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こどものおもちゃ [Kodomo no Omocha] #1
Kodomo no Omocha 01
Take one young actress used to getting her way, add a handful of ruthless bullies, some humorous twists, and a plastic toy hammer, and you've got the recipe for one crazy story Kodocha follows the antics of Sana, a spoiled 11-year-old TV star, and Hayama, a 6th grade Machiavelli who terrorizes both his teachers and his classmates. In their classroom war of wills, Sana and Hayama find there is more to both of them than meets the eye.
Paperback
First published April 14, 1995
28 people are currently reading
1866 people want to read
About the author
Miho Obana
45 books114 followersMiho Obana ( 小花美穂, born April 26, 1970) is a shōjo manga artist born in Tokyo, Japan.
She began her manga career as an assistant to Momoko Sakura, creator of Chibi Maruko-chan. She debuted in 1990 with the (one-shot manga) Mado no Mukō, which was published in the autumn 1990 issue of Ribon Bikkuri. Soon, stories from her started appearing in Ribon Original and in the regular Ribon magazine too.
Other notable manga by Miho Obana include Kodomo no Omocha (10 volumes, for which she won the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo in 1998; the official English title is Kodocha), Partner, (3 volumes) and Andante (3 volumes). Partner is especially noted for its dark, mature, and almost disturbing tone, which is very rare in a Ribon series.
Her most recent manga is Honey Bitter, which has run in Cookie since February 2004. Also in 2004, she made a foray into the world of josei manga, writing several manga for the josei magazine Chorus. She has been on maternity leave for the past year, but will be returning soon, as Honey Bitter is expected to start up again in the Dec. 26 issue of Cookie.
Other works include Mizu no Yakata; a spin-off of Kodocha, Neko no Shima, Pochi, Setsunai ne, and Shiranami no Gensō.
She began her manga career as an assistant to Momoko Sakura, creator of Chibi Maruko-chan. She debuted in 1990 with the (one-shot manga) Mado no Mukō, which was published in the autumn 1990 issue of Ribon Bikkuri. Soon, stories from her started appearing in Ribon Original and in the regular Ribon magazine too.
Other notable manga by Miho Obana include Kodomo no Omocha (10 volumes, for which she won the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo in 1998; the official English title is Kodocha), Partner, (3 volumes) and Andante (3 volumes). Partner is especially noted for its dark, mature, and almost disturbing tone, which is very rare in a Ribon series.
Her most recent manga is Honey Bitter, which has run in Cookie since February 2004. Also in 2004, she made a foray into the world of josei manga, writing several manga for the josei magazine Chorus. She has been on maternity leave for the past year, but will be returning soon, as Honey Bitter is expected to start up again in the Dec. 26 issue of Cookie.
Other works include Mizu no Yakata; a spin-off of Kodocha, Neko no Shima, Pochi, Setsunai ne, and Shiranami no Gensō.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
November 1, 2008
Kodocha is the book that changed my life forever. This book got me into reading manga and watching anime. This is one of the BEST manga series I have ever read and I've read a lot. It all starts out when Sana and Akito meet in their 6th grade class and Akito is the bully. He's a little bit more than the average bully and Sana is determined to stop him from terrorizing the class... what happens when she learns of Akito's past? Will that change the way she sees him?
READ TO FIND OUT! 8)
READ TO FIND OUT! 8)
January 25, 2023
Volimo lude glavne junakinje🫶🏻🫶🏻
May 23, 2022
I can`t believe that i just finished the first volume of "Kodocha" and fell completely in love with it! My god this is a master piece! The art, story and dialuge is perfect and the characterisation of the young heroine Kurata Sana and the young hero who is the coldblooded bully of the class Hayama Akito are done in such a splendid way that they feel so real to me.
They are eleven years old and still have the superior intelligence than most other kids have because of their unique upbringing. Sana is a movie-star that has to tackle both her career and her school life at the same time, she is headstrong and carefree and lovely. Hayama however has been brought up in a family that has emotionally freezed him out and always called him a demon for his birth that killed his mother. The scene where he tells Sana to kill him totally broke my heart. His need of control and conveying the storming violence through the awful bullying he puts through in class and towards the teachers made much more sense. His soulful,cold, lonely eyes. Sana saw right through it. I find it so cute the way Hayama steals her first kiss during that school trip. Some things are definitely gonna change in this enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story, i totally can`t wait!
