Japanese publishing giant Shueisha, the powerhouse behind iconic manga magazines like the entire Jump line, is celebrating a massive milestone. To mark its 100th anniversary, the company launched a special project website, "SHUEISHA MANGA EXPO," on January 9, kicking off a year of commemorative events.
One of the site's standout features is "My Recommended Manga," a project inviting over 20 celebrities and industry figures to share their "most unforgettable manga" and the "series they want everyone to read right now." And the latest personality to drop her list is none other than Hololive's popular third-generation VTuber, Captain Houshou Marine! Let's dive into the Captain's top picks.
For her "most unforgettable manga," Marine selected three classics:
Hunter x Hunter
Yoshihiro Togashi's legendary epic began its run 28 years ago and is, famously, still on hiatus. You already know the deal.
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You
This beloved shojo manga by Karuho Shiina ran in Bessatsu Margaret from 2005 to 2017. It snagged the 32nd Kodansha Manga Award for Best Shojo Manga in 2008 and has been adapted into an anime series, live-action film, TV drama, and video games.
The story follows Sawako Kuronuma, a high school girl nicknamed "Sadako" because of her gloomy appearance. Ostracized by her classmates, she yearns for the popular and friendly Shota Kazehaya, who is the first to treat her with kindness. With the help of Kazehaya and her new friends Ayane Yano, Chizuru Yoshida, and Ryu Sanada, Sawako slowly begins to come out of her shell.
Lovely Complex
Created by Aya Nakahara, this shojo manga also ran in Bessatsu Margaret from 2001 to 2007 and was later adapted into an anime and a live-action movie.
As for the "series she wants everyone to read right now," Marine's picks are:
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You - Soulmate
Also by Karuho Shiina, this three-volume sequel picks up years after the original series ended in 2018. The story follows Ume "Kurumi" Kurumizawa in college, where she's become best friends with Sawako. After Sawako's cousin, Eiji Akahoshi, saves her at a mixer, he starts pursuing her. The story follows the tsundere Kurumi as she experiences the sweet, awkward, and heartwarming journey of first love and personal growth.
My Love Story!!
With story by Kazune Kawahara and art by Aruko, this series ran in Bessatsu Margaret from 2012 to 2016. It centers on Takeo Goda, a high school freshman with a hulking physique and a heart of gold. While he's a hero among his male friends, girls tend to avoid him, usually falling for his handsome best friend, Makoto Sunakawa, instead.
One day, Takeo saves a high school girl, Rinko Yamato, from a groper on the train. When she visits him the next day to thank him, Takeo assumes she's fallen for Makoto and decides to play matchmaker... only to discover that he's the one she's actually into, kicking off a hilariously sweet romantic comedy.
Minimaru Kareshi (An Overbearing Boyfriend)
This shojo manga by Mizuki Hoshino tells the story of Iroha, a pure-hearted girl with zero dating experience, and her relationship with Kusakabe, a master of romance who is also extremely possessive and intense. Because Iroha is so innocent, she's completely oblivious to her boyfriend's overbearing nature, leading to some unexpectedly hilarious and wholesome developments in their relationship. It's a lighthearted campus rom-com.
Houshou Marine shared her thoughts on the selections:
"When talking about my life, Hunter x Hunter is a series that absolutely has to be mentioned, so I had to include it. Also, Shueisha's shonen manga are all so famous that I figured most of the Captain's viewers have already read them. So this time, I decided to mainly recommend some shojo manga!
For example, everyone probably knows Kimi ni Todoke, but have you read the side story?! Seeing Sawako as a grown-up, and Kurumi—no, 'Ume'—is just so incredibly precious, you have to go read it...!
And series like Lovely Complex, My Love Story!!, and Minimaru Kareshi each have their own unique and quirky romantic developments that are super fun to read. The comedic timing is great, the pacing is fantastic, they're full of heart-fluttering moments, and the characters are almost all good kids. You really feel like your soul has been purified after reading them."
Fans of the Captain are likely already familiar with her tastes, but this list offers a fun glimpse into her recommendations. The focus on shojo manga, in particular, showcases a different side of her—a departure from the usual high-seas adventure and... other interests she's known for, revealing the Captain has a soft spot for sweet romance, too.
via： SHUEISHA MANGA EXPO