In the Clear Moonlit Dusk

Mika Yamamori's In the Clear Moonlit Dusk launched in Kodansha's Dessert magazine on July 21, 2020. The narrative follows Yoi Takiguchi, a high school student whose height and deep voice have earned her the nickname "Prince" since childhood. She assumes her appearance prevents any romantic attention until she meets Kohaku Ichimura, an upperclassman who shares the same title at their school. Kohaku sees past Yoi's masculine presentation to recognize her beauty, initiating an experimental dating arrangement that challenges both characters' self-perception.

The story examines how rigid gender norms affect personal identity within a Japanese high school setting. Yoi struggles with the belief that she cannot be loved as a woman, while Kohaku faces pressure to maintain his own stoic image. Their relationship evolves through awkward interactions and genuine moments of connection. A third character known as the "third prince" enters the dynamic later, introducing complications regarding jealousy and emotional maturity.

By January 2026, the series had released ten volumes in Japan, with Volume 10 topping the Billboard Japan Book Hot 100 chart. Kodansha USA has published nine English volumes, with the seventh volume arriving in July 2024. The manga is scheduled to conclude with its twelfth volume in the spring of 2027. An anime adaptation aired from January to March 2026, followed by a live-action film release planned for October 2026. [edit]