The curtain is closing on three of Japan's longest-running comedy manga. Veteran manga creator Masashi Ueda has officially ended the serialization of Otoboke Buchō Dairi, Kariage-kun, and Shin Furiten-kun, bringing an end to a remarkable era that spanned more than four decades.
The announcements were made by the publishers Houbunsha, Futabasha, and Takeshobo on July 7. The three companies released a joint message thanking Ueda for providing readers with laughter over the years and expressing gratitude to fans who faithfully supported the series throughout their lengthy runs.
The final installments appeared in their respective magazines:
- Otoboke Buchō Dairi concluded in Manga Time on July 7.
- Kariage-kun ended in Manga Action on July 7.
- Shin Furiten-kun published its final chapter in Manga Life Original on July 10.
Each series enjoyed extraordinary longevity. Kariage-kun began serialization in 1980, while Otoboke Buchō Dairi traces its roots back to 1981, and Shin Furiten-kun continued a franchise that originated in 1979. Over the years, the manga moved between magazines while maintaining their popularity with readers, making them some of Japan's most enduring four-panel (yonkoma) comedy series.
Masashi Ueda, now 79 years old, is also widely recognized as the creator of the beloved family comedy manga Kobo-chan. The series went on hiatus in 2022 after Ueda was diagnosed with prostate cancer before resuming in 2023 as the author continued treatment. Despite those challenges, Ueda remained active until bringing these long-running works to their conclusion.
The ending of Otoboke Buchō Dairi, Kariage-kun, and Shin Furiten-kun marks the close of a significant chapter in manga history. Their decades-long publication showcased Masashi Ueda's enduring talent for everyday humor and earned him a lasting place among Japan's most influential gag manga creators.
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