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The Ramparts of Ice

Japanese manga series From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Ramparts of Ice (Japanese: 氷の城壁, Hepburn: Kōri no Jōheki) is a Japanese web manga series written and illustrated by Kōcha Agasawa [ja]. It was first published as a webtoon under the Line Manga Indies section, and after collaborating with the Margaret editorial team, it was picked up for official serialization through the Line Manga digital service from January 2020 to April 2022. Shueisha published its chapters in 14 tankōbon volumes from July 2023 to February 2025.

GenreRomantic comedy[1]
WrittenbyKōcha Agasawa [ja]
Publishedby
English publisher
  • NA: MangaPlaza
Quick facts 氷の城壁 (Kōri no Jōheki), Genre ...
The Ramparts of Ice
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Koyuki Hikawa
氷の城壁
(Kōri no Jōheki)
GenreRomantic comedy[1]
Manga
Written byKōcha Agasawa [ja]
Published by
English publisher
  • NA: MangaPlaza
ImprintJump Comics
Original runJanuary 10, 2020 – April 28, 2022
Volumes14
Anime television series
Directed byMankyū
Written byYasuhiro Nakanishi
Music by
  • Kanade Sakuma
  • Natsumi Tabuchi
StudioStudio Kai
Licensed byNetflix (streaming)
Original networkJNN (TBS)
Original run April 2, 2026 – present
Episodes15
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The series follows Koyuki Hikawa, an introverted high schooler who keeps her distance from others, until three of her schoolmates draw her out and help her enjoy her adolescence to the fullest.

An anime television series adaptation produced by Studio Kai aired from April to July 2026. A second season premiered in October of the same year.

Synopsis

High school student Koyuki Hikawa has trouble interacting with others, instead preferring to keep her distance and spend her time alone. However, when she meets Minato Amamiya, he suddenly starts trying to close the distance between them.

Characters

Main characters

Koyuki Hikawa (氷川 小雪, Hikawa Koyuki)
Voiced by: Anna Nagase[2] (Japanese); Erika Harlacher[3] (English)
A reserved high school student who keeps her distance from most people, except her friend Miki, maintaining a cold exterior that earns her the nickname "The Ice Queen" among classmates. This demeanor stems from past teasing by boys about her short stature. Over time, she grows more open through her friendship with Miki and her relationships with Yota and Minato. Her limited social experience causes her to overthink her words, resulting in awkward moments. Initially intimidated by Minato's outgoing nature, she eventually develops feelings for him, but is heartbroken when he briefly dates Momoka Kuriki, whose emotional abuse echoes her middle school experiences. When Minato returns and confesses his feelings, she reciprocates.
Miki Azumi (安曇 美姫, Azumi Miki)
Voiced by: Fūka Izumi[2] (Japanese); Brianna Knickerbocker[3] (English)
Koyuki's childhood best friend known since elementary school. She compulsively seeks to please others and maintain a favorable image, concealing a rowdier nature behind a friendly exterior. This earns her the label of class idol, which she dislikes. Consequently, she limits interactions with Koyuki at school until Koyuki befriends the boys. Miki initially distrusts Minato due to his reputation as an insincere romantic partner and fears his pushy behavior will hurt Koyuki. As Minato learns from his mistakes and grows closer to them, she warms to him. Initially unaware of Yota's feelings, she rejects him when unsure of her own, but eventually recognizes her love for him and reciprocates.
Minato Amamiya (雨宮 湊, Amamiya Minato)
Voiced by: Shōya Chiba[2] (Japanese); Kyle McCarley[3] (English)
Part of the school's "loud group". He believes that he can solve everyone's problems, a mindset he likens to "unlocking" people with keys. This draws him to Koyuki, whom he regards as a particularly difficult case, and he befriends her despite her efforts to avoid him. His behavior earns him a reputation for insincerity, and he inadvertently becomes a player in his romantic relationships. After Koyuki confronts him over his actions, he recognizes his mistakes and becomes more genuine while befriending the girls. He falls in love with Koyuki but conceals it out of fear of rejection, briefly dating Momoka Kuriki, who loves him, before ending the relationship upon realizing he is only masking his fear of loneliness. After Koyuki helps him overcome his fears and self-hatred, he confesses his love, which she accepts.
Yota Hino (日野 陽太, Hino Yōta)
Voiced by: Satoshi Inomata [ja][2] (Japanese); Jason Griffith[3] (English)
Minato's childhood best friend, and a friend of Miki's from cram school. Yota has poor eyesight without his glasses and, despite being very tall for his age, is a kind person who gets along well with most people. This quickly endears him to Koyuki, to Minato's initial surprise. He has had a long-standing crush on Miki since their early middle school years, but has kept his feelings hidden out of fear of ruining his relationship with her. Initially, she rejects him after his confession, and although heartbroken, he continues to be good friends with her. Nevertheless, Miki eventually returns his feelings and they become a couple.

