“Ribon” Explores the “Otome-chic Boom”! Book Featuring the Artwork of Mutsu Ako, Tabuchi Yumiko, and Takekake Hideko Goes on Sale

A Celebration of 1970s Shojo Manga Charm

A new book focusing on the artistic careers of manga creators Mutsu A-ko, Tabuchi Yumiko, and Tatekake Shuuko has just hit the shelves. Titled Mutsu A-ko, Tabuchi Yumiko, Tatekake Shuuko: Ribon 70’s Otome Chic☆Epoch, this volume was released on January 23, 2026. It’s a definitive edition compiling the work of these three artists who defined the 1970s era of the legendary shojo manga magazine “Ribon,” complete with special contributions from Iko池野恋 and Mizusawa Megumi and over 250 color illustrations.

The shojo manga magazine “Ribon,” which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2025, has been home to countless masterpieces. In the late 1970s, a major boom known as “otome chic” swept through its pages. This new book is a deep dive into the enchanting world of Mutsu A-ko, Tabuchi Yumiko, and Tatekake Shuuko—the central figures of that movement.

The “Color Illustration Gallery” is a treasure trove, featuring not only a complete gallery of all the “Ribon” covers illustrated by the trio but also numerous color images from their popular works. Fans can revisit Mutsu A-ko’s Konpei-sou no Furansowa (which can be translated as Francois of the Konpei Apartment), Tabuchi Yumiko’s Furansu Madobanashi (Tales from a French Window), and Tatekake Shuuko’s Hana Buranko Yurete… (The Flower Swing Sways…). The book also intriguingly covers their work after they graduated from the “otome chic” style.

Special Conversations and Exclusive Content

The book is packed with exclusive content, including a special chat titled “Oshaberi Tea Time” between Mutsu A-ko and Hagiiwa Mutsumi. There’s also a featured dialogue between Tabuchi Yumiko and film director Iwai Shunji called “The Gentle Updraft After a Heavy Era.” Tatekake Shuuko gets the spotlight with a long-form interview exploring “The Place ‘Ribon’ Gave Me.” Additionally, the volume includes a 42-page selection from Ninjin Fujin to Paseri-shi (Mrs. Carrot and Mr. Parsley) personally chosen by Mutsu A-ko, alongside special contributions from Iko池野恋 and Mizusawa Megumi.

But wait, there’s more! Mutsu A-ko and Tatekake Shuuko have provided newly drawn messages titled “Oshikun-tachi ga Iru Hibi!!” (The Days with My Faves!!) and “Haikei Nagaraku Gobusata Itashimashita” (Dear All, It’s Been Awhile) respectively. The book is further enriched with rare essay manga, some published for the first time, like Mutsu A-ko’s “Mii-Haa Tankentai: Hakata no Yatai de Ippai,” Tabuchi Yumiko’s “Iku zo! Inu to Outdoor,” and Tatekake Shuuko’s “Dekomaru Tsushin.” A “Ribon Otome Chic Supplement Chronicle,” major works list, and chronology make this an incredibly comprehensive volume.

The “otome chic” era left a massive impact on later shojo manga. This definitive book lets you explore the charm of these works, packed with the dreams of young girls from that time.

How to Get Your Copy

The book Mutsu A-ko, Tabuchi Yumiko, Tatekake Shuuko: Ribon 70’s Otome Chic☆Epoch has a tax-inclusive price of 1,980 yen. You can find it at bookstores and online retailers nationwide, as well as at the following exhibition venues:

• “Kawaii Kaiwai! Mutsu A-ko x Matsumoto Katsuji Ten” (Running until February 24)
• “Tatekake Shuuko Ten ~’Ribon’ 70’s Otome Chic☆Epoch~” (Running from April 4 to June 28)

Publication & Exhibition Details

By Nakase Koutarou

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