KY's Reads

The Promised Neverland — Review (Rating: 4.5/5) Overview The Promised Neverland is a dark fantasy manga written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020. English Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Promised_Neverland The story follows a group of children living peacefully in an orphanage, who one day discover the truth about their world and decide to fight for their freedom. With its tightly constructed setting and carefully plotted narrative, the series has gained a strong international following. Synopsis The story begins in Grace Field House, an isolated orphanage where children live under the care of their loving guardian, “Mom” Isabella. Emma, Norman, and Ray—three exceptionally talented children—spend their days studying, taking regular tests, and supporting each other like siblings. One night, however, they witness a shocking event outside the orphanage. From that moment on, their once-peaceful wo...

Koisuru One Piece (“One Piece in Love”) – Review Rating: 5 / 5 Overview Koisuru One Piece (“One Piece in Love”) is an official parody and comedy manga created by Daiki Ihara. It began serialization on Shōnen Jump+ in June 2018. The series went on hiatus in 2021 but officially resumed on April 10, 2025. English Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koisuru_One_Piece The series also released short vertical-format animated clips on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram in April 2025, expanding its reach to new readers. Synopsis Koisuru One Piece follows a group of high school students who happen to share the same names as the iconic characters from One Piece . They form a fan club called the “Pirate Club,” reenacting or parodying famous scenes from the original manga while navigating their humorous high school lives. The story blends typical school-life comedy with carefully crafted parodies inspired by the world of One Piece . It’s light-hearted, accessible, and particula...

Kaiōki (海皇紀; “Tale of the Sea Emperor”) – Rating: 5/5 Kaiōki , created by Masatoshi Kawahara, is a sweeping naval fantasy epic that blends realistic sailing warfare, political drama, and the rise and fall of civilizations. This article is written for new readers—especially those outside Japan—who are interested in discovering the unique appeal of this long-running series. Overview Kaiōki is a fantasy manga set in a world dominated by the sea, where highly realistic sailing battles shape history. English Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai%C5%8Dki Synopsis Much of the world has been swallowed by the ocean, and civilization has partially collapsed. The protagonist, Fan Gamma Bizen , possesses extraordinary skill in reading the sea and maneuvering sailing ships. With his tactical brilliance and strong personal ideals, he begins to influence the course of nations and peoples. As various factions compete for power—at sea and on land—Fan travels across the world, gathe...

Dōbutsu no Oisha-san Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Dōbutsu no Oisha-san (Animal Doctor) is a Japanese manga series by Noriko Sasaki , serialized from 1988 to 1993 in Hana to Yume magazine. Set in the veterinary department of the fictional H University in Hokkaido, the story follows veterinary students and the many animals surrounding their daily lives. English Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dbutsu_no_Oisha-san Synopsis One night during high school, Masaki Nishine —nicknamed “Hamutarō” or “Hamuteru”—passes through the campus of H University and encounters an eccentric professor who hands him a Siberian Husky puppy. He names the puppy Chobi , and this unexpected meeting becomes the catalyst for Hamuteru’s decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. After entering H University’s veterinary department, he faces both the challenges of student life and the joys of living with a variety of animals. The story is mostly episodic, with each chapter highligh...

Touring After the Apocalypse Review (Rating: 3/5) Overview This manga by Saitō Ei depicts an unusual combination of “post-apocalypse” and “motorcycle touring,” following two girls traveling across a ruined Japan. Shūmatsu Touring (Touring After the Apocalypse) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touring_After_the_Apocalypse   Synopsis In a world where civilization has collapsed, Japan has become nearly devoid of human life. Two girls set out together on a single off-road motorcycle, exploring the silent remains of familiar places. Yoko, one of the protagonists, has just left an underground shelter and is filled with curiosity about the outside world. Airi, calm and knowledgeable, accompanies her and supports her during their journey. Together they travel tandem-style, visiting locations that were once famous tourist spots—Hakone with its view of Mt. Fuji, the Yokohama Bay Bridge, and more. Beneath these peaceful excursions, however, lies the quiet question: What happened to ...

Sket Dance Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Sket Dance is a Japanese school comedy manga series written and illustrated by Kenta Shinohara . It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2007 to 2013 and later adapted into an anime. The story follows a group of high school students who form a club called the Sket-dan , short for “Support, Kindness, Encouragement, and Troubleshooting.” Their mission is to help others around the school with any kind of problem, no matter how small or strange it may be. Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story is set in Kaimei High School, where the main character, Yusuke Fujisaki —nicknamed Bossun —leads the Sket-dan. The group’s goal is to make school life better for everyone by solving various issues that students face. His teammates are Hime Onizuka ( Himeko ), the tough and spirited “big sister” type who keeps everyone grounded, and Kazuyoshi Usui ( Switch ), a tech genius who communicates solely through his laptop due to a personal trauma. ...