Supporting characters

Tsubasa Igarashi (五十嵐 翼, Igarashi Tsubasa)
Voiced by: Chiaki Kobayashi[4] (Japanese); Ryan Colt Levy[3] (English)
A soccer team member who was classmates with Koyuki and Miki in middle school. Due to the bullying and trauma she experienced in her past, and how other girls constantly accused her of having a crush on him, despite her vehement denials, Koyuki has become afraid of him.
Tsukiko Shimojima (霜島月子, Shimojima Tsukiko)
Voiced by: Sakura Shinfuku[5] (Japanese); Kayli Mills[3] (English)
Koyuki's classmate and a member of the art club.
Momoka Kuriki (栗木桃香, Kuriki Momoka)
Voiced by: Akari Kitō[6] (Japanese); Laura Stahl[3] (English)
An antagonistic student that joins Koyuki's high school. She hides her true malicious and manipulative self under a friendly and bubbly person, as she pretends to befriend others around her. She is in love with Minato, which leads to her fully resenting Koyuki with a passion, as Minato's obvious crush on Koyuki enrages her. Her crush on Minato slowly turns into an obsession later on when he starts briefly dating her, and her bullying and abusive behavior towards Koyuki only escalates further. His lack of feelings for her, however, weighs on her the longer the relationship lasts, and after they break up, she vows to improve herself and not make the same mistakes she made with him.
Yūki Azumi (安曇優希, Azumi Yūki)
Voiced by: Kakeru Hatano[6] (Japanese); Caleb Yen[3] (English)
Miki's mischievous younger brother, who is in the same grade as Momoka and Akine. He is also on good terms with Koyuki.
Akine Atagawa (熱川秋音, Atagawa Akine)
Voiced by: Natsumi Kawaida[6] (Japanese); Deneen Melody[7] (English)
The younger sister of Koyuki's main bully from middle school, Manatsu Atagawa. Unlike her older sister, who was selfish, deceitful and abusive, using Koyuki's "friendship" for her own gain, Akine is much softer towards Koyuki. She shows genuine interest in befriending her, and even feels resentful of her sister's past abusive behavior. She is aware of Momoka's obsessive crush on Minato and manipulative behavior towards Koyuki, and it makes her uncomfortable.

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by Kōcha Agasawa [ja], The Ramparts of Ice began publication as a self-published webtoon under the Line Manga Indies section for about two years, before the author was contacted by the Margaret editorial department, who facilitated its official serialization through Line's Line Manga digital service,[8][9] being published from January 10, 2020, to April 28, 2022.[10][11] Shueisha published the manga in print, under its Jump Comics imprint, with 14 tankōbon volumes released from July 4, 2023, to February 4, 2025.[12][13][14]

The series is published in English on NTT Solmare's MangaPlaza website.[15]

