Mato, Creator of 'The Emperor and I,' Announces Cozy Cafe Manga 'Ittan Cafe ni Shimasenka?'

Manga enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ recently unveiled the highly anticipated return of acclaimed artist mato. Known for the heartwarming and whimsical series The Emperor and I, mato is set to launch a brand-new manga titled Ittan Cafe ni Shimasenka? (Why Don't We Go to a Cafe for a While?) on September 28, 2025. This fresh venture promises a delightful shift in thematic focus, inviting readers into a gentle and comforting narrative woven around the cozy ambiance of a cafe.

mato's previous work, The Emperor and I (Japanese title: Emperor to Issho), captivated audiences with its unique blend of comedy and slice-of-life charm. Serialized on Shonen Jump+ from 2015 to 2017 and compiled into four volumes, the full-color manga chronicled the endearing daily escapades of a high school girl named Kaho and her unlikely companion, an emperor penguin she affectionately dubbed 'Emperor.' The series garnered international acclaim, notably receiving an English digital publication through Viz Media, which broadened its reach to a global readership.

The announcement of Ittan Cafe ni Shimasenka? has ignited considerable anticipation, largely thanks to mato's distinctive artistic flair and a proven ability to craft narratives that seamlessly merge humor with tender, heartfelt moments. Fans who cherished The Emperor and I for its warmth and whimsicality are poised to discover a new facet of mato's storytelling, this time exploring the soothing rhythms of everyday life within a charming cafe setting.

Exclusively revealed via the Shonen Jump+ platform, this launch underscores Shueisha's continued confidence in mato's creative vision and their strategic move to explore diverse thematic territories. It also mirrors the burgeoning popularity of slice-of-life genres that center on serene environments, such as cafes, which resonate deeply with audiences both in Japan and worldwide. With mato’s established reputation and the past triumph of The Emperor and I, Ittan Cafe ni Shimasenka? is primed to become a significant talking point within the manga community immediately following its debut later this month.