The Woman Bear Hunter Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview The Woman Bear Hunter is a manga by Yabuta Ando, serialized in Harta . It focuses on the life of a female hunter living in Hokkaido who risks her life to hunt bears in Japan’s deep mountains. Synopsis The story follows Chiaki Kosaka , a woman who hunts bears in the mountains of Hokkaido. She tracks, traps, and faces bears with a rifle in hand, always confronting life-and-death situations. Each hunt involves careful preparation, an understanding of the animal’s behavior, and the courage to face overwhelming danger. Alongside her is Kazuki Ito , another hunter who often collaborates with her in the field. Through their work, the manga sheds light on the physical and emotional demands of professional hunting — a world far removed from ordinary urban life. Main Characters Chiaki Kosaka – A female hunter with exceptional skill and composure. She lives in Hokkaido and devotes her life to bear hunting. Her character combines st...

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. Review (Rating: 4/5 ) Overview The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. ( Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan ) is a Japanese gag manga created by Shūichi Asō. It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2012 to 2018 and follows the everyday life of Kusuo Saiki, a high school student gifted with extraordinary psychic powers. The series has been adapted into both an anime and a live-action film, gaining strong popularity both in Japan and abroad. Reference (Wikipedia, English): The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. - Wikipedia Synopsis Kusuo Saiki was born with an incredible range of psychic powers — telepathy, teleportation, clairvoyance, and even time manipulation. Yet, instead of enjoying his abilities, Saiki just wants to live a quiet, ordinary high school life. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. His eccentric classmates constantly drag him into bizarre situations, forcing him to use his powers to maintain a fragile sense of normalcy. As the story progr...

The Legend of the Gambler: Tetsuya  (Rating: 3.5 / 5 ) Overview Tetsuya: Jansei to Yobareta Otoko (哲也－雀聖と呼ばれた男－) is a Japanese manga written by Saifūmei and illustrated by Yasushi Hoshino . It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine from 1997 to 2005. The story takes place in postwar Japan and follows the rise of a young gambler named Tetsuya, who becomes known as a legendary “Mahjong Saint.” → Wikipedia (English) Rather than being a simple mahjong manga, Tetsuya focuses on the psychology of gambling, the subtle art of reading people, and the dignity and sorrow of those who live by chance. Within Japan, “mahjong manga” has become a well-established genre, but this series stands out for its strong human drama and emotional depth. Synopsis The story unfolds in the turbulent years following World War II, when Japan was struggling to rebuild. Money and luck often decided one’s fate. Tetsuya, a gifted young gambler, makes a living by moving from one mahjong parlor to ano...

Cyborg 009  Review (Rating: ★★★★☆ 4/5) Overview Cyborg 009 is a Japanese science fiction manga created by Shotaro Ishinomori , first serialized in Weekly Shonen King in 1964. The series explores profound themes such as human dignity, war, and the ethics of technology—making it one of the foundational works in Japanese SF manga history. (Reference: Wikipedia – Cyborg 009 (English) ) Synopsis The story follows nine men and women who are kidnapped by a secret organization called Black Ghost and transformed into cyborg soldiers. Designed as living weapons to manipulate global conflicts, these individuals eventually regain their will and humanity. Refusing to serve as tools of war, they escape the organization and begin their fight for freedom and peace. The protagonist, Joe Shimamura (009) , is the youngest and most advanced cyborg. Gifted with the ability to move at super speed, he leads his companions in a journey to reclaim their identities and question their purpose. ...

The Man Who Cleans the Filth  Review (Rating: 4/5) Overview The Man Who Cleans the Filth ( 不浄を拭うひと ) is a non-fiction manga by Bakka Okita (沖田×華) , a Japanese author known for her deeply personal, reality-based works such as The Transparent Cradle ( 透明なゆりかご ). In this series, Okita turns her attention to the rarely seen world of “special cleaning” — the job of restoring homes where people have died alone, often unnoticed for days or weeks. This is not a story of horror or mystery, but of humanity, dignity, and the quiet traces people leave behind after death. Wikipedia (English): none available What Is “Special Cleaning”? For many foreign readers, the concept of “special cleaning” ( tokushu seisou ) may be unfamiliar. In Japan, where aging and single-person households are increasing, “kodokushi” (孤独死, lonely deaths) have become a serious social issue. When someone dies alone and is not discovered immediately, the environment of the room often deteriorates rapidly. B...