They are eleven years old and still have the superior intelligence than most other kids have because of their unique upbringing. Sana is a movie-star that has to tackle both her career and her school life at the same time, she is headstrong and carefree and lovely. Hayama however has been brought up in a family that has emotionally freezed him out and always called him a demon for his birth that killed his mother. The scene where he tells Sana to kill him totally broke my heart. His need of control and conveying the storming violence through the awful bullying he puts through in class and towards the teachers made much more sense. His soulful,cold, lonely eyes. Sana saw right through it. I find it so cute the way Hayama steals her first kiss during that school trip. Some things are definitely gonna change in this enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story, i totally can`t wait!
June 15, 2015
I think Kodocha is rather off-putting for many people because it gives off the pretense of being a very childish, superficial manga. However, I have found that this manga incorporates a variety of mature topics, and the beauty lies within the way the protagonist overcomes the harsh realities of the adult-world through a childish lens. One of the most alluring aspects of the manga, for me, is the protagonist. Too often I have found manga protagonist to be too pacifistic and helpless, and have often grown frustrated with them. Sana, however, defies normal female protagonist roles. She is fearless, rash, loud, energetic, and ever so charming in a way that I am sure readers are left with nothing but admiration for her by the end of the manga. What more is the way the story lines enfolds as deeper and darker aspects of the characters' lives are slowly unraveled in a heartwarming, yet teary, fashion. This manga will make you laugh, cry, and even encourage readers as they delve into the foundations of the book. That being said, I highly recommend this manga, as this is one of my favorite mangas I have ever read. Enjoy~
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January 26, 2016Lo adoro ❤
May 10, 2021
Recensione per la quarta lettura, maggio 2021.
Soobie, hai anche la nuova edizione, perché caspita sei andata a ripescare quella vecchia? Beh... la nuova edizione è in fondo a una pila di manga alta più di me. Quella vecchia era dentro una scatola più facilmente raggiungibile.
Urca, è stato Gualtiero Cannarsi a lavorare su questa edizione. E questo spiega forse le tre pagine di note a fine volume. Dopo aver letto il suo nome a fine volume ero quasi tentata di recuperare la nuova edizione per vedere i cambiamenti.
Per questa lettura, comunque, darei tre stelline. L'aspetto comico è ancora prevalente e i due protagonisti devono ancora trovare la loro strada per diventare quel capolavoro che tutti conosciamo.
Oggi ho finito sia questo sia Vampeerz, Vol. 1. E devo dire che i retini del secondo non si possono vedere e non possono essere paragonati a quelli di Kodocha.
Adesso aspetto che il mio amico finisca il primo volume e poi vado avanti.
Soobie, hai anche la nuova edizione, perché caspita sei andata a ripescare quella vecchia? Beh... la nuova edizione è in fondo a una pila di manga alta più di me. Quella vecchia era dentro una scatola più facilmente raggiungibile.
Urca, è stato Gualtiero Cannarsi a lavorare su questa edizione. E questo spiega forse le tre pagine di note a fine volume. Dopo aver letto il suo nome a fine volume ero quasi tentata di recuperare la nuova edizione per vedere i cambiamenti.
Per questa lettura, comunque, darei tre stelline. L'aspetto comico è ancora prevalente e i due protagonisti devono ancora trovare la loro strada per diventare quel capolavoro che tutti conosciamo.
Oggi ho finito sia questo sia Vampeerz, Vol. 1. E devo dire che i retini del secondo non si possono vedere e non possono essere paragonati a quelli di Kodocha.
Adesso aspetto che il mio amico finisca il primo volume e poi vado avanti.
July 10, 2009
Typical stormy romance between a TV star and a delinquent. The fact that both characters are eleven is apparently not as unsettling in Japan. Whatever, it's a fun series.
January 27, 2016
Un meraviglioso tuffo nel passato ♥
May 24, 2012
My all time favorite shoujo manga series.
I laughed and cried.
The characters are well developed.
Sana is amazing!
I read this first in fourth grade and then again in sixth, again in seventh, and again in ninth grade. Even after all those times, I still want to re-read.
I laughed and cried.
The characters are well developed.
Sana is amazing!
I read this first in fourth grade and then again in sixth, again in seventh, and again in ninth grade. Even after all those times, I still want to re-read.
September 8, 2015
Un bellissimo salto nel passato.
