Mangaka Rieko Saibara, best known for her award-winning "Mainichi Kaasan" series, has resumed work after a three-month long break following the death of her husband, photojournalist Yutaka Kamoshida.

Saibara is producing promotional artwork for Yasushi Sumida's "Waruboro," based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Gets Itaya. Saibara and Itaya have been friends for along time, having once studied together at an art school.

One of her illustrations will be printed on 50,000 seals and 2,000 postcard sets, to be given away for free at theaters and HMV record stores across Japan. A different drawing, depicting her giving a bouquet of flowers to Itaya, will be placed on 1,000 posters that will go up in bookstores later this month. Saibara was also responsible for the jacket of The Cro-Magnons' single "Girigiri Gagangan," which is being used as the theme song for the film.

"Waruboro," which stars Shota Matsuda and Yui Aragaki, opens in theaters on September 8. Saibara also has a special appearance in the movie.