Yen Press has revealed fifteen additional licenses scheduled to debut in December 2026, expanding its recently announced lineup following Anime North 2026. The latest acquisitions include eight manga series, six light novels, and a new collector’s box set for Bungo Stray Dogs. The announcements cover a mix of fantasy adventures, romance stories, reincarnation tales, yuri fiction, and supernatural mysteries set to join the publisher’s catalog later this year.
Witches Can’t Be Collared
By: Makuei
Illustrator: Character Design by Wata; Original Story by Yuri Yumemi
Set in the magic-powered Las Lilte Empire, Witches Can’t Be Collared follows detective Rogue of the Magic Crimes Bureau as he investigates a dangerous case connected to a mysterious figure known as the Lifetaker. To solve it, he is forced to work alongside Miseria, a notorious witch blamed for unleashing catastrophe across the land. Their uneasy partnership brings together criminal investigations, powerful magic, and a setting where witches are treated as some of society’s most feared offenders.
Your Castle’s Little Helper: Please Feed Me, I’ll Work
By: Kazumi Kurihara
Illustrator: Character Design by PenekoR; Original Story by Kazuhito Minagi
After collapsing from hunger in a castle, a young girl awakens with the memories of former Japanese office worker Chihiro Sagami. Determined to survive, she finds work in the castle kitchens and quickly becomes known as a helpful and dependable presence. As her new life settles into a routine, hidden truths tied to her identity begin to emerge, placing her at the center of events that could affect the future of the kingdom.
Tale of the Wizrain Kingdom: The Nation’s Dragon Guardian Is Reborn as a Downtrodden Young Lady
By: Hyogo Amagasa
Illustrator: LINO
This fantasy light novel centers on Elna, an adopted noble daughter who suddenly recalls her previous life as Elnarfia, the dragon guardian once revered throughout the Wizrain Kingdom. Her memories return just as the kingdom begins searching for Elnarfia’s reincarnation. The revelation reunites her with a legendary hero who has also been reborn and now rules as king, setting the stage for a story about past connections, reincarnation, and rebuilding relationships in a new era.
Mafia
By: Shinano Sano
Illustrator: Nigata Ammon
Mafia takes place in Broken Ark, a city dominated by crime syndicates and violent power struggles. At the center is Amrita, one of the city’s largest gangs and an organization known for its charitable efforts. When its elusive leader Lucy becomes the target of a series of attacks, suspicion falls on the group’s own leadership. The investigation unfolds as Lucy attempts to identify a traitor hiding among her closest allies before the conspiracy can destroy Amrita from within.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Familia Chronicle Episode Asfi
By: Fumikaru Nishijima
Illustrator: nilitsu
Original Creator: Fujino Omori
Character Design: Suzuhito Yasuda
The latest DanMachi side story focuses on Asfi and members of Hermes Familia as they investigate a mysterious ghost ship appearing throughout the seas. Joined by Lyu, the group boards the vessel and encounters supernatural threats that challenge everything they know. Their voyage eventually leads them to a location thought impossible to reach: Asfi’s long-lost homeland, tying the adventure directly to her personal history.
Shino & Ren: Future
By: Tsuzuro Hibi
Illustrator: Minori Chigusa
Following the events of the original series, Shino & Ren: Future explores the couple’s life after graduation as they enter adulthood. Ren’s modeling career continues to grow while Shino navigates her own professional responsibilities, creating new pressures on their relationship. Balancing work, jealousy, personal insecurities, and changing expectations becomes the central challenge as the two try to maintain the bond they built during their school years.
Alma-chan Wants to Be a Family!
By: Nanateru
Illustrator: Nanateru
Two scientists unexpectedly become parental figures when their most advanced creation, a self-learning android named Alma, decides they are her family. Although equipped with formidable combat abilities, Alma is far more interested in understanding relationships, emotions, and human behavior. Her endless curiosity places the reluctant pair in situations they are completely unprepared for as they attempt to answer questions about family life and romance.
