The Magic of Chocolate

Summary

The Magic of Chocolate (Japanese: ショコラの魔法, Hepburn: Shokora no Mahō) is a Japanese dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Rino Mizuho. It has been serialized in the monthly shōjo manga magazine Ciao and its sister magazine, Ciao DX [ja], since September 2008.

The Magic of Chocolate
Cover of the first volume
ショコラの魔法
(Shokora no Mahō)
GenreDark fantasy[1]
Manga
Written byRino Mizuho
Published byShogakukan
English publisher
ImprintCiao Horror Comics
Magazine
DemographicShōjo
Original runSeptember 3, 2008 – present
Volumes22 (List of volumes)
Original video animation
Directed byShinichiro Kimura
Written by
Music bytenten
StudioSynergySP
Released March 3, 2011 December 28, 2012
Runtime11–16 minutes
Episodes13 (List of episodes)
Live-action film
Directed byTomonobu Morikawa
Produced by
  • Shinya Furugori
  • Kana Ohtsubo
Written byTatsuya Kanazawa
StudioFilm
ReleasedJune 18, 2021 (2021-06-18)
Runtime81 minutes

A 13-episode original video animation produced by SynergySP was released between 2011 and 2012, while a live-action film adaptation was released to Japanese theatres in 2021.

In 2021, The Magic of Chocolate won the 66th Shogakukan Manga Award in the children's category.

Synopsis edit

The Magic of Chocolate is a series focusing on Chocolat Aikawa, the owner of a chocolaterie called Chocolat Noir, located deep in the forest. She sells chocolates that can grant wishes when consumed. However, the chocolates come at a price; as payment, Chocolat will take something precious to the customer.[2] Many of her customers have concerns or grievances they wish to remedy with the chocolates, though some aim to abuse the chocolates' magic for nefarious purposes; Chocolat will curse those who do so to "plunge into the depths of darkness," resulting in often bizarre and ironic retributions.

Characters edit

Chocolat Aikawa (哀川ショコラ, Aikawa Shokora)
Voiced by: Yukana
An emotionally stoic chocolatier, and owner of the Chocolat Noir. She is always seen dressed in lolita fashion.
Cacao Theobroma (カカオ・テオブロマ, Kakao Teoburoma)
Voiced by: Kōki Miyata
A chocolate devil who was summoned by Chocolat's father, Shūga, and lives together with her. He is usually seen in the form of a black cat.

Media edit

Manga edit

The Magic of Chocolate is written and illustrated by Rino Mizuho.[2] It has been serialized irregularly in the monthly magazine Ciao and its sister magazine, Ciao DX [ja], since September 3, 2008.[3][4][5] Shogakukan has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes, under the Ciao Horror Comics imprint. The first volume was released on July 1, 2009.[6] As of 2023, twenty-two volumes have been released.[7]

Instead of being ordered numerically, each volume is named according to the English alphabet.[8] From October 11 to November 1, 2013, columnist Bourbon Kobayashi [ja] held a contest on Twitter for contestants to guess the subtitle of the then-upcoming volume 10, slated to begin with the letter "J."[8] Mizuho herself judged the results, with the prizes awarded to the first three people who were able to answer correctly, as well as special jury awards such as the "Nice Silly Answer Award" and the "Cool & Sweet Award."[8]

The series is licensed for Southeast Asian distribution in English by Shogakukan Asia.[9][10]

