Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki's Conjecture (Vol. 1)

Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture Vol. 1 introduces readers to a sophisticated and enigmatic academic whose brilliance is matched only by his fascination with the unknown. Based on the novel by Mikage Sawamura, this manga adaptation blends mystery, folklore, and a touch of the paranormal into a captivating narrative.

Professor Akira Takatsuki, an expert in folklore studies, is anything but ordinary. With a piercing intellect and unorthodox methods, he investigates supernatural phenomena that intertwine with local legends and forgotten traditions. When a reserved university student named Naoya becomes his assistant, the pair embark on a series of increasingly eerie investigations—from haunted shrines to inexplicable disappearances.

What begins as academic curiosity unfolds into a pattern of real, unsettling danger, forcing both Takatsuki and Naoya to confront the truth behind ancient myths—and the shadowy truths lurking beneath them.

Main Themes of the Book

• Folklore and Mythology: Deep dives into Japanese legends and traditional beliefs.
• Supernatural Mystery: Ghost stories and paranormal cases with rational and irrational twists.
• Academic Intrigue: Intellectual deduction and psychological unraveling.
• Unlikely Partnerships: The dynamic between a cool-headed professor and his hesitant assistant.
• Cultural Exploration: How folklore reflects fear, memory, and societal values.

Why you should read this manga 

• A perfect blend of supernatural suspense and cultural mystery.
• Offers insight into Japanese folklore through a modern investigative lens.
• Sharp, engaging characters with compelling backstories and chemistry.
• Each chapter presents a stand-alone mystery that contributes to a bigger puzzle.
• Ideal for fans of The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, Mushishi, or xxxHOLiC.

Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture Vol. 1 is a smart and stylish start to a series that embraces the eerie elegance of Japanese folklore. Both cerebral and haunting, it invites readers to question what lies beneath the surface of tradition—and whether all legends are truly fiction.