Akito è stato il mio primo bookboyfriend. Lo adoro sempre e comunquem
Akito è stato il mio primo bookboyfriend. Lo adoro sempre e comunquem
September 23, 2020
借不到所以趁著活動在 BW 買了電子書，開篇就是羽山家的故事
December 19, 2020
This is not the first time I read this book. Nor is it the second.
Kodocha: Sana's Stage is the top tier shojo manga for me! I love how silly it can be, and how heartwarming it is. What I really love about this series is the drama and seriousness it gets as the series goes on. Mental health, death of a parent, violence, abandonment, incest, and so, so much more. One day I'll type a coherent review of this series but TONIGHT IS NOT THAT NIGHT!
Kodocha: Sana's Stage is the top tier shojo manga for me! I love how silly it can be, and how heartwarming it is. What I really love about this series is the drama and seriousness it gets as the series goes on. Mental health, death of a parent, violence, abandonment, incest, and so, so much more. One day I'll type a coherent review of this series but TONIGHT IS NOT THAT NIGHT!
March 14, 2023
Ho imparato a conoscere davvero Sana (Rossana) e Akito (Erich) attraverso il manga. L'anime ci fa vedere solo la superficie del lago, il manga invece ci porta in profondità andando a toccare argomenti anche molto crudi che nell'anime non vengono trattati. Ho amato i trafiletti di Miho Obana a bordo pagina, con la sua genialità e la sua simpatia ha saputo trasportarmi in un mondo, quello dei manga, che fino a poco tempo fa conoscevo poco e che adesso mi affascina moltissimo!
December 11, 2018
Bellissimo come la prima volta ❤
April 20, 2025
Leer este manga me da en la nostalgia.
Recuerdo ver el anime y pasar muy buenos momentos divertidos porque cada capítulo tenía esa pizca de comedia y humor sin sentido que me hacía reír. pero también tenía su parte seria y profunda que te hace decir Woao.
decidí leer el manga y realmente me está gustando mucho.
Recuerdo ver el anime y pasar muy buenos momentos divertidos porque cada capítulo tenía esa pizca de comedia y humor sin sentido que me hacía reír. pero también tenía su parte seria y profunda que te hace decir Woao.
decidí leer el manga y realmente me está gustando mucho.
March 17, 2024
One of my all time favorite series!!! Finally got the manga and I couldn’t be happier🥰Can’t wait to read these books a thousand times.
April 22, 2024
I think I’m going to love this series!!!!
May 6, 2025
Been craving some old school shojo manga lately, this hits the spot. Love the nostalgic vibes and the art.
September 30, 2009
I will say right off the bat that Manga is not my genre of choice. I chose this book out of mere curiosity and my rating is based soley on my opinion of the book, not the quality b/c I have nothing to measure it against. For me it was far too simple and the dialogue was child level at best. My 10 year old daughter took one look at it and said it was too easy and boring even for her and I have to agree.
That said, the storyline actually had a point and even a nice message, which I wondered about in the beginning. Sana is a sweet girl who wants to learn. Hayama is standing in her way and she is determined to stop him. Along the way she discovers why he's acting the way he is and sets her sights on helping him. This is the first book in a series and I must admit that by the end I was curious about the second book and wanted to find out more. Not sure that I ever will b/c even though this only took me approx. an hour to read, I'd rather spend my valuable free time sinking my teeth into something meatier. For those looking for lighter reading, and who enjoy graphic novels, I'm sure you'll enjoy this.
One last comment, this is definitely not for younger kids even though it's a graphic novel, there are a few minor sexual innuendos and hints of the possiblity for more to come in future volumes.
That said, the storyline actually had a point and even a nice message, which I wondered about in the beginning. Sana is a sweet girl who wants to learn. Hayama is standing in her way and she is determined to stop him. Along the way she discovers why he's acting the way he is and sets her sights on helping him. This is the first book in a series and I must admit that by the end I was curious about the second book and wanted to find out more. Not sure that I ever will b/c even though this only took me approx. an hour to read, I'd rather spend my valuable free time sinking my teeth into something meatier. For those looking for lighter reading, and who enjoy graphic novels, I'm sure you'll enjoy this.
One last comment, this is definitely not for younger kids even though it's a graphic novel, there are a few minor sexual innuendos and hints of the possiblity for more to come in future volumes.
