KY's Reads

My Master Has No Tail — Manga Review Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Overview My Master Has No Tail (Japanese title: 『うちの師匠はしっぽがない』) is a manga series written and illustrated by TNSK , serialized in good! Afternoon (Kodansha) since 2019. Set in Osaka during Japan’s Taishō era (early 20th century), the story combines two seemingly distant worlds: rakugo —the traditional Japanese art of comedic storytelling—and ayakashi , or supernatural creatures from folklore. 👉 Wikipedia (English) Story Summary The protagonist, Mameda , is a young tanuki (raccoon dog) who dreams of transforming into a human. However, the era is changing—humans no longer fall for simple tricks, and the old world of spirits and illusions is fading. After one of her failed attempts to fool humans, Mameda encounters Daikokutei Bunko , a beautiful and enigmatic female rakugo performer. Captivated by Bunko’s storytelling—where laughter and tears blend seamlessly—Mameda begs to become her apprentice. Through her train...

  Delicious in Dungeon Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Dungeon Meshi is a Japanese manga series by Ryoko Kui, serialized from 2014 to 2023. Set in a fantasy world, it gained attention for its unique approach of combining adventure with cooking. It has also received international recognition for its originality and storytelling. Reference: Wikipedia (English) Synopsis The story takes place in a vast dungeon filled with treasure and danger. During an expedition, the adventurer Laios and his party lose one of their members, Falin. To rescue her, they venture back into the dungeon, but they soon run out of money and food. Facing this challenge, they make a daring decision: to survive by eating the monsters they encounter. Thus begins a peculiar adventure that mixes danger, strategy, and culinary creativity. Main Characters Laios : The protagonist and a swordsman. Determined to save his friend, he is also fascinated by the anatomy and edibility of monsters. Marcille : An ...

Parasyte  Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Parasyte is a manga series written and illustrated by Hitoshi Iwaaki, originally serialized from 1988 to 1995. The story depicts the sudden appearance of parasitic life forms that infiltrate human society, while continuously questioning what it means to be human and what life itself represents. Known internationally under the title Parasyte , the series has reached a wide global audience through anime and live-action adaptations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasyte Plot Summary One day, mysterious parasitic creatures arrive on Earth and begin invading human bodies by taking control of their brains. Shinichi Izumi, an ordinary high school student, becomes partially infected when one of these creatures fails to reach his brain and instead takes over his right hand. Forced to coexist with the parasite—later named Migi—Shinichi finds himself caught between human society and other parasites that prey on humans. As the conflict escala...

  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Manga Review (Rating: 5/5) Overview Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a Japanese manga created by Hayao Miyazaki. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where humanity struggles to survive amidst environmental destruction. The manga explores the relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the importance of coexistence. It also serves as the original source for the Studio Ghibli film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind , offering much more detail than the movie adaptation. For more information, see the English Wikipedia page: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind - Wikipedia Synopsis The story takes place in a world dominated by the toxic forest called the “Sea of Decay.” Humanity has survived in several small kingdoms despite the dangerous environment. Among them, the Valley of the Wind is relatively safe, with a culture that emphasizes harmony with nature. The protagonist, Nausicaä, is the daughter of the valley’s rule...

Hi！ I'm KY.  If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re interested in Japanese manga—at least a little. This blog is dedicated to introducing slightly lesser-known but truly amazing manga to readers outside Japan. Of course, everyone knows titles like One Piece , Naruto , Dragon Ball , or Attack on Titan . But beyond those global hits, Japan is overflowing with incredible manga that many people have never heard of. There’s just so much manga in Japan—some great, some not so great. The ones I feature here might even be unfamiliar to many Japanese readers. That’s exactly the point. This blog focuses on “ hidden gems ” and slightly minor works that deserve more love. I’d like this blog to feel like a catalog of great manga. That’s why each article keeps the information fairly minimal. It might feel a bit short when you read it—but if you want more details, just leave a comment. I’ll definitely reply. These are manga I personally care a lot about, so I can talk about them pa...