Born in Osaka in the Spring, Mia Ikumi was a mangaka best known for being the illustrator of Tokyo Mew Mew. She co-created the series with writer Reiko Yoshida, and worked with a team of six to put out chapters. Her other works include Super Doll Licca-Chan and Koi Cupid and were mainly published in Nakayoshi magazine. She was known for wearing cute outfits and costumes to events and signings.
Ikumi-sensei's first published manga, a one-shot about a girl named Kotori who is in search of her lost bird in the forest. Can be read in volume 6 of Tokyo Mew Mew, with an afterward about the manga.
Also called The Rabbit Who Makes It Rain Stars in the new English Kodansha translation. Miyuki Shiratori is a grade school violin prodigy, but finds herself in a slump before her concert. She bumps into her classmate Miyazawa and rediscovers why she loves playing the violin so much. Originally published in RunRun Magazine, 40 pages. Can be read in volume 2 of Tokyo Mew Mew à la Mode.
A two volume magical girl manga series that was published following the completion of the anime. It's based on the fashion dolls of the same name. Serialized by Nakayoshi and volumes published by Kodansha.
The predecessor to Tokyo Mew Mew. This was the story originally presented before it was re-worked and transformed into Tokyo Mew Mew. It has a very similar premise, and even Masha has the same name and appearance, but Hime Azumi works alone instead of with a team like Ichigo. Fun fact, it was stated that Ikumi-sensei originally wanted to make a horror manga, which shows in its slightly darker tone and the designs of the parasitic aliens, the Bagu.
Original story by Reiko Yoshida with art by Mia Ikumi. Ikumi-sensei's most notable work, it was originally serialized in Nakayoshi magazine from 2000 to 2003, and then finally releasing as seven volumes. It spawned a TV anime, a GBA and PS1 game, plenty of toys and merch, and a short spin-off sequel series.
Five girls come together, infused with the DNA of endangered animals in order to protect the Earth from the aliens trying to invade it. There is an infamous 4Kids dub of the anime renamed to Mew Mew Power for a young Western audience.
A two volume sequel to Tokyo Mew Mew written and illustrated by Mia Ikumi. Introduces a new main character, Berry Shirayuki who is infused with the DNA of both the Amami rabbit and the Andean mountain cat, making her the first and only Mew Mew to be fused with two different animals. Notable for feeling unfinished and fan apprehension about a new leader.
One-shot fantasy story originally published in manga magazine Asuka. It was never released in English (there is an official Italian release however) so information is harder to find online. 27-year-old Al Brownie has a job hunting down the killer machine dolls along with his partner Pixyl, but is one day bitten by an angel, causing him to revert back to a younger age.
Serialized in Comic Digi from 2005 to 2008 and then compiled into five volumes. Ai, Ren, and Koi (who all have names with the same pronunciation as the kanji for love) are working hard on special missions as they train to become full-fledged Cupids. However, nothing is ever as easy as it seems! These cupids-in-training face many challenges along the way to bring people together.
If you send a text message to a certain number, an angel will appear to grant you a single wish. Be careful what you wish for, because there can be unintentional consequences! One-shot manga.
The girls are back!! A short sequel manga to celebrate Nakayoshi's 65th anniversary and to promote the new anime, Tokyo Mew Mew New~♡ which released in 2022.
Some of my favorite pieces by Ikumi-sensei.
Written March 2022 after the news of Ikumi-sensei's passing.
I can't believe you're gone. I was in the 5th grade when I bought my first volume, the TokyoPop translation with the glitter letters. In middle school I used to check on your website all the time, hoping there would be a new illustration to enjoy. I studied your style every day because I wanted to be so much like you. Your characters were all I drew and even now I still remember how to draw every Mew's design by heart. Though you left this world much too soon, I hope you're at peace. Thank you for everything you've given not just me but to the world, Ikumi-sensei.
Yagami Central - Hika Yagami has been a name within the TMM fandom for as long as I can remember! Lots of information and full scans.
Mew Mew Archive - Exactly what it says on the tin! Full of Mew Mew analysis, scans, translations, and a possible discovery of a second penname that doujin was released under.
Interview with Mia Ikumi - Part One Part Two
TMM Strawberry Backgrounds - Where I got the background for this shrine, thank you for making it tileable!
Ikumi-Sensei Cosplaying as Ichigo - A picture of Ikumi-sensei cosplaying Ichigo in order to promote the TMM manga. When I was younger I had always wanted to see this picture after reading her mini comic she made about the shoot and years later when it finally emerged on the internet, I was so happy to have such a special treasure. I want those shoes!!