Ai Ore!
| Company type | Manga series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manga, Film |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Mayu Shinjo |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Manga, Live-action film |
is a Japanese manga series created by Mayu Shinjo, which was later transformed into a live-action movie released in 2012.
Ai o Utau Yori Ore Ni Oborero!
Akira Shiraishi, a high school student known for his delicate, feminine appearance, becomes a member of Blaue Rosen, an all-female band led by Mizuki Sakurazaka, an androgynous girl. Mizuki holds the title of "prince" at her girls-only school, while Akira is regarded as the "princess" at the neighboring boys' school. Their unique gender roles and the societal obstacles they face drive the development of their complex relationship amid external biases.
Ai-Ore! Danshikō no Hime to Joshikō no Ōji
After Akira reveals his male identity during a Blaue Rosen performance, he and Mizuki start a romantic relationship. This bond deepens as competition between their respective schools escalates.
Publication
Mayu Shinjo both wrote and illustrated Ai o Utau Yori Ore ni Oborero!, which was serialized in Shogakukan's Shōjo Comic from 2006 through 2009 and compiled into five volumes. A sequel series was published in Kadokawa Shoten's Monthly Asuka between 2008 and 2010, also collected into five volumes. In 2010, Kadokawa reissued the original series in a condensed three-volume edition.
In the English market, Viz Media released both series combined into eight volumes: the initial three volumes covered the original story, while five volumes encompassed the sequel. The English editions were available from May 3, 2011, until February 5, 2013, including digital versions. Additionally, the series has been distributed by Madman Entertainment in Australia, Pika Édition in France, and Egmont Manga & Anime in Germany.
Anime
Mayu Shinjo revealed that although an anime adaptation of the manga was planned, it was ultimately canceled due to unforeseen issues.
Live-action
In July 2011, Mayu Shinjo announced a live-action film adaptation which premiered in August 2012. The movie featured Karam from the K-pop group DGNA alongside actress Ito Ōno. Directed by Sakurako Fukuyama, its main theme song was "Ikenai 1-2-3" performed by DGNA. Upon release, a limited run of 2,000 special mini-comics illustrated by Shinjo were distributed.
Cast
- Karam portraying Akira Shiraishi
- Ito Ōno as Mizuki Sakurazaka
- Furukawa Yuta playing Nikaidou Ran
- Terada Takuya as Kiryuuin Rui
- Akira (Disacode) acting as Naruse Kaoru
- Yoshiwara Shuto in the role of Okita Ai
- Kawamura Haruka as Kidera Momoko
- Shishido Kavka portraying Yusa Megumi
Reception
The English-language editions of volumes 1, 2, 4, and 5 consistently appeared within The New York Times' top ten best-selling manga rankings.