This time I’m listing a catch-all of Kodansha titles that I’d like to see licensed for English release with no real theme except “HEY I WANT TO READ THESE AWESOME BOOKS, NOW PUT THEM ON CR.” These are a few titles that have been on my radar lately, but are by no means the only things worth bringing over.
This series has surprised me a lot, especially with a name like 3D Kanojo. I’m sure your mind, as mine, conjures all kinds of things when hearing such a title, but do not fear I’m not here to lead you astray. But the series is indeed about an otaku boy who starts dating a pretty girl.
Iroha has dated a lot and has a bit of reputation which is exactly what attracts her to Tsutsui’s quiet nature. Iroha reminds me of Yoko Maki’s big-eyed heroines who brandish a bit of attitude. Tsutsui, suspicious and harsh to Iroha at first, realizes he may have found someone very special. What feels really good in this series is the way neither one judges the other instead seeing through to one anothers’ hearts. Oquie Maniax did a good write-up, too.
Meitantei Yumemizu Kiyoshirou Jiken Note
by Kaoru Hayamine and Kei Enue
I feel like I’m not doing my job if I don’t mention a detective manga. And our gumshoe Kiyoshiro is eccentric, bet you didn’t see that comin’!
This series has a strong comedy bent to the sleuthing. It features triplets Ai, Mai, and Mii, assistants on who forgetful, lackadaisical Kiyoshiro depends.
Hana-kun to Koisuru Watashi by Fuyu Kamaoka
If you know anything about me, then you know I am a sucker for a delinquent with a heart of gold romance. It doesn’t take class rep Nanase very long to fall for Hana after she finds him sneaking out a window at school. I really appreciate Nanase for being a really honest character that doesn’t let misunderstandings go on for extended lengths of time.
This is one of those romances that features the couple together, trying to navigate their new relationship, early on in the series.
Kimi no Neiro by Haruka Fukushima
Did someone say gender bender? Reeling from a broken heart at the end of middle school, tomboy Akira throws off trying to be girly at all. Now in high school, she is known as Prince Akira and dons a boy’s uniform top combined with her skirt. She comes to face with her crush and who she thought was his girlfriend, who turns out to actually be a guy. Hijinks ensue presumably, afterall this is the manga-ka of Cherry Juice, Instant Teen, and Orange Planet.
Daisy ~3.11 Joshikosei-tachi no Sentaku~
by Reiko Momochi
This short manga is based on the story Pierrot ~Yoake Mae~ by Teruhiro Kobayashi, Darai Kusanagi, and Tomoji Nobuta which deals with the aftermath of the Fukushima contamination and suicide. Being adapted by Confidential Confessional manga-ka Reiko Momochi seems like a good fit.
We could probably list shojo titles all day long and not get to each and every one we’d all like to see released in English. What Kodansha titles are at the top of your list right now?
~ kate
Reverse Thieves 