January 22, 2012
3.5/5
I've watched a bit of the anime of Kodocha (and mostly because I'd watched AMV's of it, which made it look interesting, and still makes me intrigued), but I never finished it. And I knew that TokyoPop had published it, but I never really thought about reading it. But then I saw it at Powell's (because they have a bunch of them), and decided to get the first one, at kind of a spur of the moment because it sounded good. And I thought that there was probably more of a chance of me actually finishing it. And most of this volume was about the same as the first, or first couple (I can't remember), episodes of the anime.
So anyway, the main character, Sana, is a TV star, who also goes to school. She also doesn't seem to go by her script in interviews. But at school, where most of it takes place (since she's in middle school, I think?), her class never seems to learn anything, because the boys always cause a ruckus and make the classroom a mad house and bully the girls, while the girls are afraid to do anything, and the teacher is too timid to do anything about it. And apparently their teacher and the gym teacher, who apparently never has a class to teach because he's always dropping in, are having some kind of affair that Akito is blackmailing them about...
(Read the rest here: http://geekyreading.blogspot.com/2012... )
I've watched a bit of the anime of Kodocha (and mostly because I'd watched AMV's of it, which made it look interesting, and still makes me intrigued), but I never finished it. And I knew that TokyoPop had published it, but I never really thought about reading it. But then I saw it at Powell's (because they have a bunch of them), and decided to get the first one, at kind of a spur of the moment because it sounded good. And I thought that there was probably more of a chance of me actually finishing it. And most of this volume was about the same as the first, or first couple (I can't remember), episodes of the anime.
So anyway, the main character, Sana, is a TV star, who also goes to school. She also doesn't seem to go by her script in interviews. But at school, where most of it takes place (since she's in middle school, I think?), her class never seems to learn anything, because the boys always cause a ruckus and make the classroom a mad house and bully the girls, while the girls are afraid to do anything, and the teacher is too timid to do anything about it. And apparently their teacher and the gym teacher, who apparently never has a class to teach because he's always dropping in, are having some kind of affair that Akito is blackmailing them about...
(Read the rest here: http://geekyreading.blogspot.com/2012... )
May 20, 2019
Funny, when I was a little kid, manga was extremely hard for me to get ahold of. I couldn't drive myself to the bookstore, the library, and I didn't even have my own income or anything of the sort.
Ahh, the nostalgic struggles of a little kid.
Now I can purchase these mangas online and collect them and love them for all ETERNITY HAHAHAHAHhahahahah.
Because it has been eternity. I've loved this series since I was in middle school and, wow, that was about 10 years ago.
I grew up with these stories and I have to say these things:
1. The first manga volume of Kodocha and the anime episodes correspond with each other pretty well.
2. So watching this again as a 10-year-older version of a die-hard Kodocha fan, I have to ask--how does all this drama happen to someone who is only 10.
3. I think Sana's character is extremely inspirational. I'm sure I watched this show because I wanted to be a 10-year-old just like her. There needs to be more personalities like her in the future.
My loyalty to manga and anime has really dwindled over the past several of years. Manga is a huge part of my childhood, although I think Kodocha fits right in to my present life as a little extremely funny side-spent leisure.
Ahh, the nostalgic struggles of a little kid.
Now I can purchase these mangas online and collect them and love them for all ETERNITY HAHAHAHAHhahahahah.
Because it has been eternity. I've loved this series since I was in middle school and, wow, that was about 10 years ago.
I grew up with these stories and I have to say these things:
1. The first manga volume of Kodocha and the anime episodes correspond with each other pretty well.
2. So watching this again as a 10-year-older version of a die-hard Kodocha fan, I have to ask--how does all this drama happen to someone who is only 10.
3. I think Sana's character is extremely inspirational. I'm sure I watched this show because I wanted to be a 10-year-old just like her. There needs to be more personalities like her in the future.
My loyalty to manga and anime has really dwindled over the past several of years. Manga is a huge part of my childhood, although I think Kodocha fits right in to my present life as a little extremely funny side-spent leisure.
November 15, 2015
I saw the anime to this before I ever read the manga so I kinda already knew what I was getting into when I picked this up.
