Last Quarter

Last Quarter, known in Japan as Kagen no Tsuki, was serialized by Ai Yazawa in the shōjo magazine Ribon between 1998 and 1999. Emerging from a period where Yazawa was moving toward more mature, atmospheric storytelling, the manga centers on themes of reincarnation and the intersection of past and present lives. It was conceived as a melancholic gothic romance, distinct from her more lighthearted earlier works, focusing on the haunting connection between a young woman and a mysterious musician.

The visual design of the series reflects Yazawa's signature focus on fashion, music, and urban aesthetics, blending dark, moody compositions with her trademark slender, stylish character designs. Upon release, the series was well-received for its evocative tone and emotional depth, eventually being collected into three volumes. It has since been recognized as a pivotal work in Yazawa's bibliography, bridging the gap between her early shōjo roots and the more grounded, character-driven narratives she would later explore in Paradise Kiss and Nana.