KY's Reads

Vinland Saga Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Vinland Saga is a Japanese historical manga created by Makoto Yukimura, serialized since 2005. Set in 11th-century Europe during the Viking Age, it explores themes of war, revenge, power struggles, and the dream of discovering new lands. For more details, see the Wikipedia page (English) . Synopsis The story begins with young warrior Thorfinn, driven by revenge after his father is killed in battle. Consumed by hatred, he follows the path of violence, determined to defeat the man responsible. Along the way, he learns about “Vinland,” a fertile land free from war, which gradually reshapes his vision of life and the future. Characters Thorfinn : The protagonist. Initially driven by vengeance, he struggles with the meaning of life and begins to seek a way of living beyond violence. Askeladd : A cunning and resourceful mercenary leader. Both Thorfinn’s enemy and mentor, he profoundly influences Thorfinn’s development. Story Developm...

Hyperinflation Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview Hyperinflation is a Japanese manga by Kyuu Sumiyoshi, serialized on Shonen Jump+ from 2020 to 2023. Set in a fictional empire where slavery and monetary systems dominate everyday life, it blends fantasy with economic theory in a uniquely engaging way. Reference: Hyperinflation – Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story takes place in a vast empire where slavery is commonplace, and power is maintained through money and exploitation. The protagonist, Luke, is born as a slave and lives under harsh conditions. One day, he awakens to an extraordinary ability: he can produce banknotes from his own body. Although this ability seems like a miracle, it threatens to destabilize the empire’s economy. Luke begins to use his power to resist the empire’s oppressive rule, while confronting the dangers of currency, value, and control. Characters Luke The main protagonist, a 12-year-old boy from the Gabour tribe. After losing his parents in a slave...

Hikaru no Go Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview Hikaru no Go is a manga series written by Yumi Hotta and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1999 to 2003 and consists of 23 volumes in total. Despite focusing on the seemingly quiet and complex game of Go, the series achieved immense popularity both in Japan and overseas. For more details, see the Wikipedia page (English) . Synopsis Hikaru Shindo, a regular elementary school boy, discovers an old Go board at his grandfather’s house. Within it resides the spirit of Fujiwara-no-Sai, a Go master from the Heian period who has long pursued the divine move, the “hand of God.” Sai attaches himself to Hikaru, who at first has no interest in the game. However, under Sai’s influence, Hikaru gradually steps into the world of Go. The story follows Hikaru as he learns through Sai’s guidance and eventually aims to become a professional player on his own. Main Characters Hikaru Shindo : The protagonist. Init...

Fullmetal Alchemist Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese manga created by Hiromu Arakawa. It was serialized in Monthly Shōnen Gangan from 2001 to 2010 and concluded in 27 volumes. While set in a fictional world, it is highly praised for its carefully constructed setting, compelling characters, and intricate plot. The series has been adapted into multiple anime versions and remains one of the most iconic works in modern Japanese manga. Reference: Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story takes place in a world where alchemy is practiced like advanced science. The protagonists are brothers Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric . As children, they attempted the forbidden act of “human transmutation” to bring back their deceased mother. The attempt failed disastrously: Edward lost his left leg, while Alphonse lost his entire body. In desperation, Edward sacrificed his right arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor. Determined to regain their original bodi...

Jaja Uma Grooming UP! Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Jaja Uma Grooming★UP! is a Japanese manga series by Masami Yuuki, serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits (Shogakukan) from 1994 to 2000. The series is complete in 26 volumes and is set on a horse breeding farm, offering a coming-of-age story with a unique rural backdrop. Reference: Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story begins with Shunpei, a city-born student preparing for university entrance exams. By chance, he ends up living at the Watarai Farm in Hokkaidō, a breeding farm for racehorses. There he meets Hibiki Watarai, the daughter of the family who runs the farm, and starts a new life surrounded by horses. As he learns about breeding, raising, and training thoroughbreds, Shunpei slowly adapts to this unfamiliar environment. The series depicts not only the farm’s peaceful daily life but also the harsh realities of raising racehorses and the human drama that unfolds alongside them. Main Characters Shunpei The protagonis...