Sana is a child star with a famous novelist for a mother and hired bodyguard/manager of sorts whom she calls her "gigolo" (she thinks it just means someone whom she pays to stay with her... >>;;). Sana is very excitable and typically gets her ways but she having trouble at school right now mainly because of one boy named Hayama who is causing chaos in the school every single day. Hayama is very quiet, intellectual type who all of the rowdy boys in their class look up to and follow around like puppies. He looks down on adults and is currently blackmailing their teacher with some picture which is what is allowing him to have his way.
Sana eventually decide she has had enough and seeks out to stop Hayama no matter what. But does she really know what she just got herself into?
The series is actually pretty good. It has humor, craziness and a lot of drama that will make you stop and wonder if this is really a kid's manga. The art style is a bit rough but it didn't bug me. Overall I thought it was a good read.
Sana is a child star with a famous novelist for a mother and hired bodyguard/manager of sorts whom she calls her "gigolo" (she thinks it just means someone whom she pays to stay with her... >>;;). Sana is very excitable and typically gets her ways but she having trouble at school right now mainly because of one boy named Hayama who is causing chaos in the school every single day. Hayama is very quiet, intellectual type who all of the rowdy boys in their class look up to and follow around like puppies. He looks down on adults and is currently blackmailing their teacher with some picture which is what is allowing him to have his way.
Sana eventually decide she has had enough and seeks out to stop Hayama no matter what. But does she really know what she just got herself into?
The series is actually pretty good. It has humor, craziness and a lot of drama that will make you stop and wonder if this is really a kid's manga. The art style is a bit rough but it didn't bug me. Overall I thought it was a good read.
December 14, 2015
This manga can be considered as a decent introduction for manga as it is more kid friendly than most others. The story centers around eleven-year old Sana Kurata, who is the star of her own variety show called Child's Toy (which is what Kodocha means). However, at school, things are going awry because school bully Akito Hayama is taking control at school by blackmailing his teacher and the coach for making out. Sana decides to get back at him, but fails. Soon, Sana learns about Akito's family and how hard his life really is. The rest of the series focuses on the developing friendship between Sana and Akito as well as Sana's life in acting as well as in school. I gave it this rating as it is fun, but it's not the best manga that I've ever read. However, compared to most other mangas, this one is tame enough to show to middle schoolers, but I still wouldn't show it to elementary school students.
June 15, 2015
This was the first manga i ever read and it is one of my top favorites. It made me cry and laugh so much. It involves a lot of comedy, romance, drama and shojo. I love it. The characters are well created and the plot line is amazing. The anime does not even compare to it. The story grabs the readers attention with its heartbreaking and lovely moments between Hayama and Sana. I still reread it every once in a while.
March 8, 2008
This series can surprise you with the way it jumps back and forth between very serious and very silly, and how smoothly it makes the change. Sana is a child TV star whose class at school is torn apart - the boys are crazy and the teacher can't control them. Sana decides to take on the "boss monkey" of the boys, Akito. Hilarity (and surprising and touching drama) ensues.
January 23, 2011
i didn't like this one! crap! pure crap! in the other hand i really like the author's notes in the side!!! she sounds adorable! the rest is boring as hell! i dont even know what the hell she is trying to say with this story!!! i will not be reading the rest of this series!! life is too short for crappy manga!
August 23, 2018
Just received this series in the mail! I can't want to re-read it. It's one of my favorites from Middle School! :)
After I finish the re-read of Tail of the Moon...I will be-reading this series. (Eventually going to go back to Bleach. I just need a break. I know exactly where I am in that series.)
After I finish the re-read of Tail of the Moon...I will be-reading this series. (Eventually going to go back to Bleach. I just need a break. I know exactly where I am in that series.)
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June 17, 2009o...m...g...this was the first manga i ever read in my entire life. i got it two years ago from a library. this little bugger is the cause for my extreme nerdness in manga, anime, shojo, and shonen, i love them all alike. omg, i'm sucha loser....
June 25, 2010
the story is funny and deep with meaning at the same time.. great story. hoping to read more soon. :):)
Hayama is the typical cold-manga guy.. while Sana is like the typical cheerful-manga girl.. i love this book.
Hayama is the typical cold-manga guy.. while Sana is like the typical cheerful-manga girl.. i love this book.
March 5, 2012
I love this series! Kodocha is my favorite anime and manga of all time along with Inuyasha and the rest. I love sana and akito. Those two make a great couple! I love this whole series. For all you otakus(manga/ anime obssesed) I suggest you give kodocha a try. You'll love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews