Ayako Noda

Winner of EXCELLENCE AWARD in the Manga Division of the 23rd JAPAN MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL in 2020.

Scatterbrained Takara Takarada is a genius actor whose latest role in the play A Beginner’s Course in Revolution: Hiryuuden has put him squarely back in the acting game. Alongside his costars Yuujin Kamoshima and Aki Imagire, the complexity of their relationships helps deepen their understanding of their roles as opening night approaches.

What does it mean to be the greatest actor in the world? When confronted again by the looming impossibility and contradictions of his ambition, Takara instinctively tries to flee, as he has so many times before. But he doesn’t have far to run, not when Yuujin is no longer content to merely remain in Takara’s shadow, stepping out into a spotlight of his own. And Aki, with her love and her doubt and all-too present practicality of an idol whose days are numbered, remains committed to her goals.

Amidst falling stars and flying rocks, the curtain finally rises...

Ayako Noda is a Japanese manga creator known for her seinen titles, including Double, Around, Ikazuchi Tooku Umi ga Naru, Sennetsu, and Watashi no Uchuu. She also publishes Boys Love titles under the name Niboshiko Arai.