It’s Time for “Torture,” Princess – Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview It’s Time for “Torture,” Princess is a Japanese manga series written by Robinson Haruhara and illustrated by Hirakei. It has been serialized on Shonen Jump+ since 2020 and is still ongoing. Despite its provocative title, the series is actually a light-hearted comedy where “torture” comes in the form of delicious food and fun activities rather than pain. Reference: Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story is set in a fantasy world where the human kingdom and the demon army are at war. The protagonist, a princess of the kingdom, is captured by the Demon King’s army and locked in a dungeon. Instead of cruel punishments, the “tortures” she faces are everyday temptations—freshly baked bread, steaming bowls of rice, or entertaining new games. The princess tries to resist, but each time she eventually gives in, often revealing information or simply enjoying herself. This humorous cycle is the core structure of the serie...

Girls' Last Tour – Manga Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Girls' Last Tour is a Japanese manga by Tsukumizu, serialized in Kurage Bunch from 2014 to 2018. It consists of six volumes and is a completed work. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where two girls travel through the ruins of a once-thriving civilization. More details can be found on the Wikipedia page . Synopsis The setting is a city that once flourished with human life, now reduced to silence and ruins. Very few people remain, and only abandoned structures dominate the landscape. The protagonists, Chito and Yuuri, travel on a small Kettenkrad (half-track motorcycle), searching for food, fuel, and shelter. Their journey is not simply about survival. Instead, it gently explores the meaning of living, as fragments of the world’s past are revealed through their daily conversations and discoveries. Characters Chito : Calm, thoughtful, and rational. She prefers to read books and carefully analyzes s...

Captain Tsubasa Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview Captain Tsubasa is a Japanese soccer manga created by Yoichi Takahashi, first serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1981. It has been translated and broadcast worldwide, influencing generations of readers and even professional players. The series is regarded as a cultural milestone that boosted global interest in soccer. For more details, see the Wikipedia (English) entry. Synopsis The story begins when Tsubasa Oozora, a boy who lives and breathes soccer, transfers to Nankatsu Elementary School. With his natural talent and passion, he quickly attracts attention and leads his team toward the national championship. As the story progresses, Tsubasa grows through middle school, high school, and eventually represents Japan on the world stage, facing powerful rivals from around the globe. At its heart, the manga portrays both the joy of chasing the ball and the challenges of competitive sports. Main Characters Tsubasa Oozora The protago...

Golden Kamuy Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Golden Kamuy is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Satoru Noda, serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2014 to 2022. It spans 31 volumes in total. Set in Hokkaido during the Meiji era, the story revolves around a fierce hunt for hidden gold, while also offering a detailed portrayal of Ainu culture and history. For more information, see the English Wikipedia page: Golden Kamuy – Wikipedia Plot Summary The protagonist, Saichi Sugimoto, is a former soldier who survived the Russo-Japanese War. Known as “Immortal Sugimoto” for his resilience on the battlefield, he now seeks fortune in Hokkaido to support the widow of his fallen comrade. One day, he learns of a strange rumor: a stash of hidden gold linked to tattoos carved on the bodies of escaped prisoners. On his journey, Sugimoto meets an Ainu girl named Asirpa. Her hunting skills and cultural knowledge become essential for survival in the harsh wilderness. However, they ar...

Eyeshield 21 Review ( Rating: 5/5) Overview Eyeshield 21 (written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Yusuke Murata) is a sports manga about American football, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2002 to 2009. Spanning 37 volumes, it combines the classic themes of friendship, effort, and victory with Inagaki’s detailed storytelling and Murata’s outstanding artwork. Reference: Eyeshield 21 – Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story follows Sena Kobayakawa, a timid high school freshman at Deimon High who only has one talent—his incredible speed. By chance, he becomes involved with the school’s American football team, the Deimon Devil Bats. Under the alias “Eyeshield 21,” Sena takes the field as a running back, gradually discovering his true potential. Together with his teammates, he sets his sights on the national high school championship, the Christmas Bowl. Main Characters Sena Kobayakawa : The protagonist. Normally shy and often bullied, but on the field he demonstrates ...

