INI's Sano Yudai stepped into the world of manga judging as a guest reviewer for Comic Natalie's "Vertical Reading Manga Awards 2025." The 11-member boy group member selected Gae's "Kareta Hana ni Namida wo" (Tears for Withered Flowers) as the winner of his special judge award.

Vertical reading manga, or "tate yomi manga," represents a growing digital format optimized for smartphones and tablets, where readers scroll vertically through panels rather than turning pages horizontally. This format has gained significant traction in Japan's digital manga market.

For INI fans, seeing Sano branch out into manga judging adds another dimension to his creative interests beyond music and performance. The group, formed through the survival show "Produce 101 Japan Season 2," has been expanding their individual activities since their 2021 debut.

Gae's winning work "Kareta Hana ni Namida wo" joins other recognized titles in this year's awards, highlighting the continued evolution of digital manga storytelling in Japan. The collaboration between J-Pop idols and manga culture reflects the interconnected nature of Japanese entertainment, where artists frequently cross between different creative mediums.

This recognition also demonstrates how idol group members are increasingly participating in cultural events beyond traditional music industry activities, broadening their influence across Japan's entertainment landscape.