Kaede is one common reading of that kanji. Other possibilities include Fuu, Fuwa, and Momiji. Until the artist tells us the reading, we don't know for sure.
(And what am I doing reading a manga like this one!? Well I guess it must be because I also think it's a unique take on the subject.)
You are correct, we can't know for certain until the artist gives us more concrete evidence. And I'll admit I don't have a good feel for how common a certain reading is (as it pertains to names). However, I'd still be willing to bet a small sum that 'Kaede' is the most common (name) reading of that kanji.
Is that why it wasn't translated? Or it just wasn't planned on being translated idk, but it would have been nice
I kinda hope it's Kaede. Out of personal preference, I like it better than the other readings.
In all the manga I have read, I get the feeling that some scanlation groups (justifiably) don't bother translating background things like signs or book titles, etc. unless it serves a plot point or offers something humorous for a credit page. This probably falls into this category, as we clearly didn't need her last name to be translated since it serves as the title of the manga.
Also, I have seen translation notes which apologize for misinterpreting even a main character's name, so some might be more gun-shy when it comes to translating given names, especially where probabilities are roughly even for it being name X or name Y, unless absolutely necessary or being spelled out by furigana.
last edited at Sep 27, 2016 3:55PM