What do you think?
Half Is More, Vol. 1
Side-eyes. Confusion. Whispers. Giggles.
Being a mixed-race Japanese person is not easy, and that’s especially true for Kazumi Mandanda Yoneyama and her brother. Despite being born and raised in the Land of the Rising Sun and having a Japanese mother, the siblings, who share a Black French father, are treated as outsiders. But knowing they have as much right to belong as anyone else, they and their mixed-race friends search for ways to cope and find wholeness in their half-Japanese identities.
Being a mixed-race Japanese person is not easy, and that’s especially true for Kazumi Mandanda Yoneyama and her brother. Despite being born and raised in the Land of the Rising Sun and having a Japanese mother, the siblings, who share a Black French father, are treated as outsiders. But knowing they have as much right to belong as anyone else, they and their mixed-race friends search for ways to cope and find wholeness in their half-Japanese identities.
196 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 18, 2026
If you have ever been on the outside of what's considered "normal," this book will speak to you.
August 18, 2026
[Thanks to Viz and Edelweiss for a copy of this manga in exchange for an unbiased review.]
This is an interesting look at the racism that comes from living in Japan as a person who was born to one Japanese parent and one from somewhere else. We’re told from the start that the term ‘half’ is pejorative, but it would take you about, oh, not even ten pages to figure it out.
What I liked about this is that it examines this unfortunate situation from a variety of lenses. Our first point of entry is Kazumi, who has a French father but looks like she’s from Africa.
Her story starts off with her brother changing his name to sound, basically, more Japanese, even though he does not look it in the slightest, in an effort to fit in. Despite her protestations, Kazumi is able to handle this because she plays up the difference in her looks to her benefit.
Yet that’s a coping mechanism rather than acceptance, which becomes clear with how many times she repeats the same explanation over and over. And endures the same backhanded comments from people.
Even while saying that she’s fine compared to her brother, that feeling of alienation and lack of acceptance clearly bubble beneath Kazuki’s surface until she ends up really lashing out at the one person who she’s closest with. Narratively it makes a good point that even when you try to understand doesn’t mean you truly can.
I liked the sort of part found family, part support group that Kazumi meets with, who also provide several other so-called half people to follow along with for subsequent chapters.
Rather than discuss all of them, I will single out Saeko, who I think has the other standout storyline. Poor Saeko blends in, since she is half Chinese, half Japanese, but that turns out to be a bit misleading as she doesn’t fit in anywhere as a result.
Saeko grew up in Japan, but her mom’s poor Japanese and Chinese cultural norms leave her facing stigma at school. Then, when she’s with her relatives, her lack of Chinese means that she is stuck with conversation that washes over her rather than includes her.
Part of the reason this is the standout story for me is just how believable Saeko’s resentment at the whole thing feels. Not to mention the way she lashes out and feels bad, when the person she’s mad at is as often herself as it is her mother.
I do wish this dug into the nature of this racism a bit more. It’s not coming from nowhere and I suspect the dwindling Japanese population has something to do with it, but it’s not my book and I haven’t done the research. I hope it’s a line that we’ll see pursued in future volumes.
There are also parts of this where it does kind of break down a bit narratively and I found it a little hard to follow. I think shifting the viewpoints is definitely to its benefit, but it does create its own problems at times.
Still, it shines a light on something that isn’t surprising, per se, but we hear very little about. I like that it takes the time to explore this from several perspectives and show how much harm it does.
4 stars - an interesting story that is worth telling. Especially since people do tend to idolize Japan and its culture, which is quite fantastic at times, but isn’t without its flaws. This is a good reminder to look under the surface sometimes.
This is an interesting look at the racism that comes from living in Japan as a person who was born to one Japanese parent and one from somewhere else. We’re told from the start that the term ‘half’ is pejorative, but it would take you about, oh, not even ten pages to figure it out.
What I liked about this is that it examines this unfortunate situation from a variety of lenses. Our first point of entry is Kazumi, who has a French father but looks like she’s from Africa.
Her story starts off with her brother changing his name to sound, basically, more Japanese, even though he does not look it in the slightest, in an effort to fit in. Despite her protestations, Kazumi is able to handle this because she plays up the difference in her looks to her benefit.
Yet that’s a coping mechanism rather than acceptance, which becomes clear with how many times she repeats the same explanation over and over. And endures the same backhanded comments from people.
Even while saying that she’s fine compared to her brother, that feeling of alienation and lack of acceptance clearly bubble beneath Kazuki’s surface until she ends up really lashing out at the one person who she’s closest with. Narratively it makes a good point that even when you try to understand doesn’t mean you truly can.