Volume list edit

No. Title Japanese release date Japanese ISBN
1Shokora no Mahō: Almond Kiss (ショコラの魔法〜almond kiss〜)July 1, 2009 (2009-07-01)[6]978-4-0913-2642-3
2Shokora no Mahō: Bitter Sweet (ショコラの魔法〜bitter sweet〜)March 1, 2010 (2010-03-01)[11]978-4-0913-2884-7
3Shokora no Mahō: Creamy Sugar (ショコラの魔法〜creamy sugar〜)November 29, 2010 (2010-11-29)[12]978-4-0913-3445-9
4Shokora no Mahō: Dark Spice (ショコラの魔法〜dark spice〜)April 1, 2011 (2011-04-01)[13]978-4-0913-3774-0
5Shokora no Mahō: Evil Essence (ショコラの魔法〜evil essence〜)November 1, 2011 (2011-11-01)[14]978-4-0913-4088-7
6Shokora no Mahō: Fruity Flavor (ショコラの魔法〜fruity flavor〜)March 1, 2012 (2012-03-01)[15]978-4-0913-4088-7
7Shokora no Mahō: Guilty Crunch (ショコラの魔法〜guilty crunch〜)August 1, 2012 (2012-08-01)[16]978-4-0915-9119-7
8Shokora no Mahō: Honey Blood (ショコラの魔法〜honey blood〜)November 30, 2012 (2012-11-30)[17]978-4-0913-4827-2
9Shokora no Mahō: Ice Shadow (ショコラの魔法〜ice shadow〜)July 26, 2013 (2013-07-26)[18]978-4-0913-5547-8
978-4-0915-9157-9 (LE)
10Shokora no Mahō: Jewel Syrup (ショコラの魔法〜jewel syrup〜)January 31, 2014 (2014-01-31)[19]978-4-0913-5720-5
11Shokora no Mahō: Knocking Egg (ショコラの魔法〜knocking egg〜)July 1, 2014 (2014-07-01)[20]978-4-0913-6268-1
12Shokora no Mahō: Love Flake (ショコラの魔法〜love flake〜)October 30, 2014 (2014-10-30)[21]978-4-0913-6608-5
13Shokora no Mahō: Melty Night (ショコラの魔法〜melty night〜)September 2, 2015 (2015-09-02)[22]978-4-0913-7627-5
14Shokora no Mahō: Nutty Carnival (ショコラの魔法〜nutty carnival〜)April 28, 2016 (2016-04-28)[23]978-4-0913-8326-6
15Shokora no Mahō: Odd Cake (ショコラの魔法〜odd cake〜)November 1, 2016 (2016-11-01)[24]978-4-0913-9456-9
16Shokora no Mahō: Phantom Decoration (ショコラの魔法〜phantom decoration〜)September 1, 2017 (2017-09-01)[25]978-4-0987-0199-5
17Shokora no Mahō: Queen Candy (ショコラの魔法〜queen candy〜)August 2, 2018 (2018-08-02)[26]978-4-0987-0592-4
18Shokora no Mahō: Romantic Flambe (ショコラの魔法〜romantic flambe〜)December 29, 2019 (2019-12-29)[27]978-4-0987-0736-2
19Shokora no Mahō: Salty Leaf (ショコラの魔法〜salty leaf〜)May 1, 2020 (2020-05-01)[28]978-4-0987-1030-0
20Shokora no Mahō: Tricky Beans (ショコラの魔法〜tricky beans〜)July 31, 2020 (2020-07-31)[29]978-4-0987-1092-8
21Shokora no Mahō: Under Glace (ショコラの魔法〜under glace〜)April 28, 2021 (2021-04-28)[30]978-4-0987-1362-2
22Shokora no Mahō: Vivid Berry (ショコラの魔法〜vivid berry〜)December 26, 2022 (2022-12-26)[7]978-4-0987-1881-8

Anthologies edit

No. Title Original release date English release date
1The Magic of Chocolate: Premium Collection 1
The Magic of Chocolate: Premium Collection 2

Shokora no Mahō: Puremiamu Korekushon (ショコラの魔法~プレミアムコレクション~)
June 1, 2015 (2015-06-01)[31]
978-4-0913-7408-0
February 21, 2019 (2019-02-21)[9][10]
978-9-8111-6806-2
  • "Stick Chocolate: Decision Maker" (スティックチョコレート 決断のしるべ, Sutikku Chokorēto: Ketsudan no Shirube)
  • "Chocolate Macaron: Frozen Time" (チョコレートマカロン 凍てついた時間, Chokorēto Makaron: Itetsuita Toki)
  • "Rocher: The Two Chocolatiers" (ロシエ 二人のショコラティエ, Roshie: Futari no Shokoratie)
  • "Mendiant: Shape of Life" (マンディアン 命のカタチ, Mandian: Inochi no Katachi)
  • "Muscadine: Vines of Sin" (ミュスカディーヌ 罪の蔓, Myusukadīnu: Tsumi no Tsuru)
  • "Cocoa Nibs: Beyond Bitterness" (カカオニブ 苦みの彼方, Kakao Nibu: Nigami no Kanata)
  • "Chocolate Ballet: Dance of Death" (ショコラ・バレエ 死の舞踏, Shokora Barē: Shi no Futō)
2The Magic of Chocolate: Tears Collection
Shokora no Mahō: Tiāzu Korekushon (ショコラの魔法~ティアーズコレクション~)
August 29, 2017 (2017-08-29)[32]
978-4-0987-0044-8

