"Haido!" by Asa Kuwayoshi Completed: A Farewell to Abandoned Paths.
The final chapter of Asa Kuwayoshi's manga, Haido! (Abandoned Roads), was published in the March issue of Monthly Comic Cune magazine. This marks the end of a series that, since its debut in March 2023, has captivated readers with its exploration of abandoned roads through the eyes of two protagonists.
The story, centered around Setsuna Yoshinaga, a quiet student, and her classmate Ringo, has been particularly praised for its atmospheric depiction and depth of character. The final collected volume will be released on February 27th, while Kuwayoshi is already gaining attention with new projects like Mofu Mofu Yashiki no Neko to Ore (The Fluffy Mansion, Cats, and Me).
Between Snow Princess and Wanderlust
The plot of Haido! focuses on Setsuna Yoshinaga, a transfer student who is nicknamed "Snow Princess" due to her reserved nature. However, she only smiles when talking about abandoned roads – a detail that inspires her classmate, Ringo, to explore these places with her. The dynamic between the characters is shaped by their contrasting personalities: While Setsuna is introverted and inquisitive, Ringo impresses with her impulsive curiosity.
Their explorations lead them through dilapidated tunnels, overgrown paths, and deserted mountain roads, with each discovery charged with emotional and symbolic meaning. "The landscapes reflect inner conflicts without being overly obvious," reads a review of the first volume. Kuwayoshi succeeds in conveying a melancholic mood through minimalist dialogue and detailed drawings, captivating readers.
Publication History
The manga started in March 2023 in Monthly Comic Cune, a Kadokawa magazine specializing in slice-of-life and josei-oriented content. The first collected volume was released in October 2023, with the third and final volume following on February 27, 2025.
With only three volumes, the series remains compact. At the same time, the author is already working on new projects. Since July 2024, Mofu Mofu Yashiki no Neko to Ore has been appearing in Shonengahosha's Nekopanchi, a platform for humorous animal stories.
This underscores her versatility, which was already established with the completed series Granny Girl Hinata-chan (2015–2022). The latter was published in eleven volumes and is available internationally via Azuki, the English-language service from KiraKira Media.
Summary
Haido! leaves a void in the segment of atmospheric coming-of-age stories, but Kuwayoshi's career shows no signs of slowing down. With the completion of this series and the launch of new works, the author remains a key figure whose next steps are eagerly anticipated.
Source: Monthly Comic Cune March Issue