I liked the sort of part found family, part support group that Kazumi meets with, who also provide several other so-called half people to follow along with for subsequent chapters.
Rather than discuss all of them, I will single out Saeko, who I think has the other standout storyline. Poor Saeko blends in, since she is half Chinese, half Japanese, but that turns out to be a bit misleading as she doesn’t fit in anywhere as a result.
Saeko grew up in Japan, but her mom’s poor Japanese and Chinese cultural norms leave her facing stigma at school. Then, when she’s with her relatives, her lack of Chinese means that she is stuck with conversation that washes over her rather than includes her.
Part of the reason this is the standout story for me is just how believable Saeko’s resentment at the whole thing feels. Not to mention the way she lashes out and feels bad, when the person she’s mad at is as often herself as it is her mother.
I do wish this dug into the nature of this racism a bit more. It’s not coming from nowhere and I suspect the dwindling Japanese population has something to do with it, but it’s not my book and I haven’t done the research. I hope it’s a line that we’ll see pursued in future volumes.
There are also parts of this where it does kind of break down a bit narratively and I found it a little hard to follow. I think shifting the viewpoints is definitely to its benefit, but it does create its own problems at times.
Still, it shines a light on something that isn’t surprising, per se, but we hear very little about. I like that it takes the time to explore this from several perspectives and show how much harm it does.
4 stars - an interesting story that is worth telling. Especially since people do tend to idolize Japan and its culture, which is quite fantastic at times, but isn’t without its flaws. This is a good reminder to look under the surface sometimes.
September 14, 2026
My boyfriend was busy with work so I just grabbed this off his desk. I've been meaning to pick it up for quite awhile and it's cool that it was just.. there.
Anyways I did love it! I'm American with two black parents so I always find it interesting to see how other black people around the world relate to race. Kazumi, who's half black French, isn't our only protagonist, though. I found it interesting how her mixed race friends experience life differently as well.
I think one of my favorite things about this book is how every character uses language a bit differently. From the opening scene, where Kazumi's brother changes his name to how Kazumi downplays her black heritage in favor of identifying as French. I get the sense that self-identification is survival mechanism for minorities living in racially homogenous countries.
I also liked how Kazumi's friends have different experiences. Saeko is "visibly Japanese" and is subject to hearing racism towards Chinese people from people who aren't aware of her heritage. (Her complex resentment and love for her mother was definitely one of my favorite parts.) And Marina, who's half Filipino, experiences microaggressions as she navigates dating.
This is a messy review but I'm excited for volume 2! Will probably steal it off Nick's desk whenever it gets released lol
Anyways I did love it! I'm American with two black parents so I always find it interesting to see how other black people around the world relate to race. Kazumi, who's half black French, isn't our only protagonist, though. I found it interesting how her mixed race friends experience life differently as well.
I think one of my favorite things about this book is how every character uses language a bit differently. From the opening scene, where Kazumi's brother changes his name to how Kazumi downplays her black heritage in favor of identifying as French. I get the sense that self-identification is survival mechanism for minorities living in racially homogenous countries.
I also liked how Kazumi's friends have different experiences. Saeko is "visibly Japanese" and is subject to hearing racism towards Chinese people from people who aren't aware of her heritage. (Her complex resentment and love for her mother was definitely one of my favorite parts.) And Marina, who's half Filipino, experiences microaggressions as she navigates dating.
This is a messy review but I'm excited for volume 2! Will probably steal it off Nick's desk whenever it gets released lol
September 15, 2026
An important topic. This manga introduces the reader to several mixed race friends living in Japan, facing frequent racism in their daily lives. Only with each other do they feel understood. I am glad the book exists, but must admit I didn’t particularly enjoy reading it.
September 13, 2026
You folks remember the time sometime last year when the internet - mostly the grifting community - freaked out over an announcement from Viz Media of a manga that features a half-black, half-Japanese character on the cover? Not to mention, those same people I had mentioned would go so far as to make racist memes because they think they could get away with it? Yeah, I was there when the circus was in town, and I went ahead to pre-order this manga because why not? I was interested with what this manga has in store since Japan is embracing more diversity that the mangaka is half-Japanese, half-Spanish as Yoiko Fujimi is when she shares the experience her friend went through when it comes to racism. Hell, it ain't just American citizens, mostly minorities, who would get hit with racial remarks. Not gonna lie, this manga surprised me with how subtle this tackles not only the lifestyle of what a half-black, half-Japanese person goes through. There are others like her that aren't just black.
