Hadashi De Bara Wo Fume

Hadashi de Bara wo Fume, translated as Stepping on Roses, is a shojo manga series created by Rinko Ueda that was serialized in the magazine Margaret between 2007 and 2012. It follows the story of Sumi Kitagawa, a young woman who enters into a marriage of convenience with a wealthy aristocrat, Soichiro Ashida, to secure funds for her siblings. The narrative reflects the classic Cinderella archetype often found in shojo manga, blending themes of class struggle, romantic tension, and domestic dynamics within a historical or quasi-period setting.

Rinko Ueda, known for her expressive character designs and focus on dramatic emotional arcs, approached this work with a signature aesthetic that emphasizes the contrast between the protagonist’s humble origins and the high-society world she enters. The series was published by Shueisha and gained attention for its consistent pacing and focus on character growth. It is regarded as a quintessential example of the 2000s shojo genre, appreciated by readers for its balance of lighthearted moments and more serious, emotionally resonant plot developments.