DEATH NOTE Review ( Rating: 5/5) Overview DEATH NOTE is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 2003 to 2006 and completed in 12 volumes. The series is known for its focus on psychological battles and deductive reasoning, and it has received worldwide acclaim. Read more on Wikipedia (English) Synopsis Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student, one day finds a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note.” The note states that anyone whose name is written in it will die, and Light soon confirms this terrifying power. He decides to use the notebook to eliminate criminals around the world, aiming to create a crime-free utopia. However, his actions attract the attention of “L,” an eccentric yet world-famous detective. A deadly psychological battle begins between Light and L, each trying to outwit the other while hiding their own identity. Main Characters Light Yagami The protagonist. A ...

  Akane-banashi Review ( Rating: 4/5) Overview Akane-banashi is a Japanese manga series written by Yūki Suenaga and illustrated by Takamasa Moue, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since February 2022. It follows Akane Osaki, a young girl who aspires to become a master rakugo storyteller and redeem her father’s honor after he was unjustly expelled from the rakugo world. You can find more information on TVTropes or Akane-banashi Fandom Wiki . Plot Summary The story begins with Akane Osaki , whose father Tooru Osaki (stage name Shinta Arakawa ) once took the prestigious shin’uchi promotion exam—the highest rank in rakugo. However, right before the exam, Isshō Arakawa , a leading member of the Arakawa school, suddenly expelled Tooru and all other examinees without explanation. Crushed, Tooru left the rakugo world. Determined to clear her father’s name and achieve the rank he never could, Akane vows to become a shin’uchi herself. She begins her training as a rakugo performe...

Takopi’s Original Sin (Rating: 4/ 5) Overview Takopi’s Original Sin is a Japanese manga series created by Taizan5, serialized on the web platform Shōnen Jump+ from 2021 to 2022. Although it consists of only two volumes, it sparked intense discussion and left a strong impression on many readers. (Reference: Wikipedia (English) ) Synopsis The story begins when Takopi, an alien from the Happy Planet, arrives on Earth and meets a fourth-grade girl named Shizuka. Takopi knows nothing about human emotions or social norms, and simply wants to “make Shizuka smile.” However, Shizuka is suffering from bullying at school and a deeply troubled home life, and Takopi’s well-meaning actions only make things worse. When tragedy strikes, Takopi uses a “Happy Gadget” that allows him to travel back in time, trying repeatedly to save Shizuka. Yet no matter how many times he rewinds time, the fundamental problems never disappear, forcing him to confront the concepts of guilt, responsibility, a...

Claymore — Rating: 5/5 Overview Claymore is a dark fantasy manga series by Norihiro Yagi, serialized from 2001 to 2014 in Monthly Shonen Jump and other magazines. Set in a medieval-like world plagued by human-eating creatures called Yoma, the story follows half-human, half-Yoma warriors who fight to protect humanity. English Wikipedia: Claymore - Wikipedia Synopsis In a world where Yoma prey on humans, they hide among people and strike without warning. To fight them, an organization known simply as “the Organization” creates and controls female warriors infused with Yoma flesh and blood. These warriors possess enhanced strength, agility, and regeneration, but at the cost of their humanity. They are called “Claymores.” The story follows Clare, a young Claymore who travels from village to village, slaying Yoma. Along her journey, she meets allies and enemies, gradually uncovering the truth behind the Organization and the world itself. Main Characters Clare The main pr...

  Red Cat Ramen Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview Red Cat Ramen (Japanese title: ラーメン赤猫 / Ramen Aka Neko ) is a Japanese manga series created by Angyaman . It has been serialized on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ platform since March 2022 and later became a regular ongoing series. It belongs to the genres of comedy, slice of life, and culinary fiction . The story is still ongoing. 🔗 Wikipedia (English) Plot Summary Red Cat Ramen takes place in a ramen shop run entirely by talking cats. The story centers on Tamako Yashiro , the only human working part-time at the shop. She previously worked at an advertising design company, but left due to a toxic work environment. Tamako is hired to do dishwashing and back-of-house chores—like grooming the staff cats—while gradually becoming part of the team. The shop’s crew includes Sasaki, the calm owner and business manager; Bunzo, the quiet head chef; Sub, the sous chef; Hana, who handles customer service; and Krishna, a tiger who makes noo...