What I mean is that the manga is an anthology series done by a chapter that features a different character with an ethnic background. Technically, they are all hafu, which is Japanese for half when it comes to mixed-race characters. The first chapter features Kazumi Mandanda Yoneyama, a half-Japanese, half-black French social media influencer, who was born and raised with her brother. Most of the chapter is discussing about being questioned all the times when Japanese civilians were surprised that they speak Japanese fluidly. Of course, they were born and bred in Japan. What's interesting is that the brother brings up the topic of the Black Fish, who is the most standout of the entire school of fish. There was tension between Kazumi and her friend Shibata, who doesn't know fully of what she is going through. The next chapter features Saeko Sekiguchi, who is a half-Chinese, half-Japanese beautician who has a struggling relationship with her Chinese mother. The third chapter features Marina Kamebuchi, a retail seller who might've made some bad remakes to her hairstylist, specifically Saeko, which has her worried. So, it's a journey of wanting to make amends yet worried about what the outcome would turn out. The fourth chapter features Rushia Numata, a half-Japanese, half-Filipina, whose story dives into dating and preconceived stereotypes and microaggressions that people project onto mixed-race families. Specifically, with a guy named Kaku, who has feelings for her. The fifth chapter features a girl from the Philippines named Alexandra de la Rosa, who is attending a school in Japan after moving with with her mother, who marries a Japanese man with her newborn baby daughter to raise. But the catch is, Alexandra doesn't know Japanese is instructed to learn. Although, it isn't easy since learning a new language is hard.
Again, this anthology series is interesting as we learn the struggles mixed-race folk had to go through, as if experiencing what mixed-folk (hafu) who live in Japan in the real-world go through. I find it impressive how realistic each character goes through when we learn about their identity, belonging, and microaggressions when it comes to racism. I mean, racism unfortunately still exists and is sadly getting worse. Like, folks on the internet nowadays, and even outside of it, are just going mask off because of "freedom of speech." Thankfully, I learn to judge folks by actions more with how crazy it becomes in today's dying world. Still, I love seeing what each character goes through. Granted, I still don't know what every single person goes through due to trust issues. I am down to listen if you were to let me. You know, as in getting to know them. This is what I think of being a harmless series of events to witness tackling their issues, knowing that they aren't alone. I've read somewhere that some rage baiting was involved to some extent. Not too much of it nor were they done on purpose when all you have to do is sit down and listen. Each of the characters are likable for what they go through. If I were to pick a favorite, mine would be Rushia. She kinda cute, too, you know.
What makes this manga even more interesting is how the art style shows diversity and mixed-race styles aside from where each of these characters come from. Yoiko Fujimi not only wrote the story. She illustrated the manga, too. There was some attention to detail that I really like such as Saeko talking in Chinese to speak with her mother since she couldn't speak properly in a different language. During Alexandra's story, the thought bubbles were lightly crossed out because Alexandra couldn't fully understand Japanese. This is certainly a diverse cast to how a hafu like Yoiko would do better than any loser on the internet who are too blinded by rage could even make. I confess that I've tried to do so with my own book series. It's not gonna be perfect, but I'll try. What's even funnier is that the grifting community were the ones who have told anyone, especially the black community, to make their own characters and story. Except for the fact that they will get angry at even newly made minority characters no matter what. What they need the most is therapy with a straight jacket to go with it.
As for me, I always like to see what's new while I look back into what I grew up with for nostalgia purposes as well as what I never got the chance to see. With Half is More, this was excellent. Just sitting down to experience what hafu folk go through. I may not understand everyone's struggle. I am at least down to learn from what goes on with them as well as relate to in order to fight against prejudice more along with a sense of healing. I look forward to more volumes Yoiko writes/illustrates while the losers on the internet continue to hold more L's than the bills that spell out overdue. I highly recommend it if you're looking to see some humane stories, whether you're a hafu or not. I will give this volume a ten out of ten. 10/10.