OVA edit

An original video animation adaptation was announced on the wrap-around band released with volume 3 on November 29, 2010.[33] The episodes were distributed through the Ciao Ciao TV! DVD discs included in the monthly magazine Ciao, starting with the April 2011 issue; the final episode was published with the February 2013 issue.[34][35] All episodes are currently available to watch on Ciao's official YouTube channel.[36]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
1"Meringue au Chocolat: Melody of Sadness, Part 1"
Transliteration: "Murangu O Shokora: Kanashimi no Senritsu Zenpen" (Japanese: ムラング・オ・ショコラ 〜悲しみの旋律〜 前編)
Shinichiro KimuraHiroko Fukuda [ja]February 3, 2011 (2011-02-03)
2"Meringue au Chocolat: Melody of Sadness, Part 2"
Transliteration: "Murangu O Shokora: Kanashimi no Senritsu Kōhen" (Japanese: ムラング・オ・ショコラ 〜悲しみの旋律〜 後編)
Shinichiro KimuraHiroko FukudaMarch 3, 2011 (2011-03-03)[34][35]
3"Tartelette: Silent Rain"
Transliteration: "Tarutoretto: Seijaku no Ame" (Japanese: タルトレット 〜静寂の雨〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko Konparu [ja]July 2, 2011 (2011-07-02)
4"Parfait: Autumn Day Melancholy"
Transliteration: "Parufe: Aki no Hi no Yūtsu" (Japanese: パルフェ 〜秋の日の憂鬱〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuSeptember 3, 2011 (2011-09-03)
5"White Macaron: Flames of Regret"
Transliteration: "Howaito Makaron: Kōkai no Honō" (Japanese: ホワイトマカロン 〜後悔の炎〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuOctober 3, 2011 (2011-10-03)
6"Red Cherry Chocolate: Memory of a Ghost"
Transliteration: "Reddo Cherī Chokorēto: Rei no Kioku" (Japanese: レッドチェリーチョコレート 〜零の記憶〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuNovember 2, 2011 (2011-11-02)
7"Pure Heart Chocolate: A Pure Heart"
Transliteration: "Pyua Hāto Chokorēto: Hāto no Junshin" (Japanese: ピュアハートチョコレート 〜ハートの純真〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuDecember 28, 2011 (2011-12-28)
8"Gâteau Opéra: The Songstress's Invitation"
Transliteration: "Gatō Opera: Utahime no Yūwaku" (Japanese: ガトーオペラ 〜歌姫の誘惑〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuFebruary 3, 2012 (2012-02-03)
9"Red Cherry Chocolate: Demise of a Ghost"
Transliteration: "Reddo Cherī Chokorēto: Rei no Shūen" (Japanese: レッドチェリーチョコレート 〜零の終焉〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuApril 3, 2012 (2012-04-03)
10"Chocolate Mold: Key to the Heart"
Transliteration: "Chokorēto Mōrudo: Kokoro no Kagi" (Japanese: チョコレートモールド 〜心の鍵〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuAugust 3, 2012 (2012-08-03)
11"Framboise: A Beautiful Sin"
Transliteration: "Furanbowāsu: Uruwashiki Tsumi" (Japanese: フランボワース 〜美しき罪〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuSeptember 3, 2012 (2012-09-03)
12"Violet: Fabricated Love"
Transliteration: "Viore: Itsuwari no Koi" (Japanese: ヴィオレ 〜偽りの恋〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuDecember 1, 2012 (2012-12-01)
13"Mendiant: Shape of Life"
Transliteration: "Mandian: Inochi no Katachi" (Japanese: マンディアン 〜命のカタチ〜)
Shinichiro KimuraTomoko KonparuDecember 28, 2012 (2012-12-28)

