KY's Reads

JIN -仁- Review (Rating: 5/ 5) Overview “JIN -仁-” is a historical medical manga created by Motoka Murakami . It tells the story of a modern-day brain surgeon who suddenly finds himself in Japan’s late Edo period , right before the Meiji Restoration. With only his medical knowledge and a few tools, he struggles to save people’s lives while facing the limits of medicine, fate, and time. The series beautifully combines medical realism , historical drama , and philosophical questions about destiny and the value of life. (Reference: English Wikipedia → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_(manga) ) Synopsis Dr. Jin Minakata , a brilliant but troubled neurosurgeon from modern Tokyo, is caught in a mysterious incident during surgery. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself in Edo , over 150 years in the past. There are no antibiotics, no anesthesia, and no modern instruments. Despite this, Jin uses his advanced medical knowledge to save people and soon earns the nickname “Sense...

RAVE (Rave Master) Review　( Rating: 4 / 5) Overview RAVE (Rave Master) is a Japanese adventure fantasy manga written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima , serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine from 1999 to 2005. You can find more information on the English Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rave_Master Synopsis The story takes place in a world where magic and Dark Brings , stones that hold evil power, coexist. Fifty years ago, a catastrophic Dark Bring known as Symphonia nearly destroyed the world, but it was sealed away by the power of RAVE , the stones of light. Now, as the Dark Brings rise again, a young man named Haru Glory becomes the new Rave Master . With his strange companion Plue and a girl who has lost her memory, Elie , Haru sets out on a journey to find the scattered RAVE stones and bring peace back to the world. His adventure is not only a battle against darkness but also a story of growth, friendship, and self-discovery. Main Characters Haru G...

Shindō (神童 The prodigy)  Review ( Rating: 5/5) Overview Shindō is a manga by Akira Sasō that ran in Monthly Afternoon (Kodansha) from 1998 to 2001. It tells the story of a young piano prodigy and a struggling young man whose lives intersect through music. The work explores the nature of talent, passion, and the harsh reality of pursuing art. It was later adapted into a live-action film in 2007, starring Riko Narumi and Kenichi Matsuyama. 👉 Wikipedia (English): Shindō (manga) Plot Summary The story centers on Uta Naruse , a piano prodigy who has been called a “child genius” since childhood. However, years of pressure from her ambitious mother and the expectations of those around her begin to erode her spirit. One day, she meets Wao Kikuna , a young man who once gave up on music but now dreams of entering a music university. Moved by Uta’s pure and emotional playing, Wao decides to confront his own insecurities and return to the piano. Through their unlikely friendsh...

Nodame Cantabile Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Nodame Cantabile is a manga by Tomoko Ninomiya that beautifully blends classical music, romance, and comedy. Serialized in Kiss magazine from 2001 to 2010, it follows the lives of two talented young musicians as they grow through music, friendship, and love. English Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodame_Cantabile Synopsis The story takes place at a music university in Japan. Megumi Noda, nicknamed Nodame , is a free-spirited piano student with extraordinary musical talent but little discipline. Her apartment is a mess, her diet is unbalanced, and she often plays by ear rather than following the sheet music. Her life changes when she meets Shinichi Chiaki , a perfectionist conductor-in-training. Chiaki is a musical prodigy who studied abroad as a child but now struggles with a fear of flying that prevents him from returning to Europe. Though opposites in every way, the two are drawn together through music. Chiaki ...

Chi: On the Movements of the Earth — Review (Rating: 3/5) Overview Chi: On the Movements of the Earth is a manga by Uoto that explores the conflict between faith and knowledge through the lens of the heliocentric theory. Set in a fictional medieval Europe under strict religious rule, the story questions what it means to “know” and “believe” in a world where truth can be a sin. → Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story takes place in an era when the belief that “the Earth does not move” was absolute. Rafau, a young prodigy in natural philosophy, accidentally discovers a theory resembling heliocentrism—an idea considered heresy by the Church. Anyone who dares to question the geocentric view faces trial and execution. One day, Rafau meets Hubert, a mysterious man and former inquisitor who now seeks forbidden knowledge. Hubert entrusts him with a “book of truth,” passing on a dangerous legacy. From there, the story expands across generations, depicting how the pursuit of knowl...

The Fable Review ( Rating: 4/5) Overview The Fable is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Katsuhisa Minami. It was serialized in Weekly Young Magazine (Kodansha) from 2014 to 2022. The story follows a legendary hitman who is suddenly ordered to live as an “ordinary person” for a year, without killing anyone. For more details, see the English Wikipedia entry: The Fable - Wikipedia Synopsis The story begins with Akira Sato, a legendary assassin known as “The Fable.” After years of carrying out flawless hits, his boss orders him to take a break: for one year, he must live as an ordinary citizen in Osaka and is forbidden to kill anyone. Together with Yoko Sato, who poses as his younger sister, Akira starts a new life. While he tries to adapt to mundane routines—finding part-time jobs, interacting with neighbors, and living quietly—his past and the criminal underworld inevitably follow him. The challenge for Akira is not eliminating enemies, but surviving in society...

Cells at Work! Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview Cells at Work! is a Japanese manga series created by Akane Shimizu, serialized in Monthly Shōnen Sirius starting in 2015. It personifies the cells inside the human body and presents their daily work and struggles in a way that is both entertaining and educational. The series has gained wide popularity in Japan and abroad for its unique blend of science and storytelling. Reference: Cells at Work! (Wikipedia) Story Summary The setting is the human body, where countless cells are working tirelessly every day. Red Blood Cell AE3803, often clumsy and directionally challenged, carries oxygen throughout the body. Meanwhile, White Blood Cell U-1146 relentlessly fights off invading bacteria and viruses to protect the host. The story covers various conditions such as influenza, pollen allergies, heatstroke, and even cancer, transforming complex biological processes into engaging episodes that are easy to follow. Main Characters Red Blood...

Gurazeni Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Gurazeni is a Japanese baseball manga written by Yūji Moritaka and illustrated by Keiji Adachi. Serialized in Weekly Morning from 2010, the series gained popularity for its unique focus on the financial and everyday realities of professional baseball players. Reference: Gurazeni - Wikipedia Synopsis The story takes place in the fictional professional baseball team, the Spiders. The central figure is Natsunosuke Bonda, a relief pitcher who entered the league as a lower-round draft pick. Unlike star players, Bonda lives with constant awareness of his contract value, performance, and career stability. The manga realistically portrays the ups and downs of his life, showing how wins, losses, and negotiations directly affect his livelihood. Through his struggles, interactions with teammates, and observations of the baseball world, Gurazeni sheds light on the hidden side of professional sports. Main Characters Natsunosuke Bonda The protag...