Kyou Kara Ore Wa!!

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Kyou Kara Ore Wa!!, a classic manga that began serialization back in 1988. Despite its age, it recently regained popularity due to its live-action movie adaptation in 2020. Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! is a delightful comedy about Japanese high school delinquents (Yankees), offering plenty of laughs, touching moments, and youthful spirit. Personally, it’s the manga that has made me laugh the most, and it's easily my favorite Yankee manga. Many readers similarly claim it as their all-time favorite. True to its title, the story follows Mitsuhashi and Ito, two ordinary middle-schoolers who decide to debut as delinquents upon entering high school—a phenomenon known in Japan as a "high school debut." The pairing of Mitsuhashi and Ito reminds me of the dynamic duo in the movie Bad Boys: Mitsuhashi is mischievous and unpredictable, while Ito, despite his tough exterior, is unexpectedly earnest. This stark contrast between the two characters amplifies the manga’s humor and charm. Moreover, the series features hilarious supporting characters like Imai and Tanigawa, as well as sweet, subtle romantic interactions with girls like Riko and Kyoko. One of the manga’s greatest strengths is how it vividly showcases the individuality and distinct personalities of each character, a crucial factor behind its enduring popularity.

June 19, 2025

Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! encompasses everything that defines adolescence: laughter, tears, passion, and the awkward excitement unique to youth. Although it's a Japanese manga, American readers will undoubtedly connect with its youthful themes—like teasing someone you secretly admire or feeling proud of your strength and toughness. In particular, I highly recommend the storyline involving Mitsuhashi's prank on Imai, where Imai gets locked inside a building. That episode had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt. Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! is a timeless masterpiece you'll want to revisit again and again, no matter how old you get.

June 19, 2025