Volumes

More information No., Japanese release date ...
No. Japanese release date Japanese ISBN
1July 4, 2023[16]978-4-08-883544-0
  1. "Koyuki Hikawa" (氷川小雪, Hikawa Koyuki)
  2. "Miki Azumi" (安曇美姫, Azumi Miki)
  3. "A Self-Perception Gap" (イメージの溝, Imēji no Mizo)
  4. "A Line and a Wall" (線と壁, Sen to Kabe)
  5. "Allergies" (アレルギー, Arerugī)
  6. "Minato Amamiya" (雨宮湊, Amamiya Minato)
  7. "A Locksmith" (鍵師, Kagi-shi)
  1. "Childhood Friends" (幼馴染, Osananajimi)
  2. "An Encounter" (遭遇, Sōgū)
  3. "Yota Hino" (日野陽太, Hino Yota)
  4. "Three people" (3人, 3-ri)
  5. "Empty" (からっぽ, Karappo)
  6. "Melting Snow" (融雪, Yūsetsu)
2July 4, 2023[16]978-4-08-883582-2
  1. "Four people" (4人, 4-ri)
  2. "Arrows" (矢印, Yajirushi)
  3. "Distance" (距離, Kyori)
  4. "Misaligned" (掛け違い, Kake-chigai)
  5. "How They Met" (出会い, Deai)
  6. "Unresolved Feelings" (わだかまり, Wadakamari)
  1. "Untouchable" (不可侵, Fukashin)
  2. "Meddling" (干渉, Kanshō)
  3. "Stepping In" (踏み込み, Fumikomi)
  4. "Distress" (苦渋, Kujū)
  5. "Incompatible" (相容れない, Aiirenai)
3August 4, 2023[17]978-4-08-883583-9
  1. "Weeping" (嗚咽, Oetsu)
  2. "Change" (変化, Henka)
  3. "Views on Love" (恋愛観, Ren'ai-kan)
  4. "A Slip of the Tongue" (失言, Shitsugen)
  5. "Control Failure" (制御エラー, Seigyo Erā)
  1. "A New Trimester" (新学期, Shin Gakki)
  2. "Bonds" (親情, Shinjō)
  3. "Peace" (ピース, Pīsu)
  4. "'Solitude'" (「孤」, 'Ko')
4September 4, 2023[18]978-4-08-883648-5
  1. "'Alone'" (「個」, 'Ko')
  2. "A Secret" (ナイショ, Naisho)
  3. "Arrows (2)" (矢印（2）, Yajirushi (2))
  4. "Spinning Your Wheels" (空回り, Karamawari)
  1. "Coating" (メッキ, Mekki)
  2. "'I Love You'" (「大好き」, 'Daisuki')
  3. "Yin and Yang" (陰と陽, In to yō)
  4. "Harmony" (和, Wa)
5October 4, 2023[19]978-4-08-883649-2
  1. "Almost Equal" (等し並み, Hitoshinami)
  2. "Realization" (自覚, Jikaku)
  3. "Progress and Treading Water" (進歩・足踏み, Shinpo ashibumi)
  4. "Tension" (軋轢, Atsureki)
  1. "Cause and Effect" (因果, Inga)
  2. "Malice" (害意, Gai i)
  3. "Spring" (春, Haru)
  4. "The New School Year" (進級, Shinkyū)
6November 2, 2023[20]978-4-08-883650-8
  1. "A Special Spot" (特別枠, Tokubetsu-waku)
  2. "A Troublemaker?" (不穏分子？, Fuon bunshi?)
  3. "Middle School" (中学, Chūgaku)
  4. "Turning Point" (転回, Tenkai)
  1. "Heat and Color" (熱量と色, Netsuryō to iro)
  2. "Heat Conduction" (熱伝導, Netsu dendō)
  3. "Discoloration" (変色, Henshoku)
  4. "Different Colors" (色違い, Iro chigai)
7December 4, 2023[21]978-4-08-883750-5
  1. "Thunderclap" (霹靂, Hekireki)
  2. "Misunderstandings" (すれ違い, Surechigai)
  3. "Interwoven Intentions" (綾なす意図, Ayanasu ito)
  4. "The Sports Festival (1)" (体育祭1, Taiikumatsuri 1)
