga Is A Must-Read—And What To Expect Next
The *Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii* manga has cemented its place as a modern classic in the romantic crime drama genre, captivating readers with its intoxicating blend of danger, dark humor, and genuine emotional complexity. As of December 2025, the series is at the height of its global popularity, thanks in no small part to the highly anticipated anime adaptation that premiered in October 2024. While the original manga by Asuka Konishi is currently on a much-discussed hiatus in Japan, the buzz surrounding the anime, coupled with the series’ eight published volumes, means there has never been a better time to dive into the tumultuous engagement of Yoshino Somei and Kirishima.
This article serves as your ultimate, up-to-date guide to the series, exploring the core elements that make it a phenomenon, the current status of the manga, and the essential details of the recent anime adaptation that has brought this twisted love story to a brand new audience.
The Essential Dossier: Yakuza Fiancé (Raise wa Tanin ga Ii)
The story's official Japanese title, *Raise wa Tanin ga Ii*, translates to "I'd rather be with someone else in the next life," a title that perfectly encapsulates the toxic, yet magnetic, relationship at the heart of the series.
- Official Title: *Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii* (Japanese: 来世は他人がいい)
- Author & Artist: Asuka Konishi
- Genre: Romantic Crime Drama, Dark Comedy, Psychological, Josei (though often marketed to a broad audience)
- Serialization: Kodansha's *Monthly Afternoon* (or simply *Afternoon*) magazine
- Serialization Start: August 2017
- Current Manga Status: Hiatus (after 8 volumes in Japan)
- English Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
- Latest English Volume: Volume 8 (Released September 2024)
- Anime Adaptation: Premiered October 2024, produced by Studio DEEN, directed by Toshifumi Kawase.
The Main Players: Characters That Define the Drama
The narrative is driven by a cast of deeply flawed and compelling characters, each tied to the dangerous world of the yakuza.
- Yoshino Somei (染井 吉乃): The protagonist and granddaughter of the Somei family's current leader in Osaka. She is known for her 'resting bitch face' and a surprisingly sharp, pragmatic mind. She desires a normal life but is constantly pulled back into the underworld. Her forced engagement to Kirishima is the catalyst for the entire series.
- Kirishima (霧島 鋭治): Yoshino's fiancé and the grandson of the Miyama family's leader in Tokyo. He is handsome, charismatic, and outwardly polite, but harbors a deeply sadistic and controlling nature. His unpredictable behavior and genuine affection create the central, volatile dynamic of the story.
- Renji Somei (染井 蓮二): Yoshino's grandfather and the powerful leader of the Osaka Somei family. He arranges the engagement to Kirishima's family.
- Shouma Toriashi (鳥葦 翔真): A third-year university student and a key figure who adds complexity to the romantic entanglements. He is a rival of Kirishima’s and harbors his own intentions toward Yoshino.
7 Reasons Yakuza Fiancé is the Ultimate Romantic Crime Manga
The manga’s success lies in its refusal to conform to typical romance tropes, instead opting for a gritty, mature, and darkly humorous approach to a forced engagement.
1. A Dark Romance That Subverts Expectations
Unlike many shojo or josei titles, *Yakuza Fiancé* does not feature a gentle, protective male lead. Kirishima is a manipulative and dangerous figure whose 'love' is possessive and terrifying. The story explores the fine line between attraction and fear, making the relationship between Yoshino and Kirishima a twisted psychological game rather than a conventional courtship.
2. The Unflappable Heroine: Yoshino Somei
Yoshino is a refreshing change from passive protagonists. She is fully aware of Kirishima's true nature and refuses to be intimidated. Her inner monologues are witty, cynical, and highly relatable, as she navigates her arranged fate with a sharp tongue and a surprising resilience. She is a yakuza princess who knows how to handle herself, often being the only one who can truly stand up to her volatile fiancé.
3. Intricate Yakuza World-Building
The manga provides a compelling look into the structure of the modern yakuza, focusing on the power dynamics between the Osaka-based Somei family and the Tokyo-based Miyama family. The backdrop of organized crime is not just a gimmick; it is integral to the plot, driving the political marriages, rivalries, and the constant threat of violence that permeates Yoshino's life.
4. The Phenomenal Success of the Anime Adaptation
The TV anime adaptation, which began airing in October 2024, has been a massive success, introducing the series to a global mainstream audience. Produced by Studio DEEN, the adaptation has been praised for capturing the manga's unique aesthetic—a blend of sharp, stylish character designs and a moody, atmospheric color palette—and for its faithful portrayal of the manga’s tense, dramatic moments. The anime's high production value has solidified the series' reputation as a top-tier romantic crime drama.
5. High-Stakes Psychological Tension
The true thrill of *Raise wa Tanin ga Ii* comes from the psychological warfare between the main couple. Every interaction is a delicate dance of manipulation, testing of boundaries, and flashes of genuine connection. Readers are constantly left guessing about Kirishima's true motives and whether Yoshino will ever truly escape the clutches of the yakuza life. This intense, unpredictable chemistry is a major draw.
6. Asuka Konishi's Distinctive Art Style
Asuka Konishi's artwork is instantly recognizable. It features sharp, angular lines, expressive faces, and a sophisticated, almost retro aesthetic that sets it apart from typical shojo manga. The character designs, especially Kirishima's charismatic yet unsettling expressions, perfectly complement the dark tone of the narrative.
7. The Mystery of the Hiatus and Future Volume
As of December 2025, the manga remains on hiatus, a source of both frustration and intense speculation for the fan community. The anime’s success has only amplified the demand for new chapters. While there is no official return date, fan communities are buzzing with rumors, with some speculative chatter pointing to a potential Volume 9 release in Japan around July 2026. The anticipation for the manga’s continuation keeps the series perpetually in the spotlight, proving the depth of its topical authority.
Where to Read and What to Do While Waiting
For readers looking to catch up or start the series, the English-language volumes are published by Seven Seas Entertainment, with Volume 8 being the most recently released. The manga’s serialization in Kodansha’s *Monthly Afternoon* magazine is the source for the original Japanese chapters.
While the manga's hiatus is a difficult wait for long-time followers, the anime adaptation provides a fantastic way to experience the story. The anime’s success has led to renewed interest in the source material, and watching the adaptation is the best way to support the series and keep the momentum strong for the manga’s eventual return. Keep an eye on official announcements from Asuka Konishi and Kodansha for the highly anticipated news about Volume 9 and the continuation of Yoshino and Kirishima's dangerous engagement.
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