Light novels edit

The light novel adaptation of The Magic of Chocolate is written by Riku Hozumi (穂積りく) with illustrations provided by Rino Mizuho.[37] Volume 4 was written by Sayoko Fujiwara (藤原サヨコ), with Hozumi credited as a co-writer.[38] The light novel series is published by Shogakukan under the Shogakukan Junior Bunko imprint.[37]

No. Title Japanese release date Japanese ISBN
1The Magic of Chocolate: Chocolate Dacquoise, Labyrinth of Memories
Shokora no Mahō: Dakkuwāzu Shokora, Kioku no Meikyū (ショコラの魔法〜ダックワーズショコラ 記憶の迷路〜)
July 4, 2011 (2011-07-04)[37]978-4-0923-0722-3
2The Magic of Chocolate: Classic Chocolate, The Lost Story
Shokora no Mahō: Kurashikku Shokora, Ushinawareta Monogatari (ショコラの魔法〜クラシックショコラ 失われた物語〜)
February 8, 2012 (2012-02-08)[39]978-4-0923-0723-0
3The Magic of Chocolate: Ispahan, Love from Roses
Shokora no Mahō: Isupahan, Bara no Koi (ショコラの魔法〜イスパハン 薔薇の恋〜)
August 1, 2012 (2012-08-01)[40]978-4-0923-0729-2
4The Magic of Chocolate: Chocolate Scone, the Ice Curse Academy
Shokora no Mahō: Shokora Sukōn, Kōri Noroi no Gakuen (ショコラの魔法〜ショコラスコーン 氷呪の学園〜)
February 26, 2014 (2014-02-26)[38]978-4-0923-0753-7
5The Magic of Chocolate: Ginger Macaron, Mid-afternoon Dreams
Shokora no Mahō: Jinjā Makaron, Mahiru no Yume (ショコラの魔法〜ジンジャーマカロン 真昼の夢〜)
August 5, 2014 (2014-08-05)[41]978-4-0923-0775-9

Film edit

A live-action movie adaptation, first announced in January 2021, was released on June 18 the same year.[42] The film stars Maho Yamaguchi as Chocolat in her film debut.[43][44] It is produced by Shinya Furugori and Kana Ohtsubo, with Tomonobu Morikawa directing and Tatsuya Kanazawa writing the script.[1]

Other media and merchandise edit

An official fanbook titled The Magic of Chocolate: H to I was released on April 30, 2013.[45][46] In February 2013, The Magic of Chocolate collaborated with lolita fashion brand Baby, The Stars Shine Bright to produce a dress based on Chocolat.[47]

Reception edit

Along with Duel Masters, The Magic of Chocolate won the 66th Shogakukan Manga Award in the children category in 2021.[48][49][50]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "みづほ梨乃「ショコラの魔法」山口真帆主演で映画化、ちゃお発ダークファンタジー". Natalie (in Japanese). January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Sherman, Jennifer (November 30, 2011). "Magic of Chocolate Horror Manga's New Series to Launch". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  3. ^ Mizuho, Rin (September 3, 2008). 掲載情報です. Happiness Diary: Rino Mizuho's Blog (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 8, 2009. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
  4. ^ 2008年09月03日のアーカイブ. manganohi.jp (in Japanese). September 3, 2008. Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved September 26, 2022. 【ちゃお】ちゃお 10月号 発売中! […] ●スイーツ・ゴシックよみきり 『ショコラの魔法~ガトーオペラ歌姫の誘惑~』 みづほ梨乃 願いがかなう魔法のチョコレート。アナタは、食べる…?
  5. ^ Mizuho, Rino (November 2, 2008). "カリカリと". Happiness Diary: Rino Mizuho's Blog (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 14, 2009. Retrieved September 26, 2022. 今月20日頃発売のちゃおデラックスに、 「ショコラの魔法」 再び掲載されます。たこプリに続くシリーズとなります。
  6. ^ a b ショコラの魔法 (in Japanese). Shogakukan. July 2009. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
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External links edit