The fifth volume of "Hataraki Man" (Kodansha), a manga by Moyoco Anno, known for works such as "Sakuran" and "Happy Mania", was released on June 27th, the first new volume in about 17 years. To commemorate the 35th anniversary of Anno's career as an artist, the new volume of "Hataraki Man" and "Moyoco Anno Selected Sakuran" (Shogakukan Creative) were released at the same time.
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Hataraki Man is a manga that began serialization in Morning (Kodansha) in 2004. It depicts the struggles of Hiroko Matsukata, an editor at the weekly magazine JIDAI, and the various people who work around her as they face life and ponder the question, "What does it mean to work?" In October 2006, it was adapted into a TV anime series, broadcast on Fuji TV's late-night anime slot, Noitamina. In October 2007, it was made into a drama starring actress Miho Kanno on Nippon TV. A total of 3.3 million copies have been published. The latest volume, volume 5, includes episodes not included in the comics. To commemorate the release of the latest volume, all previously published volumes of the comics have been reprinted.
"Sakuran" was serialized in "Evening" (Kodansha) from 2001 to 2003, depicting the strong desire to live of a courtesan who finds herself in a harsh environment. A movie starring Anna Tsuchiya was released in 2007 and became a hot topic.
"Moyoco Anno Selection Sakuran" is the first complete collection of "The Phantom Second Chapter" (3 chapters, 67 pages) published in "Evening" (Kodansha) in 2005. At the end of the volume, there are Edo-era beauties drawn and selected by Anno. A clear card will be included as a first-time bonus.
Anno made her debut as a manga artist in her third year of high school. Her most well-known works include "Happy Mania" (Shodensha) and "Hataraki Man" (Kodansha). She won the 29th Kodansha Manga Award for her fantasy manga "Sugar Sugar Rune," which was serialized in "Nakayoshi" (Kodansha). She also won the Excellence Award in the Manga Division of the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs for "Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen" (Shodensha). She is currently serializing "Go Happy Mania" in "FEEL YOUNG" (Shodensha).