What I mean is that the manga is an anthology series done by a chapter that features a different character with an ethnic background. Technically, they are all hafu, which is Japanese for half when it comes to mixed-race characters. The first chapter features Kazumi Mandanda Yoneyama, a half-Japanese, half-black French social media influencer, who was born and raised with her brother. Most of the chapter is discussing about being questioned all the times when Japanese civilians were surprised that they speak Japanese fluidly. Of course, they were born and bred in Japan. What's interesting is that the brother brings up the topic of the Black Fish, who is the most standout of the entire school of fish. There was tension between Kazumi and her friend Shibata, who doesn't know fully of what she is going through. The next chapter features Saeko Sekiguchi, who is a half-Chinese, half-Japanese beautician who has a struggling relationship with her Chinese mother. The third chapter features Marina Kamebuchi, a retail seller who might've made some bad remakes to her hairstylist, specifically Saeko, which has her worried. So, it's a journey of wanting to make amends yet worried about what the outcome would turn out. The fourth chapter features Rushia Numata, a half-Japanese, half-Filipina, whose story dives into dating and preconceived stereotypes and microaggressions that people project onto mixed-race families. Specifically, with a guy named Kaku, who has feelings for her. The fifth chapter features a girl from the Philippines named Alexandra de la Rosa, who is attending a school in Japan after moving with with her mother, who marries a Japanese man with her newborn baby daughter to raise. But the catch is, Alexandra doesn't know Japanese is instructed to learn. Although, it isn't easy since learning a new language is hard.
Again, this anthology series is interesting as we learn the struggles mixed-race folk had to go through, as if experiencing what mixed-folk (hafu) who live in Japan in the real-world go through. I find it impressive how realistic each character goes through when we learn about their identity, belonging, and microaggressions when it comes to racism. I mean, racism unfortunately still exists and is sadly getting worse. Like, folks on the internet nowadays, and even outside of it, are just going mask off because of "freedom of speech." Thankfully, I learn to judge folks by actions more with how crazy it becomes in today's dying world. Still, I love seeing what each character goes through. Granted, I still don't know what every single person goes through due to trust issues. I am down to listen if you were to let me. You know, as in getting to know them. This is what I think of being a harmless series of events to witness tackling their issues, knowing that they aren't alone. I've read somewhere that some rage baiting was involved to some extent. Not too much of it nor were they done on purpose when all you have to do is sit down and listen. Each of the characters are likable for what they go through. If I were to pick a favorite, mine would be Rushia. She kinda cute, too, you know.
What makes this manga even more interesting is how the art style shows diversity and mixed-race styles aside from where each of these characters come from. Yoiko Fujimi not only wrote the story. She illustrated the manga, too. There was some attention to detail that I really like such as Saeko talking in Chinese to speak with her mother since she couldn't speak properly in a different language. During Alexandra's story, the thought bubbles were lightly crossed out because Alexandra couldn't fully understand Japanese. This is certainly a diverse cast to how a hafu like Yoiko would do better than any loser on the internet who are too blinded by rage could even make. I confess that I've tried to do so with my own book series. It's not gonna be perfect, but I'll try. What's even funnier is that the grifting community were the ones who have told anyone, especially the black community, to make their own characters and story. Except for the fact that they will get angry at even newly made minority characters no matter what. What they need the most is therapy with a straight jacket to go with it.
As for me, I always like to see what's new while I look back into what I grew up with for nostalgia purposes as well as what I never got the chance to see. With Half is More, this was excellent. Just sitting down to experience what hafu folk go through. I may not understand everyone's struggle. I am at least down to learn from what goes on with them as well as relate to in order to fight against prejudice more along with a sense of healing. I look forward to more volumes Yoiko writes/illustrates while the losers on the internet continue to hold more L's than the bills that spell out overdue. I highly recommend it if you're looking to see some humane stories, whether you're a hafu or not. I will give this volume a ten out of ten. 10/10.
August 29, 2026
An ensemble cast covering the situations, feelings, and life of people that are racial or ethnically mixed especially in very homogenous areas such as Japan.
I am reading this as an American. As a nation we're nowhere near perfect but being biracial or multi ethnic is increasingly common and accepted (or at the very least you can surround yourself with those that do) which I'm happy for. So in part this was a nice study into issues of it in a much more homogenous nation though its discussions are still able to be relevant anywhere. I can’t help but feel like this sort of critique or discussion on the topics though is at times specific to the nation it was derived from making parts of the reading process more like analyzing another culture and its issues. I think I’ll like the next volume a lot more. It felt like it was getting its legs in the first bit a lot.
I am reading this as an American. As a nation we're nowhere near perfect but being biracial or multi ethnic is increasingly common and accepted (or at the very least you can surround yourself with those that do) which I'm happy for. So in part this was a nice study into issues of it in a much more homogenous nation though its discussions are still able to be relevant anywhere. I can’t help but feel like this sort of critique or discussion on the topics though is at times specific to the nation it was derived from making parts of the reading process more like analyzing another culture and its issues. I think I’ll like the next volume a lot more. It felt like it was getting its legs in the first bit a lot.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I really liked this. It feels like it's so rare to see stories about culturally and racially mixed individuals, much less stories about the experience of mixed people outside of countries in which the "dominant" group is white (though this could likely be because I'm limited to reading in fluently in English and live in the US).
