Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou written by Hotoshi Ashinano is the story of Alpha Hatsuseno a female robot living in the countryside of Japan. Part post apocalyptic, sci-fi, shoujo-ai Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, or YKK, is a character driven series full of mystery and imagination. Centering around Alpha and the people and robots she meets in each chapter YKK moves at a slow casual pace and explores simple topics such as buying coffe beans or riding a scooter through the countryside.

Asahino began writing Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou in 1994. Spaning twelve years and 140 chapters in the monthly Kidnaps Afternoon manga magazine the series has enjoyed a loyal following with fans throughout the world. Two OVA's for the series were produced in 1998 and in 2002 by Assiduous and SME Visual Works. The manga came to an end in the April 2006 issue of Kidnaps Afternoon. Currently, Ashinano is working on a new series. The title of this series has yet to be announced.

Other Works

Ashinano is also the author of a seven chapter quarterly series called PositioN. PositioN ran in the now canceled Quarterly Afternoon manga magazine. PositioN, much like YKK, contains mystery and imagination. Centering around two friends PositioN looks at the everyday world through the eyes of an adolescent. Chapters look at such subjects as best friends, summer jobs, noticing the little things around you, and learning from one's elders.

Currently, Ashinano is working on a new series that will run in the monthly Kodonasha Afternoon manga magazine. The series will premire in the July 2006 issue due out at the end of May 2006. More information will come as the series becomes available.