I’m the Monster Girl You Once Saved: A Middle-Aged Teacher in Another World Is Concerned About His Sudden Popularity
By: Okinosuke
Illustrator: Okinosuke
Washio has spent two decades teaching in another world and has long since lost the heroic reputation he once held. His quiet routine changes when a beautiful young woman reveals herself as a monster girl he rescued years earlier. Soon, several former students who were once monsters begin appearing in his life again, transforming the overlooked teacher into an unexpectedly popular figure surrounded by people eager to reconnect with him.
Love Me to My Core
By: An Momose
Illustrator: An Momose
This romance manga follows Yuzuriha, who believes his classmate Tokiwa hides an unpleasant personality behind his attractive appearance. Circumstances repeatedly push the two together, forcing Yuzuriha to confront his assumptions while Tokiwa struggles with his own desire to be understood beyond surface-level impressions. The story examines identity, emotional vulnerability, and the difficulties of forming genuine connections with others.
The Purple Clavel: They Took Everything, So I’ve Bloomed Once More as a Villainous Femme Fatale
By: Ichino Tomizuki
Illustrator: Original Story by Daifuku Hoshimi
Maria’s privileged life collapses after a coup strips her family of its position and forces her into hiding. Seeking safety for herself and her younger sister, she disguises herself as a man and joins a trading company connected to a neighboring kingdom. As she adapts to her new circumstances, Maria begins the path that will eventually turn her into the legendary femme fatale remembered throughout history.
The Reincarnated Devil’s Plot for Raising the Ultimate Hero
By: Ryuu Segawa
Illustrator: Character Design by Megumi Nagahama; Original Story by Candy Tamagokake
Kakyuu, a demon who spent two thousand years gaining strength in hell, unexpectedly finds himself transported to another world after becoming caught in a conflict between gods. Hoping for a peaceful existence, he instead witnesses the destruction of the village that welcomed him. After discovering a surviving infant named Alus, Kakyuu dedicates himself to raising the child and giving him the best life possible despite the hardships ahead.
Yamada’s Class Diary
By: Rui Aomi
Illustrator: Rui Aomi
Nina Yamada is the only girl attending a formerly all-boys high school and spends most of her energy focused on academics. Her routine changes when a teacher asks her to convince a chronically absent student named Murata to return to class. The assignment leads her into unfamiliar social situations and introduces her to Murata’s unusual popularity, creating a school-life story built around contrasting personalities and unexpected friendships.
Playful Relationships
By: Sekina Aoi
Illustrator: Kurehito Misaki
Set inside the board game café Gather Round, this light novel follows interim manager Kotarou “Banjo” Tokiwa and his growing feelings for coworker Mifuru Takanashi. Despite spending time together at the café, Banjo struggles to act on his feelings because Mifuru already appears to be in a relationship. The story combines romantic comedy elements with the everyday atmosphere of a community built around tabletop gaming.
The Immortal Witch Would Sacrifice Ten Thousand Lives to Fulfill a Simple Wish
By: Haruichi
Illustrator: ituca
After being reincarnated as an immortal witch lich, Yuurai quickly finds herself accused of crimes involving a royal princess and pursued by powerful enemies. In a desperate attempt to survive, she unleashes a devastating ability that grants overwhelming strength at a terrible cost. Her actions place her in the sights of knights, adventurers, and entire armies, despite her simple desire to live peacefully.
Bungo Stray Dogs Case Files: BSD 01 – 10 Box Set
By: Kafka Asagiri
Illustrator: Sango Harukawa
Yen Press will also release Bungo Stray Dogs Case Files: BSD 01 – 10 Box Set, collecting the first ten volumes of the long-running supernatural manga series in a single package. The story follows Atsushi Nakajima, a young man expelled from his orphanage who becomes involved with the Armed Detective Agency after meeting Osamu Dazai. The series blends literary-inspired abilities, mystery elements, and action as its cast investigates threats across Yokohama.
Which of these newly licensed manga and light novels are you most interested in checking out? Let us know, and stay tuned to Noisy Pixel for more manga, light novel, and anime industry news.
