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Mangaka Oreco Tachibana has gained an international fanbase primarily through Promise Cinderella. In the U.S., her current work Firefly Wedding is being published by VIZ Media.
In Japan, the series is known as Hotaru no Yomeiri. It began serialization in January 2023 on Shogakukan's Ura Sunday manga website and the MangaONE app. As of March 2025, seven volumes have been released in Japan.
How is Firefly Wedding Vol. 1?
Oreco Tachibana's Firefly Wedding transports readers to early 20th-century Japan.
At the center is Satoko Kirigaya, a young woman from a distinguished family who, on the surface, seems to have it all: beauty, education, a respectable name, and the warm affection of her father. But Satoko suffers from a severe heart condition, which doctors believe will lead to an early death. Her family situation is further strained by the cold rejection of her stepmother and the open hostility of her half-sister. Only her father shows genuine affection, though even his care follows traditional lines, he wishes to marry Satoko off in hopes of securing her future. This seemingly protective family image begins to unravel when Satoko is abducted during a shopping trip. The attack turns out to be an assassination attempt: not only has she been kidnapped, but someone wants her dead. The mastermind behind the hit remains unknown, but the event casts a dark shadow over the façade of the "honorable family."
In this hopeless situation, Satoko makes a desperate decision: she proposes to the assassin. Shinpei Goto, a young hitman, is supposed to kill her, but instead, she offers him marriage, and potentially a better life. What may sound like a bold, romantic rescue on paper is actually a strategic move born from raw survival instinct. Satoko knows her social standing and value as a noblewoman, and she uses it to buy time. Shinpei is initially skeptical, but as he witnesses Satoko standing up to his brutal accomplices, he begins to change. A fragile alliance forms, not based on trust, but on mutual necessity.
What makes this story stand out is the contrast between Satoko’s inner strength and the brutal environment she must navigate. Over the chapters, she evolves from a passive, dutiful daughter into a woman who starts taking control of her own fate. Her intelligence, courage, and ability to stay composed under pressure make her one of the stronger shōjo heroines in recent years. In contrast, Shinpei initially feels oddly out of place. His behavior is erratic, often naïve, sometimes even childish. Qualities that clash with his role as a hired killer. Those expecting a cold, calculated assassin will be surprised. Instead, he appears emotionally stunted, and it’s only through Satoko’s influence that he begins to question his role. This unusual dynamic between the main characters adds tension but can also feel unsettling, as it blurs the lines between protection, control, and manipulation.
Narratively, the manga oscillates between tragedy and comedy. This sometimes works but isn’t always coherent. Particularly in scenes where Satoko fears for her life or violence is implied, the humorous interjections feel out of place and weaken the emotional impact. Especially problematic is the portrayal of the central relationship. A degree of critical distance is required not to interpret the plot purely as a romantic narrative.
Even if the story isn’t necessarily aiming to be a traditional romance, Firefly Wedding skirts dangerously close to romanticizing toxic relationships. The power imbalance between Satoko and Shinpei is stark, and although Satoko acts smartly and assertively, she ultimately remains dependent on a man who was originally assigned to kill her. Firefly Wedding isn’t a fairy-tale love story. It’s more of a survival drama disguised as a romance.
On a visual level, the manga offers an impressive range. Some pages, particularly during key emotional moments, are highly detailed and atmospherically strong. Others, by contrast, appear hastily drawn or less carefully composed, slightly detracting from the overall impression. Nevertheless, Tachibana’s style is memorable, with expressive faces and a dynamic panel layout that effectively supports the story’s pacing.
VIZ Media is releasing the title in the publisher’s standard paperback format. There are no color pages.
Is Firefly Wedding Vol. 1 Worth Reading?
Overall, Firefly Wedding presents a beginning that seems unsure of its direction; whether it wants to be a drama, social critique, or dark romance. The first volume raises many questions, presents moral dilemmas, and deliberately avoids easy answers. The heroine is compelling; the male counterpart remains ambiguous and, in many ways, problematic.
Whether the series will fulfill its potential remains to be seen in future volumes. There’s definitely room for it to grow.
Firefly Wedding GN Vol 01
€8,99
€11,99
On the surface, Satoko has it all-she's beautiful, the daughter of a nobleman, and at a prime age for marriage. Unfortunately, she is also quite ill and only has a short time left to live. Before she can secure a… read more
