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...

  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 perfor...