Unsung Epics of the Hero’s Journey, Volume 1

June 4th, 2026

To get right to the point, Unsung Epics of the Hero’s Journey, Volume 1 was good. Like, really pretty decent.

Rhuys Ferme is a cleric with an important, but secret, mission. The Hero’s Party is out hunting the Demon King, and she needs someone with serious skills to help achieve her goal. To that end, she commissions Araignée Les, an adventurer with a reputation for having mad skillz.

Unsure and terrified, Rhuys undertakes this dangerous mission with Araignée, whose nonchalance confuses Rhuys. As they travel together, they begin to open up to one another. They find they share a lot of similar baggage; both women having a past filled with rejection and exile. They draw closer, as they move towards a climactic battle with a powerful foe. Will they have enough trust in one another to achieve their goal? 

The story was reasonably well-constructed with characters one could sympathize with. This included some of their opponents, a tack I appreciated. The way contracts and commissions were serious business in this world gave it a bit of “real life” flavor. Araignée’s story, while interesting, was the most predictable, with two important reveals, one of which was telegraphed from the beginning of the book. She was still a solid character. Rhuys was a more complicated character. Her backstory made her actions and beliefs stand out as fully fleshed out. By the end of the book, I was wholly behind these two as a partnership, both in adventuring and life. 

The writing was, for a light novel, rather decent. Hachigatsumori clearly thought things through. All of the fighting was both interesting and sensible, as well as being clever at times. I love when writers get creative within their own rules. An extra point for the bad guy pulling the strings in the background actually just being punished. That was novel.

 NAT’s illustrations had our protagonists fully clothed, with armor that made sense! Points off for Araignée wearing shorts, but I’ll allow it. since her armor covered her chest in a way that might actually protect her.  And! the art is not moe. It was a nice change of pace, having characters that look as they are described. Thank you, NAT.

Ratings: 

Story – 9
Characters – 9
Art – 8
Service – 2
Yuri – 7

Overall – 9

Overall, I found Unsung Epics of the Hero’s Journey, Volume 1 to be an entertaining read, with strong characters, good action, some clever touches and a nice bit of Yuri. Volume 2 is headed our way in August, I’ll definitely be reading it.

Posted in Light Novel | 2 Comments »


By Your Side: The First 100 Years of Yuri Anime and Manga on sale!

June 2nd, 2026

By Your Side: The First 100 Years of Yuri Anime and Manga is celebrating Pride Month, Yuri Day and a 4th birthday with 20% off the digital and print editions for the month of June Get your copy of this ground-breaking work on the history of the Yuri genre today!

This is our first-ever major discount for the book. I’m very thankful to my publisher for their help in making this happen. Discount is available until June 30th!

 

By Your Side is the complete Yuri resource I only ever dreamed could exist. Decades in the making, this glorious collection surveys, analyzes, and contextualizes Yuri with unparalleled detail and enthusiasm. Friedman graces readers with illuminating insights as they follow her through a century of the genre’s evolution and revolution. By sharing her extraordinary knowledge, she provides inquirers, scholars, and aficionados alike with a deeper appreciation and understanding of lesbian anime and manga while galvanizing them towards the next era of Yuri.

– Nicki Bauman, Yurimother

The first in-depth study of Yuri in English.

– James Welker, Professor of Cross-Cultural and Japanese Studies, Kanagawa University

 

DIGITAL Edition

Direct from my amazing publisher, Journey Press (worldwide)

Amazon Kindle (worldwide)

Google Play (worldwide)

Kobo (worldwide)

iTunes (worldwide)

 

PRINT EDITION

Ingram Direct link  (US and UK)

Amazon

Amazon Japan

 

 

Posted in History of Yuri | 3 Comments »


Yurimart Event Report and How To Make Your Own Yuri Event

June 1st, 2026

Yesterday I had a delightful day in Brooklyn, NYC for a Yurimart held at event and art space Yume. Yume does all kind of art exhibits and events, so do follow them online. I was accompanied by two young woman of my acquaintance who are Yurijin as well.

I had gotten a request for RSVP and knew that the space was small, and that they expected a line, so when we arrived and saw the line snaking down the block, and around the corner, it just whetted our appetite!

The event featured about 2 dozen or so local artists and bakeries!, including fan art, original art, ‘zines (which are so, so in again, take that capitalism!) and accessories. 

It was a surreal moment for me….surrounded by people talking about Yuri, many of whom were born into a world that never didn’t have Yuri. Many folks were adamant that there should be more things like this…and yes. And there are. And you should build your own Yuri event. Don’t wait for someone else to day it. I’ll beat that drum again in a bit. First…

Here is the line we saw when we got there:

And this was the line we saw when we left: 

When we entered Yume, there was a little board where you could add your own drawing: 

Then we entered Yume proper. It’s a bit of a railroad apartment, just a long, thin, space that this day was filled with Yuri art and Yuri fans. ^_^ I am short, so this is a terrible picture.

I took a moment to speak with Tai, the owner. She was inspired by Yen Press’s Yuri Cafe, but wanted to do something for and with the local community. She’s hoping to do some other events this summer with Rica Takashima, so keep your eyes peeled here for info!

Here are my purchases from the event:

The sticker on the bottom that says “This too is Yuri” is just too great. I also got a “Girl Prince” sticker, but that must still be in my bag.

There were a few folks who had some great retro urban lesbian art. And as you see I got a Lavender Menace keychain. I love that Yuri and Lesbian communities are now overlapping in exactly the way I hoped when I started promoting Yuri!

One of my favorite things to do all day was to answer the question “What is this line for?” Some folks just didn’t know how to answer, but I have been working on that elevator pitch for years, so I’d leap across the line and say “lesbian-themed Japanese animation and comics’ and a couple of people thought it sounded cool. Two said they’d come back and get on line, one said they’d tell their daughter. Did they? I don’t know, but I talked to folks and encouraged them to learn about Yuri. Which is what I do.

Which brings me to my real point. Many folks said things like “I wish they would do something near me.” To that I reply 1) “Who is they?” YOU, you are they. Be the Yuri event you want to see in the universe! and 2) People ARE doing this near you. Here are some events I saw causally flipping around IG: 

Green Yuri Market on June 14, in Los Angeles

Spill The Tea Yuri and BL event at Manga Lounge in Monterey, CA

Gamer Yuri Online Catalogue

 BL x GL Live DC Pride party

More importantly – you can do this. Start small. Tell folks you know that you’ll be at a park, or a cafe, or at manga store or library – have folks join you.  Have the theme be Yuri. There, you have organized an event. ^_^ It really is that easy!

One more thing. I am stealing this from the K-pop world, but you know what would be cool? If you are creative and have a little time, make a small thing to give away. I always have stickers and postcards, only apparently this time I had like 3 postcards left. :-( Boo me. I am making more stickers so next event, I have plenty to share. If you have OC characters, make a sketch and copy that. Anything. Let’s just share that Yuri.

Thanks to everyone at Yume for being so cool and nice, and to Tai for organizing the event. Thank you to my companions Manjiri and Avantika, you were both awesome! And thank you to all the Yuri fans out there. I look forward to meeting more of you.

Posted in Events | No Comments »


Yurimart in Brooklyn today

May 31st, 2026

I’m taking today off to go have some fun.

Yume, an art and event space in Brooklyn, NY is hosting a little Yuri pop-up event today from 12-6 called the Yurimart. This  event requires reservation and, as the space is mall, they are offering up some outside activities to fill up time while you wait.

I will be there, with exactly 4 postcards left. Once those are gone, I officially have to get some more portable merch. ^_^;

Drop by for some cute art and baked goods, and to meet fellow Yurijin! I hope to see you there on a beautiful spring day in Brooklyn!

Posted in Events | No Comments »


Yuri News Network – (百合ネットワークニュース) – May 30, 2026

May 30th, 2026

In blue silhouette, two women face each other. One wears a fedora and male-styled attire, one is in a dress and heels. Their body language is obscure - they may be dancing, or laughing or fighting. Art by Mari Kurisato for Okazu

We are on the cusp of Pride month and I have to say…this year is going to be amazing. Queer folks world-wide are fired up and ready to stand out and stand up for rights. I don’t usually suggest this, but if you can make a local Pride event…go. Be seen, be heard. Be you.

Yuri has had an incredible breakout year, with big hits and big fun on the way and it’s gone mainstream in ways we could not have ever imagined. So get your rainbows out and get in the Utena car, we’re going to Yuri. ^_^

 

Yuri Anime

Our top news today is the theatrical release of Revolutionary Girl Utena The Movie: The Adolescence of Utena is coming to North American theaters. Yesterday I wrote up an article with links to theater chains that will be carrying it.  And hint – you can ask your theater if you can have the poster. They’ll only throw it out. ^_^

Coming on August 8 to Netflix is THE RIBBON HERO, a fresh take on Tezuka’s Princess Knight. It looks…good! Extra points for The Phoenix reference in the trailer.

Rock Is A Lady’s Modesty Complete Collection is out this week from Sentai Filmworks!

For folks enjoying Kamiina Botan Fully Blossoms When Drunk on Crunchyroll,  Sr. YNN Correspondent Matt Marcus shared this X post by Wall  who recommends Professor Ken Suzuki’s book on SSM in Taiwan, for  those who Japanese fans who noted that Jinran’s older sister is married to a woman. Via Sr. YNN Correspondent Sean Gaffney,  the series is get a Blu-ray and DVD release in Japan this July.

 

Yuri Events

In Higashinakano, Tokyo, Japan, at loneliness books, queer Yuri creators Rica Takashima and Morishima Akiko are doing a talk event about Yuri in the 1990s and today, on June 18, from 8-10PM. This is a ticketed event, with limited space, so register today! At last 20% of the people there will know me, so feel free to say hi to everyone! ^_^

 

Fun Yuri News

While we’re talking Yuri history, Japan Gay Guide did a pretty fun interview with me about the modern history of Yuri, and Yuricon. Thanks Tobias Waters for the questions! Read Q&A with Yuri Expert and Historian, Erica Friedman.

With Utena in mall theaters, what else could we ask for? Well, this week on Pop Culture Jeopardy, Yuri is was the question to an answer. On Jeopardy. Joshua Bote served the Yurijin well, with the right question, “What Is Yuri?” to a clue in the category “Is That Russian?” that read, “No…It Covers Japanese Media Focusing on Relationships Between Female Characters.” I nearly fainted. Yuri is mainstream. Holy shit.

 

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Yuri Manga in English

Fujichika’s The Delinquent and the Transfer Student, Volume 1 is headed our way and Kinokuniya is doing a special pre-order with a shikishi illustration!

Yuri Espoir, Volume 5 is up on the Yuricon Store. This will hit shelves in September, from Tokyopop. 

Also on the Store, we have The Death Defying Princess Creates a Yuri Harem to Survive, Volume 1 which is absolutely exactly what it says on the tin.

Humble Bundle and Kodansha have teamed up for a BL, Yuri & More from Ichijinsha Bundle! For $35 you can get $1200 worth of manga and raise money for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

August will see Yen Press’s release of  What Does The Fox Say, Volume 1 in English. Yen also promoted Shino and Ren on Bluesky.

Sal Jiang went onto social media to say that Wicked Spot will end with chapter 16.

Battan also took to the socials to say that their current series Fatale Game is at risk of cancellation. All chapters but the last two are currently free in English on Kodansha’s K-Manga site! Go read and support it. Battan was in NYC last night for a talk at MINT Manga and will be at TCAF in Toronto.

Via Matt, Viz has announced Surface Tension, the third VIZ Originals One-Shot following Drifting into Summer and Sky Full of Stars from Tiklil. 

 

Yuri Manga in Japanese

Akiyama Haru’s Watashi no Blue Garnet, Volume 2 (私のブルーガーネット) is up on the Yuricon Store.

Via publisher Number 9, Yuni’s digital comic Anata Mitai ni, Volume 1 (あなたみたいに) is getting a print volume. This story follows a woman who falls in love with another woman for the first time.

Via Comic Natalie, Asumi-chan and Kocho-chan, Volume 1 (亜澄ちゃんと胡蝶ちゃん) is out. This rom-com is about a selfish girl and a selfless girl who are dating.

Also Via Comic Natalie, in Kareshi no Onna Tomodachi ga Guigui Kuru (Watashi ni) (彼氏の女友達がぐいぐい来る（私に)), Takanashi Mao is seeing a guy who really doesn’t understand her and it’s affecting her. When she meets her boyfriend’s friend, Shiraishi Sayu, she finds her life being pieced back together.

I keep forgetting to post this. Senno Knife has a self-published Yuri manga Carmilla (カーミラ) on his Booth page. This is a girls’ school story based on the classic lesbian vampire novel.

Fans of Ohsawa Yayoi’s Hello, Melancholic! might be interested in a Hello, Melancholic! Saki and Chika Special Ep. (ハロー、メランコリック！-SAKI CHIKA SPECIAL EP-) she put out. You can get that digitally on Bookwalker JP.

And for fans of sono.N’s SHWD, there is an SHWD Extra-Ep.1 up on Pixiv, free to read in Japanese.

Via G-Man on X, Unmei wa Yaku ni Tatanai (運命は役に立たない) is a story after red threads appear on everyone’s finger leading them to their fated match…even if they don’t want it. Read sample chapters in Japanese on HanaYume.com!

 

LGBTQ Comics

Via Matt once again, Iron Circus has JOE THE PIRATE, about Marion Carstairs, b. 1890, who “came out of the womb queer,” & lived life as Joe: WWI ambulance driver, speedboat pilot, lover of Marlene Dietrich.”

I bought myself a present this week of Tille Walden’s graphic novel adaptation of Charity and Sylvia. I really enjoyed Rachel Hope Cleve’s book on this early American lesbian couple and reviewed it here on Okazu in 2015.

 

 

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Live- Action

Via Olivia on X, a subbed version of a TV show about lesbian life on Nippon TV. This aired in the days leading up to a  Japanese Supreme Court decision about same-sex marriage, while pride celebrations are happening countrywide.

Taiwan Travelogue is slated for a live-action drama! This will be a Japan-Taiwan TV adaptation. I will move heaven and earth to watch this.

 

Light Novels

Mob Shoujo ga Last Boss Majo o Shiawasenisuru made (モブ少女がラスボス魔女を幸せにするまで) is an isekai about two friends who are reincarnated on opposite sides. Rozelika is determined to make Grace smile again.

 

Other News

Our newest team member, Japan correspondent Sasori, has a game page on Steam. 灯台の見守り — Lighthouse’s Vigil is a moody little horror game. Wishlist it and help her get it released.

 

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Your support goes straight to paying for Guest Reviews, folks helping with videos, site maintenance, managing the Yuricon Store and directly supporting other Yuri creators. Just $5/month makes a huge impact! Become part of the Okazu family!

Become a part of the Yuri Network, by being a YNN Correspondent: Contact Us with any Yuri-related news you want to share with us.

 

 

Posted in Yuri Network News | 2 Comments »