Square Enix Manga & Books held its industry panel at Anime Expo 2024 today, taking the time to reveal a handful of new licenses set to be released from February to May 2025. From Mitsuri Hattori’s Wash It All Away to The Apothecary Diaries Art Book, let’s take a quick look at what’s in store next year.
Wash It All Away
by Mitsuru HattoriFebruary 18, 2025Synopsis:
For two years, Wakana Kinme has run a laundry service in the seaside resort town of Atami. Kinme Cleaning is a well-loved business, and Atami residents admire Wakana’s devotion to her trade. She builds a fulfilling life making friends with the locals and visiting hot springs. Although Wakana has no knowledge of her own past, her cleaning services safeguard memories imbued in customers’ precious items.
The Otaku Love Connection
by Chu AmairoFebruary 11, 2025Synopsis:
Life has its simple joys, and for geeky fanboy Wataru Otonari, that’s admiring his gorgeous classmate Yuzuru Kakoi and her equally gorgeous boyfriend, Chihiro Kawai. Luckily for Wataru, his classroom seat next to Yuzuru gives him a perfect view of his OTP. But this self-professed NPC doesn’t seem to know he’s just as beautiful himself!
As Wataru encounters other students who stan his favs just as much as he does—although some have very, very different takes on their dynamic—every day turns into a rollercoaster of emotions for this obliviously beautiful boyfailure!
The Emperor’s Caretaker
by Ichiha Hiiragi, Aya Shouoto and Haruki YoshimuraMarch 4, 2025Synopsis:
Linhua, daughter of the Chancellor of the Right, is as gifted with caring for children as she is at playing the ehru. Her talents shine during the ceremony to select a consort for the five-year-old emperor. There she catches the eye of Souren, the highest-ranking regent. Suddenly, Linhua is swept into the vibrant world of the inner palace as a new court lady–and the young emperor’s personal caretaker!
The God-Slaying Demon King
by EZOGINGITUNE, PIG3RD and TEDDYApril 8, 2025Synopsis:
After centuries of war between demons, the world was finally united under the overwhelming power of Hiram, the strongest demon king in history. No demon could match him, but even the mightiest king can not so easily defeat a god. When Hiram defied the demon god, he and the deity engaged in days of fierce battle where, in the end, he was cut down by divine punishment.
The demon king, however, is never without contingencies! Hiram cast a spell that, in the event of his death, would reincarnate him years later with all his powers intact. Only this time, he would be born as a human, a race the demon god has no power over!
With his life restored, Hiram begins a grand adventure to find the demon god and kill him once and for all!
Assassin & Cinderella
by Yuzo NatsunoMarch 11, 2025Synopsis:
Neneko is a spy blessed with catlike charms. Her mission? Seduce the ace assassin of a rival organization and expose his weaknesses. The problem? She’s blown her cover before learning a thing! But rather than dispose of her, the target makes an indecent proposal: marry him and take their relationship to the next level, since he can’t keep his hands off her body! Is his clinginess an act, or could there be genuine love behind his murderous gaze?!
Love in the Palm of His Hand
by RintekuMay 20, 2025Synopsis:
“To think that just what I’ve always wanted to hear would come from someone I just met.”
Fujinaga is a university student who dreams of becoming an actor so he can do what he loves best—conveying emotion and story through physical expression. But after failing multiple auditions, his hopes are dashed and his confidence crushed. When he meets Keito, a fellow student with congenital hearing loss, Fujinaga is suddenly introduced to the world of sign language. Although clumsy at first, Fujinaga quickly picks up signing and surprises Keito with his astonishing talent of expressing emotions through action.
Is it that only in a place beyond all verbal limitations can two people, both yearning to be understood, forge a bond they never expected?
On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance
by Shinnosuke KanazawaMay 20, 2025Synopsis:
There are two sides to every working adult: one they show when they’re on the job, and one they show when they’re off the clock. For coworkers Sotaro Amata and Akira Hanku, this holds doubly true. Outside the office, these fashionistas don outfits that metamorphose them into completely different people! So what happens when they form a connection after hours…;without recognizing who the other person is?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Poster Collection
by Square EnixMarch 18, 2025Synopsis:
A collection of 32 premium-quality removable posters featuring the stunning character art of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
These 32 frameable, full-color art prints present gorgeous images of the main characters from FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. Printed on heavy, press-varnished card stock, this compilation of oversize posters showcases artwork of Cloud, his comrades, and other unforgettable characters encountered in this thrilling installment of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake project.
The Apothecary Diaries Art Book
by Touko ShinoMay 20, 2025Synopsis:
Experience all the gorgeous art from the first fourteen volumes of the best-selling The Apothecary Diaries light novel series!
Get immersed in the historical setting and intriguing characters of The Apothecary Diaries, the original light novel series that inspired the hit manga and anime! This jacketed, hardcover volume includes more than 300 lavish pieces of art from light novel illustrator Touko Shino. In addition to every illustration from the light novel series, this collection includes previously unpublished character designs, promotional and exclusive art, and an interview with Shino. Every turn of a page delves deeper into the world of this enthralling series!
Source: Square Enix Manga & Books on X (formerly Twitter)