  5. "The Sports Festival (2)" (体育祭2, Taiikumatsuri 2)
  1. "The Sports Festival (3)" (体育祭3, Taiikumatsuri 3)
  2. "After the Festival" (祭りの後, Matsuri no ato)
  3. "Realization" (認識, Ninshiki)
  4. "Sense of Values" (価値観, Kachikan)
8January 4, 2024[22]978-4-08-883751-2
  1. "Understanding" (理解, Rikai)
  2. "Bombshell" (弾, Dan)
  3. "Certainty" (確信, Kakushin)
  4. "Offense and Defense" (攻・守, Osamu mori)
  1. "Conclusion" (結び, Musubi)
  2. "Cloudy With a Chance of Rain" (曇雨天, Kumori uten)
  3. "Fellow Confidants (The Boys' Side)" (聴取―表, Chōshu – hyō)
  4. "Fellow Confidants (The Girls' Side)" (聴取―裏, Chōshu – ura)
9February 2, 2024[23]978-4-08-883752-9
  1. "Unraveling" (解きほぐし, Tokihogushi)
  2. "Arrows (3)" (矢印（3）, Yajirushi (3))
  3. "Trigger" (引き金, Hikigane)
  4. "Past and Present" (因果応報, Ingaōhō)
  1. "Stop and Go" (停止と進行, Teishi to shinkō)
  2. "Summer Vacation♪" (夏休み♪, Natsuyasumi ♪)
  3. "Chance" (チャンス, Chansu)
  4. "True feelings" (本心, Honshin)
10March 4, 2024[24]978-4-08-883753-6
  1. "Devotee" (信奉者, Shinbōsha)
  2. "Summer Festival" (夏祭り☆, Natsu Matsuri)
  3. "Options" (選択肢, Sentakushi)
  4. "Different Points of View" (視点A・B, Shiten A B)
  1. "Remission" (緩解, Kankai)
  2. "Coexistence" (併存, Heizon)
  3. "A Peacemaker" (バランサー, Baransā)
  4. "Not Enough" (飽き足りない, Aki tarinai)
11May 2, 2024[25]978-4-08-883754-3
  1. "Cultural Festival (1)" (文化祭1, Bunkamatsuri 1)
  2. "Cultural Festival (2)" (文化祭2, Bunkamatsuri 2)
  3. "Perspective" (観点, Kanten)
  4. "Incomprehensible" (無理解, Mu rikai)
  1. "Accumulation" (蓄積, Chikuseki)
  2. "Change" (変, Hen)
  3. "Release" (放免, Hōmen)
12July 4, 2024[26]978-4-08-883755-0
  1. "Transition" (移り目, Utsuri-me)
  2. "A Glitch" (バグ, Bagu)
  3. "Breaking the Lock" (破錠, Hajō)
  4. "Crossing Wires" (混線, Konsen)
  1. "One Step at a Time" (一歩一歩, Ippoippo)
  2. "School Trip (1)" (修学旅行1, Shūgakuryokō 1)
  3. "School Trip (2)" (修学旅行2, Shūgakuryokō 2)
13September 4, 2024[27]978-4-08-884198-4
  1. "School Trip (3)" (修学旅行3, Shūgakuryokō 3)
  2. "Foundations of Communication" (報・連・相, Hō ren ai)
  3. "Weekend (Side A)" (週末 sideA, Shūmatsu sideA)
  4. "Weekend (Side B)" (週末 sideB, Shūmatsu sideB)
  1. "Failure to Launch" (はじまらない, Hajimaranai)
  2. "Restraint" (箍, Taga)
  3. "Christmas" (クリスマス, Kurisumasu)
14February 4, 2025[14]978-4-08-884404-6
  1. "The Stillness of the Night" (夜のしじま, Yoru no shijima)
  2. "Existence" (存在, Sonzai)
  3. "Warmth" (暖, Dan)
  4. "Succession" (繋ぐ, Tsunagu)
  1. "Off to the Next Season" (次の季節へ, Tsugi no kisetsu e)
  2. "Melting Ice" (解氷, Gehyō)
  • "Extra" (おまけ, Omake)
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Anime

In January 2025, it was announced that the manga would receive an anime television series adaptation.[28][29] It is produced by Studio Kai and directed by Mankyū [ja], with series composition by Yasuhiro Nakanishi [ja], characters designed by Miki Ogino, and music composed by Kanade Sakuma and Natsumi Tabuchi. The series aired from April 2 to July 2, 2026, on TBS and its affiliates.[2][30] The opening theme song is "Tōmei" (透明; 'Invisible'), performed by Novelbright, while the ending theme song is "Sakasama" (逆様; 'Upside Down'), performed by Polkadot Stingray.[5] Netflix is streaming the series globally.[30]

Following the airing of the final episode of the first season, a second season was announced, which premiered on October 1 of the same year.[31] The opening theme song is "Escort" (エスコート), performed by The Beat Garden [ja], while the ending theme song is "Hanakage" (花蔭), performed by Superfly.[32]

Episodes

Season 1
More information No. overall, No. in season ...
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [33][34]Directed by [a]Written by [a]Storyboarded by [a]Original release date [35]
11"Lines and Walls"
Transliteration: "Sen to Kabe" (Japanese: 線と壁)		Teru IshiiYasuhiro Nakanishi  [ja]Mankyū [ja]April 2, 2026 (2026-04-02)
Koyuki Hikawa has trouble interacting with others and is viewed as being cold and unapproachable. While wondering why people avoid her, she meets Minato Amamiya, who compliments her humorous side. Koyuki also relaxes around her best friend Miki Azumi, who laments that she is not able to express her true self to the people who revere her as the school's popular girl. Koyuki remarks to Miki that people will befriend her regardless of how she presents herself, adding that she personally prefers being alone. The next day, Koyuki meets Yota Hino while returning Miki's notebook, and she shares her appreciation of his laid-back demeanor. Minato attempts to talk with her on their next encounter, though Koyuki remains wary of his motives. Minato senses Koyuki is closing herself off, as Koyuki recounts how she chooses to be alone after experiencing constant teasing and bullying in middle school. Koyuki is then pestered by a group of men on her way home, when she runs into Yota.
22"Locksmith"
Transliteration: "Kagi-shi" (Japanese: 鍵師)		Mamoru EnomotoYasuhiro NakanishiMamoru EnomotoApril 10, 2026 (2026-04-10)[b]
Koyuki uses Yota to escape the men and apologizes to him. Yota states he understands her situation, allowing Koyuki to know him better. They discuss their common connection to Miki, while a bewildered Minato sees them by chance. Miki later joins Koyuki and Yota's banter, where Koyuki learns that Minato is their acquaintance. Koyuki comes to respect Yota and befriends him. Meanwhile, Minato continues to take an interest in Koyuki's distant behavior when his current girlfriend requests that they break up, pointing out his insincerity. Minato then grows disconcerted on seeing Yota and Koyuki talk cordially at school. Yota invites Koyuki and Miki to a study session for the upcoming exams at his classroom, reassuring them that Minato and his peers would be gone during their stay. After going home, Koyuki is surprised that she experienced fun with Miki and Yota, which conflicts with her desire to remain alone. Koyuki and Miki meet Yota for the study session, as Minato also decides to join the group.
33"3+(←)1"Yūichi Abe [ja]Yasuhiro NakanishiYūichi Abe [ja]April 16, 2026 (2026-04-16)
Minato shares his recent breakup to Miki and Yota during the session. Minato remarks his sadness before attempting to make small talk with Koyuki, much to Miki's annoyance. After the study session, Minato remains bothered by Koyuki and Yota's friendship, and he tries to speak to Koyuki again. Koyuki begins assuming Miki has a crush on Minato and tries distancing herself to avoid conflict, but fails. The next day, while Koyuki was walking to school, Minato caught up with her and, wanting to break the ice between them, asked her about Tsubasa Igarashi, a former classmate and boyfriend of hers unbeknownst to Minato. Koyuki learns Tsubasa is visiting her school on the last day of exams. During school hours, Minato meets up with Koyuki again, which Koyuki begrudgingly exchanges contact info with Minato before running away upon seeing Miki. At another study session, Minato observes Koyuki relaxing around Yota, so he asks Koyuki if she is dating someone. Koyuki is dumbfounded by his question and sees Miki glaring, further confusing her. Miki privately confronts Minato on his intentions with Koyuki, revealing that Miki is aware of Minato's savior complex in approaching lonely people since meeting him with Yota at cram school.
44"Impenetrable"
Transliteration: "Fukashin" (Japanese: 不可侵)		Shigatsu YoshikawaYasuhiro NakanishiYūko HorikawaApril 23, 2026 (2026-04-23)
Miki angrily scolds Minato on his self-righteous behavior and warns him not to pity Koyuki, though Minato professes his innocence. He apologizes for pitying Miki back in cram school and regards her as a friend and equal, which Miki accepts with tears of joy. They return to the session, where Koyuki is shocked to see Miki's eyes swelling. Koyuki asks what happened, though Miki is evasive. Koyuki and her peers survive the exams, and Miki invites her, Yota, and Minato for lunch. Koyuki seemingly sees Miki and Minato being on good terms, when Minato asks Koyuki on what she does in her free time. Minato's question causes Koyuki to recall her hobbies being mocked by Tsubasa, so she states she does nothing. Koyuki internalizes her evasiveness being a mechanism to avoid people from seeing her true self and face rejection. After exams, Miki encounters Tsubasa visiting their school. Miki hopes that Koyuki does not run into him, but Koyuki sees Tsubasa talking to Minato while resting at the school clinic. Minato asks Tsubasa if he knew who Koyuki was, though Tsubasa denies having knowledge. The following day, Minato approaches Koyuki and talks about Tsubasa and middle school. Minato realizes the topics traumatize Koyuki and tries to move on, further upsetting Koyuki as she calls him a "busybody" and leaves.
55"Change"
Transliteration: "Henka" (Japanese: 変化)		Teru IshiiYasuhiro NakanishiTeru IshiiApril 30, 2026 (2026-04-30)
Yota manages to overhear Minato's conversation with Koyuki. While Koyuki was hiding in the clinic, Yota approached Koyuki. Yota clarifies that Minato harbors no ill intentions. He also explains how he and Minato knew her since junior high school from hearing Miki's stories of Koyuki being bullied. Koyuki expresses regret for refusing to hear Minato out and losing her temper and also realizes that Minato was being considerate of her past, so she aims to personally apologize to Minato. Minato accepts their different outlooks and decides to ignore her from now on. At the end of the school day, Koyuki chases after Minato and tearfully apologizes for lashing out, which Minato sincerely acknowledges. Koyuki begins laughing again upon seeing a picture of Minato's pet dog, flustering the latter as they bid each other farewell. Minato wonders on his future interactions with Koyuki, and Koyuki remarks she will try to change her outlook and behavior. She then joins Miki and their middle school classmates to discuss on their romantic lives. Koyuki states her intention of not entering into a relationship, during which Miki feels guilt for introducing Koyuki to Tsubasa.
66"New Semester"
Transliteration: "Shin Gakki" (Japanese: 新学期)		Teru IshiiYasuhiro NakanishiYuta Murano [ja]May 7, 2026 (2026-05-07)
Miki painfully reminisces on thoughtlessly telling a troubled Koyuki to date Tsubasa after the latter expressed interest to her. Minato is criticized by his friends for his lax treatment of past breakups, as he struggles in understanding how to express his emotions. Elsewhere, Koyuki and Yota visit Miki at her work, where Miki also begins to notice Koyuki and Yota's growing closeness and cautiously supports them. Minato later sees Koyuki and Yota's matching profile pictures and assumes they are dating. Minato learns of their meetup with Miki at the start of a new semester, leaving him hurt that he was left out. Koyuki hangs out with Yota and reflects on her overthinking tendencies standing in contrast to Yota's free-spirited attitude, adding that she aspires to be like him. Koyuki also remarks on feeling at ease around Yota when she meets his youthful mother. Yota opens up on his biological mother dying when he was young and notes his family is the only aspect that feels normal to him, stunning Koyuki.
77"Loneliness and Solitude"
Transliteration: "Ko to Ko" (Japanese: 孤と個)		Mamoru EnomotoYūta SuzukiMamoru EnomotoMay 14, 2026 (2026-05-14)
Yota returns home to his family and attempts to tune them out. Koyuki worries that Yota may be bottling his thoughts, causing Koyuki to look back on her loneliness in middle school following her parents' divorce. She wonders on intervening in Yota's situation as she meets him after school. Yota discloses to Koyuki on his feelings of being disregarded by his new family. Koyuki states he should allow himself to open up more. An embarrassed Yota then reveals his feelings for Miki, leaving Koyuki overjoyed that Yota likes Miki for who she truly is. Despite this, Yota admits he prioritizes their friendship and assumes Miki would not reciprocate his feelings. Yota thanks Koyuki on being a trusted friend, and he begins opening up to his family's kindness. Koyuki supports Yota and Miki's relationship by giving them space while talking to Minato at school, flustering Yota. Minato and Miki continue to assume that Koyuki and Yota like each other, so Miki enthusiastically plans a study session to secretly set them up for a date.
88"On Equal Footing"
Transliteration: "Hitoshinami" (Japanese: 等し並み)		Yūichi AbeYū ŌshikaYūichi AbeMay 21, 2026 (2026-05-21)
Miki recounts on changing her personality upon seeing her rough behavior bring anguish to Koyuki and other students back in middle school. Miki talks to Yota and Minato, with the latter asking her on Koyuki's interests. Miki's peers ask if she likes either Minato or Yota, but Miki abrasively denies their assumptions. Miki becomes troubled on maintaining her new personality, which is worsened when one of Miki's friends sees her loosening up around her coworkers and has their friend group alienate her. Miki fears she does not belong, and she tearfully confides in Yota on her concerns before unconsciously sharing her love for him as a friend. Koyuki later connects with Miki on their anxieties and recommends on being herself around the people who accept her for who she is. Realizing that she has been deceiving her friends and failing to learn more about them, Miki makes up with her friends and proudly showcases her true self more. Miki thanks Koyuki for her advice, as she shows off her new dyed hair to her, Minato, and Yota the next day. Koyuki and Minato leave ahead, though they become confused at the other's reasons for leaving behind Miki and Yota.
99"Self-awareness"
Transliteration: "Jikaku" (Japanese: 自覚)		Shigatsu YoshikawaYasuhiro NakanishiHirokazu KanaiMay 28, 2026 (2026-05-28)
Minato asks Koyuki if she is still scared of him, leading Koyuki to realize how she has been treating him since reconciling. Koyuki and Minato grow closer, with Minato aspiring to genuinely learn more about Koyuki. Meanwhile, Miki voices her support for Yota having a crush before surprising Koyuki and Minato. Koyuki later chats with fellow library assistant and classmate Tsukiko Shimojima on their awkward experiences with large groups. Koyuki then joins Miki, Minato, and Yota to the mall and looks back on her growth as a person. Minato and Miki spot Tsubasa, and they agree to keep him away from Koyuki. The group enjoys their time and splits up, only for Koyuki and Miki to run into Tsubasa. Koyuki, who openly voiced her dislike for Tsubasa when they broke up, tries to converse with him, though Tsubasa reacts dismissively. Miki apologizes for setting them up to date, causing Koyuki to reveal she only dated Tsubasa to feel her love being reciprocated and voices regret for hurting him. Koyuki believes she is incapable of being loved, so she prays for Miki to find her own love and happiness.
1010"Spring"
Transliteration: "Haru" (Japanese: 春)		Teru IshiiYū ŌshikaTeru IshiiJune 4, 2026 (2026-06-04)
Koyuki and her friend group enjoy their spring break by visiting an amusement park. They enjoy the park's amenities though a disoriented Koyuki and Minato decline on joining the next ride. While a bashful Yota and Miki enjoy the ride, Minato wins a game to gift Koyuki a plushie for her belated birthday, leaving her charmed. Koyuki is surprised to see an embarrassed Minato and teases him. Koyuki later begins a new school year with her friend group and Tsukiko as her classmates. Tsukiko sees the kindness of Koyuki's friends and befriends them. Koyuki also introduces her childhood friend and Miki's younger brother Yuki to her friends. Minato sees Koyuki's closeness to Yuki and jealously wishes for Koyuki to only focus on him. Miki has their friend group join the cheer squad for the upcoming sports festival, during which Tsukiko deduces that Minato has a crush on Koyuki. After practice, Koyuki is introduced to Akine Atagawa. A shocked Koyuki learns that Akine is the younger sister of Manatsu, who bullied Koyuki for dating Tsubasa.
1111"Inversion"
Transliteration: "Tenkai" (Japanese: 転回)		Miichiro KamenosonoYasuhiro NakanishiMiichiro Kamenosono
& Teru Ishii		June 11, 2026 (2026-06-11)
In a flashback to middle school, Koyuki reluctantly befriended Manatsu, who disliked her openness towards their seniors and used her to get closer to them. Manatsu and her clique harassed Koyuki, leaving her shakened. Tsubasa, who is Manatsu's crush, approached Koyuki on dating her, and Koyuki hesitantly accepted. Manatsu continued her bullying, but Koyuki exposed her actions in front of Tsubasa. Manatsu quietly chided Koyuki for exploiting Tsubasa to escape her situation. In the present, Koyuki grows uneasy on how much Akine knows of her past. Koyuki and Akine cross paths, much to Koyuki's discomfort. Minato catches up to them and converses with Akine, calming Koyuki. She also meets Akine's friend Momoka Kuriki, who secretly urges Akine to find out if Minato, whom she has a crush on, has a girlfriend. Akine refuses to pry on Minato's private life, much to Momoka's chagrin. Momoka spies on Koyuki hanging out with Yota. Koyuki and Minato later bond on their shared interests as Momoka joins them. Momoka learns that Koyuki is only friends with Yota and Minato is single. Despite this knowledge, Momoka continues observing their closeness.
1212"Thunder"
Transliteration: "Hekireki" (Japanese: 霹靂)		Teru Ishii,
Takumi Yokoyama
& Minagi Koga		Studio Kai &
Kei Shimobayashi		Sayaka KobayashiJune 18, 2026 (2026-06-18)
Koyuki continues to learn more about Minato while contemplating on her mundane life. Minato then shares his desire to spend more time with Koyuki, flustering her. Koyuki later declines Miki's invitation to a trip with Yota and talks about his charm. Miki is surprised at Koyuki's deeper knowledge of Yota as she hangs out with a bashful Yota. Miki states to Yuki that she does not see herself dating Yota upon returning home. Meanwhile, Koyuki finds herself talking more to Momoka, who declares her love for Minato based on his looks. Hearing that Momoka views him at face value, Koyuki realizes her own feelings for Minato, causing her to avoid him. Minato wonders on Koyuki's recent behavior when Momoka approaches him for a casual conversation. Minato is left appalled after Momoka discusses how Koyuki and Yota work as a couple and her disgust at the thought of one of her friends liking her. She then states that Koyuki does not see her friends as love interests, leaving a disheartened Minato in self-doubt. Sometime later, Koyuki crosses paths with Akine again, and Akine asks her to support Momoka growing close to Minato.
1313"Perception"
Transliteration: "Ninshiki" (Japanese: 認識)		Yūichi AbeYasuhiro NakanishiYūichi AbeJune 25, 2026 (2026-06-25)
On the day of the sports festival, Koyuki sees Minato talking to Momoka and tries to not overthink their interactions. Koyuki bonds with her friends while also observing Momoka ingratiate herself to them. She continues to feel flustered around Minato, which Yota notices. After Momoka requests she take a picture of her and Minato together, Koyuki unconsciously grows jealous of Momoka's advances. Koyuki and Minato hesitate on taking photos with each other, so Yota arranges it. Koyuki discloses to Yota on her burgeoning feelings for Minato, allowing them to connect on their difficulty approaching their crushes and desire to not jeopardize their friendships. Minato later invites Koyuki and Tsukiko to the cheer squad's wrap party, which the girls accept. Meanwhile, Miki and Yota conduct cleanup duty for the sports festival. Yota immediately shields Miki from a falling box and Miki sees Yota acting bashful. Although she initially assumes Yota is joking, Miki gradually realizes that he harbors genuine feelings for her. Miki runs away in shock and fears her friendship with Yota was one-sided.
1414"Bombshell"
Transliteration: "Bakudan" (Japanese: 爆弾)		Sayaka KobayashiYasuhiro NakanishiMamoru EnomotoJuly 2, 2026 (2026-07-02)
Yota discloses to Koyuki that Miki found out about his crush on her. Although Koyuki asserts that Miki will not hate him, Yota declares he will put an end to the situation. Miki ruminates and laments her fraught friendship with Yota, while Koyuki thinks on her friend group's dynamics. At the wrap party, Koyuki sees the cheer squad support Minato and Momoka as a couple. Momoka joins Koyuki and Tsukiko's table to flaunt on wanting to date Minato. Momoka bluntly reveals she is aware of his crush on Koyuki, stunning the latter. Koyuki fully reevaluates her past interactions with Minato as they continue to awkwardly bond, with Akine silently supporting them. Later, Koyuki and Minato play with their sparklers alongside their friends, unaware that Momoka is coldly observing them. Yota privately meets with Miki to properly confess his feelings to her but remorsefully asks that they remain friends. Miki tearfully rejects Yota due to being unsure of her feelings, which Yota quietly respects.
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Season 2
More information No. overall, No. in season ...
No.
overall		No. in
season		Title [33][34]Directed by [a]Written by [a]Storyboarded by [a]Original release date [37]
151"Clouds and Rain"
Transliteration: "Kumori Uten" (Japanese: 曇雨天)		Mio Nishimura
& Yurina Utsugi		Yasuhiro Nakanishi
& Yūta Suzuki		Kenji SetōOctober 2, 2026 (2026-10-02)[c]
Knowing that Koyuki will not advance her friendship with Minato, Momoka aims to grow closer to him. Miki struggles to talk to Yota since rejecting him, which Minato notices. Miki talks to Minato on the pain of unrequited love, as Yota updates Koyuki on the situation. Minato comforts Miki on romantic interest between friends being natural, only to be reminded by Momoka's scathing remarks. Koyuki later asks Miki out for a one-on-one discussion when they overhear Yota asking Minato nearby on dating Momoka and casually hanging out with girls. They then eavesdrop on Minato stating he only sees Koyuki as a friend. After Yota and Minato leave, Koyuki and Miki clear up the confusion on their presumed relationships with the boys. Miki confides on her unwillingness to accept Yota's confession without reciprocating his feelings, even as Koyuki points out and assures that Yota accepts her. Heading home, a saddened Koyuki reflects on misinterpreting Minato's affection for her, though she tries to move forward on remaining friends alongside Miki and Yota. However, Minato is internally dismayed at leading Koyuki on.
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Reception

Before its serialization, The Ramparts of Ice received a special prize at the "Shueisha Shōjo Manga Grand Prix Powered by Line Manga Indies 2018 Summer".[39] It ranked nineteenth in the web category at the seventh Next Manga Awards in 2021.[40] It ranked first in the Comic CMoa Annual Ranking's josei manga category in 2022.[41] It ranked second in AnimeJapan's sixth "Most Wanted Anime Adaptation" poll in 2023.[42] It was nominated for the 69th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2023.[43][d] It ranked fifteenth, along with The JoJoLands, on Takarajimasha's Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga of 2024 for male readers.[44] It was ranked sixth in the Nationwide Bookstore Employees Recommended Comics of 2024 list.[45] The series won the 2024 Vertical Manga Award in the completed comic category.[46]

See also

Notes

  1. [a]
    Production staff information is taken from the ending credits of each episode.
  2. [b]
    Due to the broadcast of the 2026 Masters Tournament, the episode aired at 1:28 a.m. JST, one hour and 32 minutes after the regular air time on TBS.[36]
  3. [c]
    The episode aired at 12:26 a.m. JST, 30 minutes after the regular air time on TBS.[38]
  4. [d]
    Unlike previous years, the nominees are not divided into categories in the 2023 award.

References

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