#koda momoko

[engshoujosei]

My Special One

1 volume (as of 4/14/2023, ongoing)

Licensed by Viz Media.

Sahoko tells off the nation’s top idol, Kouta, in her family’s restaurant for assuming that she’s his fan. Instead of being cowed by his mistake, Kouta comes in the following day with albums and VIP tickets to Like Legend’s next concert. Can Sahoko withstand his shining onslaught to charm her?

Status in Country of Origin

10 Volumes (Ongoing)

Tags:

Age Gap (the 2nd couple that appears later is i think)

Crybaby Male Lead

Cynical Character/s

Glasses-Wearing Female Lead

High School Student/s

Idol/s

Past Plays a Big Role

Plain-Looking Female Lead

Popular Male Lead

Restaurant

Sensitive Male Lead

Stubborn Female Lead

Student-Adult Relationship

Two Sets of Couples

[animehouse-moe]

My Special One Volume 5: Off To Okinawa

Five volumes in, and the flair and fire that began with its first installment hasn't faded even a little bit. Aiming for the pinnacle of romantic comedies, My Special One continues to bring the heat, and continues to dip its toes further and further into the challenges that face the couple.

Simply put, I can't get enough of it. So much so that writing about it makes it hard. I want to share all sorts of things, but at the same time I want to keep my thoughts and opinions vague so that I can't spoil any potential readers for the story.

Anyways, before I regroup and seriously tackle my thoughts on this volume, some images of Sahoko.

Okay, I think I'm ready to start talking. This volume is all about taking the next step- as idol and student, as boyfriend and girlfriend, as a couple that loves one another. Five volumes in and focusing in on that is really truly impressive, but I love how they go about it.

It retains the energy its established as a selling point while managing to keep tensions high, and even still is able to create emotional and valuable moments between Sahoko and Kouta.

Take the whole high school teacher plot that was introduced in the last volume. It's hilariously fun and is able to draw Kouta further and further into Sahoko's daily life. Volume 5 takes that stage that's been set and plays out a drama atop it. It brings challenges, it brings foreshadowing, and a lot of humor and romance.

Above all else though, it's progression for the romance of the characters. The confidence expressed between Kouta and Sahoko is really great, and the way they end up working through their issues is really genuine and heartwarming. You'd really expect something so idealized would tend to shy away from serious efforts, but it goes almost in the opposite direction with things.

In that sense, it's a really impressive work for what you get out of it. You'll get all the humor and excitement that you'd want from a romcom, but it doesn't hesitate to remind readers that these characters exist outside of the bounds of our perception of them. Sahoko is still a high school girl, and Kouta is still an idol. That rift is a rift that will continue to exist, and continue to cause strain between the characters until a reveal or breaking point.

Speaking of that, I love Emika's (the model) involvement in this volume. Though it's rather sparse, you can feel the friendship that's appeared between her and Sahoko, and you can really get a good feel for her character and how Sahoko's influenced her. You can also tell where Koda wants to go with the inclusion of Emika now, and it's got me very excited.

And continuing with the one line segues, there's something else I want to talk about there- scope. One of my biggest complaints with romcoms is the lack of depth in supporting cast. My Special One has so far staved that complaint off with rotating background characters, but I feel like the time has come for Koda to establish the secondary characters like they've done with Emika here.

It still isn't really a complaint, but more so that the picture Koda is forming with My Special One almost necessitates that expansion. It's really interesting to see the story evolve in that sense. More than feeling the requirements of progression being forced into it, My Special One has a very natural approach.

Just take the example of Kouta formally introducing himself to Sahoko's mother. First of all, it's the very normal thing for Kouta to introduce himself so "late". Kids don't really care that much about showing off their boyfriend or girlfriend to their parents, and much more often are afraid of that reveal. Similarly, since Sahoko and Kouta spend so much time away from Sahoko's home, it makes sense that we've never really seen or conversed with either of Sahoko's parents.

It's pieces like these that, in very subtle ways, help build a more realistic experience with the story. The idea of development isn't one of convenience, but of necessity. And it makes a massive difference.

Really, it's just one more medal to pin onto My Special One. Aiming for the top, and so far sticking the landing, it's been an absolute treat to read and is always finding new ways to reinvent itself to appeal to readers. I simply can't recommend it enough.

[atthequillsmercy]

Lenni Reviews: "My Special One" Vol. 7, by Momoko Koda

(Image Source) *This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. While Emika is in love with her costar, Kanato, he also has feelings for her and they just can’t seem to make their feelings known. Yeah, this series of miscommunications is kinda silly but it’s fun and more interesting than the previous volume. They’re just two silly, fumbling kids who can’t get it together. I thought…

[theannypetite]

My Special One

Time to Read: 1 minute Wakaume Sahoko does not like good-looking guys. She hates them, even. She has decided she doesn’t need a boyfriend either. But one day, her best friend’s bias, Kirigaya Kouta, comes to the tiny diner the Wakaume family runs. She asks for his autograph for her friend, and learning that Sahoko isn’t a fan, he promises to do his best to make her a fan. With time, Sahoko gets…

[officialshojobeat]

New Shojo Beat Releases for August 2024

These volumes are in bookstores now.

Sakura, Saku vol. 4 by Io Sakisaka

Rainbow Days vol. 11 by Minami Mizuno

Neighborhood Story vol. 3 by Ai Yazawa

My Special One vol. 7 by Momoko Koda

In the Name of the Mermaid Princess vol. 3 by Yoshino Fumikawa & Miya Tashiro

Kaze Hikaru vol. 32 by Taeko Watanabe

[rockislandadultreads]

New Title Tuesday: Manga

Helck V.1 by Nanaki Nanao

After the demon lord is slain at the hands of a lone human warrior, humans rejoice over the end of his reign of terror. But an intense tournament of powerful fighters hoping to be crowned the next demon lord has drawn in the unlikeliest of contestants—Helck, who claims to hate humans but is one himself! How will Helck change the course of the war between demons and humankind?

Three months have passed since the demon lord was struck down, and the Demon Realm is holding a tournament to select his replacement. The leading contestant is Helck, a human hero who claims to hate his own kind. Some aren’t happy with the idea of a human becoming the next demon lord—especially Vermilio the Red. She wants nothing more than to protect demonkind and prove Helck to be their enemy, even if she has to rig the competition to do it!

This is the first volume in the “Helck” series. 

My Special One V.1 by Momoko Koda

After a mortifying rejection, Sahoko Wakaume has sworn off beautiful boys. But a chance meeting at her family’s restaurant puts her in the sights of gorgeous J-pop star Kouta Kirigaya of the group Like Legend. Sahoko will need all her cynicism to defend herself against Kouta’s tenderhearted and affectionate efforts to win her heart!

Sahoko tells off the nation’s top idol Kouta in her family’s restaurant for assuming that she’s his fan. Instead of being cowed by his mistake, Kouta comes in the next day with albums and VIP tickets to Like Legend’s next concert. Can Sahoko withstand his shining onslaught to charm her?

This is the first volume in the “Kimi ga Tokubetsu” series. 

I’m Kinda Chubby and I’m Your Hero V.1 by Nore

Lights, camera, Boys’ Love!

Ponjirou is a rookie actor trying his best to land a breakout role. He fears that his weight stands in the way of his dreams. One day, he gets some unexpected fan mail full of sweets. The package came from Konnosuke, a local pastry chef. Ponjirou has his first fan! Someone is supporting his work and giving him new confidence to face the stage with!

This is the first volume of the “I’m Kinda Chubby and I’m Your Hero” series.

Chōjin X V.1 by Sui Ishida

Being a superpowered creature isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Tokio has to hide his transformation from his family and dodge a truancy charge at school, all while dealing with the increasingly odd incidents happening around town!

This is the first volume in the “Chōjin X” series.

[selky]

Took a little day trip to Little Tokyo in LA yesterday and picked up some things from Kinokuniya (JP bookstore) and and Book Off! I was surprised Book Off had so many otome goodies and otome/joseimuke-related items. I spent over an hour digging through it all!

Haul list:

Japanese character writing workbook

latest two B's Log magazines

shoujo manga for reading practice (L to R): Kikaiji Kake no Marii by Akimoto Aki, You Are Special! by Momoko Koda, and Chouka-han ka by Toriumi Pedoro

Norn9 pinback button

Takeru from Collar x Malice acrylic pin

Van from Code:Realize acrylic key chain

[talyns-fanfics]

My Hero Fantasy

Character Ages

These ages do not reflect canonical ages and birthdays. These are just the ages I perceive the characters in this story.

Izuku Midoriya- 21

Katsuki Bakugo- 22

Shoto Todoroki- 21

Kairi Hirosa- 19

Tanaka Shigaraki- 22

Mashirao Ojiro- 21

Neito Monoma- 21

Tsuyu Asui- 20

Toru Hagakure- 21

Momo Yaoyorozu- 22

Kyoka Jiro- 21

Ochaco Uraraka- 20

Mina Ashido- 21

Eijiro Kirishima- 21

Hanta Sero- 21

Rikido Sato- 22

Koji Koda- 20

Mezo Shoji- 18

Yuga Aoyama- 19

Fumakage Tokoyami- 20

Dark Shadow- 15 (looks 5)

Denki Kaminari- 20

Minoru Minata- 21

Hitoshi Shinsho- 21

Eri Aizawa- 7

Shota Aizawa- 45

Hizashi Yamada- 45

Emi Fukukado- 44

Toshinori Yagi- 55

Nemuri Kamaya- 46

Momoko Nakamura- 45

Touya Todoroki- 30

Characters Not Seen Yet

Yoko Bakugo- 26

Shingo Bakugo- 5

Naya Todoroki- 21

Natsuo Todoroki- 24

Fuyumi Todoroki- 27

Rei Todoroki- 48

Enji Todoroki- 51

Mei Hatsume- 21

Yu Takeyama- 30

Sekijiro Kan- 47

Shinji Nishiya- 34

Mirio Togata- 25

Tamaki Amajiki- 25

Nejire Hado- 25

Kaina Tsutsumi - 47

Class 1-B Ages

18- Kojiro Bondo, Reiko Yanagi

19- Yosetsu Awase, Yui Kodai, Kosei Tsuburaba

20- Sen Kaibara, Togaru Kamakiri, Nirengeki Shoda, Pony Tsunotori, Juzo Honenuki, Hiryu Rin

21- Itsuka Kendo, Kinoko Komiri, Jurota Shishida, Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Manga Fukidashi

22- Shihai Kurorio, Ibara Shiozaki, Setsuna Tokage

Any character not mentioned either doesn't exist in this, or are their canonical age.

[teragames]

Preparan una película live action basada en "Atashino!"

Preparan una película live action basado en el manga shojo "Atashino!" (@atashino_movie) para otoño de 2024.

Una adaptación cinematográfica de acción real de la serie de manga romántica shoujo Atashino! de Momoko Koda (No Longer Heroine), se estrenará en Japón en el otoño de 2024. Las redes sociales oficiales revelaron a los dos miembros principales del elenco: Miho Watanabe, de 24 años, como la heroína principal Akoko Sekigawa y Masaya Kimura, de 26 años, como su interés amoroso, Naomi…

[aceshadowstar]

crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/6/6/momoko-koda-atashino-romance-shoujo-manga-gets-live-action-film-in-fall-2024

[ljaesch]

Manga Review: My Special One Volume Three

My Special One Volume Three focuses on advancing Sahoko and Kouta’s relationship. My Special One Volume Three Written by: Momoko Koda Publisher: Shueisha Inc. English Publisher: VIZ Media Release Date: August 1, 2023 Volume Three begins exactly where Volume Two ended, with Kouta hugging Sahoko and asking if she’ll always be with him. Sahoko is confused, even after Kouta explains that he’s asking…

[animehouse-moe]

My Special One Volume 2: The Fakeout

So, for those that have read volume 1, I'm sure (like me) you would have though this was going to be a fun and campy shoujo manga that plays with the typical tropes that appear to many readers. Well, Koda sensei doesn't seem to want that to be the case as we hit a huge switch-up and enter some really fresh and unique territory with the volume.

Similar to the first volume however, we still get a lot of that high octane comedy that derives itself from Sahoko's personality. There's not really much in the way of gags or visual effects for the comedy, so instead we're left with character acting and dialogue, which presents just the right amount of comedy for this volume, with things like using her glasses to convey emotion.

Admittedly, a decent bit of it can be oddly convenient, as in just how some of the plot develops (like this following image), but within the framing of camp it's rather negligible. The one thing I did hope for with this volume that we didn't get though, was more of Sahako's friend. School hasn't really been the main focus obviously, but I was at the least hoping to see a phone call or some texts or something.

Anyways, cutting to the heart of it, I really liked the distance that was kept between Sahako and Kouta through the start of this volume. Sahako isn't giving up on her feelings, but she knows where she stands with Kouta. It produces this interesting dynamic of Sahako's passion for Kouta as both an idol as a person are able to work their way under his skin and provide proof that Sahako's feelings aren't superficial or tied to a specific aspect of his fame or celebrity status.

That distance that's still able to convey Sahako's passion really works wonders for how Kouta approaches her as a person. Not that he's immediately saying, "I've been such a fool! I can't believe I haven't cherished what's been in front of me all this time! Won't you give me another chance? Another opportunity to prove my undying love and dedication to you, Sahako?", but rather that he's able to appreciate and accept those aspects of Sahako openly. Plus, the interactions are just cut in general, like "Mr. Kirigaya".

And truthfully, the volume plants the buds of the flowers that will blossom by the end, right at the get go with this volume. It builds a steady climb upward until we reach our climax. Some might not be incredibly into the pacing of it overall, but a confession in volume 1, followed by drama and a resolution in volume 2? I'm all for it considering the glacial pace that so many in this genre adhere to.

Anyways, to cut to the heart of things, it's a really great climb towards that peak with both Sahako and Kouta. They each learn their lessons along the way, namely that Kouta doesn't want just anyone, but that he wants someone that sees him as him. The cool and popular idol with an incredibly soft and cute side behind closed doors. Someone that doesn't place expectations on him and allows him to exist as he is. It's a really hard thing to get across in words, but this sequence with Sahako looking to cheer on/cheer up Kouta encapsulates the core of it very well.

Of course, the peak is a ways off at this point, but from there it's a pretty simple thing to summarize, so I'll spare you the trouble. Rather, I'll dive into Kouta's character that he lays bare this volume.

In short, I think it's a really great angle to take with a high school boy. Expectations and desires weigh heavy on him, as he pursued stardom with his ill mother's happiness at his back, in turn causing him to almost shun her, and not be there when it matters most. As a high school boy without anyone really around him, he quickly internalizes that feeling and further isolates himself from his childhood friend. A spiral of self-deprecation ensues where history repeats itself with his friend. He cuts himself off, refuses the thought of having someone around him that will place a weight on him and continue this cycle once more.

It's so high school end of the world it's perfect, and Koda sensei understands that edge perfectly, working in a thread by witch Kouta holds on by. That little piece that allows him that relationship with Sahoko, and what keeps bringing the two back together. It's not like Kouta doesn't like Sahoko, he really does, and he wants to be together with her, but he struggles to face the reality of opening up to someone else again and finding away to live alongside someone.

It's really beautiful in that way, and presents a storyline that really injects some well needed emotion and development as a follow up to the first volume. It brings energy and drama, but doesn't dwell on either for too long and absolutely refuses to use it as a crutch to continue the story. It's a single facet of the many pieces that comprise where we're at at this point, and Koda sensei still has their gaze fixed on the horizon for what's to come.

I'd really love to say more on it, but I don't want to give everything away for this moment, or how it works within the story, so I'll just say it's really good, and provides an incredibly fresh and surprising twist to what can hardly be called a formula (anymore) that Koda sensei has been following.

So with that said, pick up this second volume. If you're a fan of you'll definitely enjoy this. If you enjoy campy and almost parody type material, you'll enjoy this. If you enjoy indulging in more cliché and tropey entertainment, you'll enjoy this.

One last thing, young Sahako who is incredibly cute.

[balu8]

My Special One

by Momoko Koda

Viz

[officialshojobeat]

New Shojo Beat Releases for February 2024

These volumes will be in bookstores this month~~

In the Name of the Mermaid Princess vol. 1 by Yoshino Fumikawa & Miya Tashiro

**New Series**

Sakura, Saku vol. 2 by Io Sakisaka

Natsume's Book of Friends vol. 29 by Yuki Midorikawa

Rainbow Days vol. 8 by Minami Mizuno

Prince Freya vol. 10 by Keiko Ishihara

My Special One vol. 5 by Momoko Koda

[agentdarcylewis]

thank you for thinking of me!!!

last song: i think it was this cover of honeycomb summer: https://youtu.be/aWv2KjaFqBA?si=DE4CCSzjROef4LjF

currently reading: i just finished “my special one” volume 2 by momoko koda tonight. i am also reading “the life changing manga of tidying up” and hopefully (when my library ebook hold returns from war) i will finish “love, theoretically” soon.

currently watching: i am a good chunk of the way through the miraculous ladybug movie and really need to finish it, lol.

current obsession: i was pretty obsessed with “candy crush saga” recently but am burnt out over it since it is very much pay-to-win and it’s frustrating and nigh-impossible if you don’t want to spend. i don’t really have any fandoms i am obsessing over right now :( which stinks.

thx again for tagging me! tagging anyone who wants to participate!! :)

tag nine people you'd like to get to know better

tagged by: @ladywaffles

last song: God Is a Woman by Rett Madison

currently reading: A Tale of Two Cities (which, let me tell you, is hard to read when you're sick as hell--I made it through three pages and had to put it aside for when I'm better)

currently watching: rewatching Lower Decks before the new season airs! Currently on season 1 and already I've noticed a ton of things I missed in my previous rewatches. Also watching s2 of DS9 and s3 of Enterprise. Oh, and on my third rewatch of Grey's Anatomy, but that's a show I just put on in the background while I do chores.

current obsession: still star trek since March '22 :3

tagging: @agentdarcylewis @torsamors @existentialcrisistime @spirkme915 @frogayyyy @babygirlgeralt @reffitt-blog1 @crystal-mouse @captainkaseykirk

[elyonholic]