I found this book to be incredibly validating in portraying the racism, bigotry, stereotypes, and division that occurs not only in East Asian countries, but for Asians living in diaspora as well. In the context of the US, many people and media barely acknowledge or comprehend Black-white racism and identities, much less the complex continuum of race and culture, intersecting with class of course, that exist and impact individuals' experiences and emotions.
Each chapter in this tankoban is about a different character, and the diversity of experiences portrayed in one volume was impressive to me. The collection is held together by the common strand of all the characters deeply longing to be seen, heard, and understood in their totality and loved for who they are, yet encounter obstacles that are due to language, culture, and personal differences in embodied experience. The author writes or implies in several chapters that there is no way for two people to really understand each other, but they can maintain their relationships with work. I don't know if this is a slightly off translation, but this rubbed me the wrong way. Of course no two people can completely understand and empathize with each other, but genuine sympathy and care are possible. I think the author may have been trying to communicate the fact that, even if you haven't experienced or are having trouble understanding another person's experiences, especially with racism and/or bigotry, you can still believe them and support them without centering yourself (especially as a person of the "dominant" culture). (There are definitely a few places where I suspect a slightly slant translation be the case due to the complexity of the ideas and the multiple languages used in the book.)
In a similar vein, it also bothered me that there was an entire chapter basically about a Karen who worries about the racist comments she made to her hairdresser before finding out that the hairdresser was mixed, and whether she should apologize. Is this relatable? Yes. As the character discusses with a friend, we've all made offensive comments not knowing better and then felt anxious over apologizing. However, the way in which the author says that people "can only know what's in arm's length" was frustrating to me. For one thing, your hairdresser is literally in arm's length. For another thing, people can educate themselves by...reading books like this one or having genuine friendships. If it were more clear that this chapter was about how this Karen was being ridiculous and worrying more about having to see herself as a "horrible person," than hurting someone she thought was her friend, this chapter would've been better, instead of me wondering why the pages couldn't just have been given to another mixed character.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
I found this book to be incredibly validating in portraying the racism, bigotry, stereotypes, and division that occurs not only in East Asian countries, but for Asians living in diaspora as well. In the context of the US, many people and media barely acknowledge or comprehend Black-white racism and identities, much less the complex continuum of race and culture, intersecting with class of course, that exist and impact individuals' experiences and emotions.
Each chapter in this tankoban is about a different character, and the diversity of experiences portrayed in one volume was impressive to me. The collection is held together by the common strand of all the characters deeply longing to be seen, heard, and understood in their totality and loved for who they are, yet encounter obstacles that are due to language, culture, and personal differences in embodied experience. The author writes or implies in several chapters that there is no way for two people to really understand each other, but they can maintain their relationships with work. I don't know if this is a slightly off translation, but this rubbed me the wrong way. Of course no two people can completely understand and empathize with each other, but genuine sympathy and care are possible. I think the author may have been trying to communicate the fact that, even if you haven't experienced or are having trouble understanding another person's experiences, especially with racism and/or bigotry, you can still believe them and support them without centering yourself (especially as a person of the "dominant" culture). (There are definitely a few places where I suspect a slightly slant translation be the case due to the complexity of the ideas and the multiple languages used in the book.)
In a similar vein, it also bothered me that there was an entire chapter basically about a Karen who worries about the racist comments she made to her hairdresser before finding out that the hairdresser was mixed, and whether she should apologize. Is this relatable? Yes. As the character discusses with a friend, we've all made offensive comments not knowing better and then felt anxious over apologizing. However, the way in which the author says that people "can only know what's in arm's length" was frustrating to me. For one thing, your hairdresser is literally in arm's length. For another thing, people can educate themselves by...reading books like this one or having genuine friendships. If it were more clear that this chapter was about how this Karen was being ridiculous and worrying more about having to see herself as a "horrible person," than hurting someone she thought was her friend, this chapter would've been better, instead of me wondering why the pages couldn't just have been given to another mixed character.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5*ish maybe, rounded up.
I liked this, and I liked what the author was doing here. I think there are some elements of this that did not necessarily translate well, or perhaps that would have benefitted from a bit more context that might be obvious to Japanese readers. For example, there was a conversation about a side character's sister that was important to one of the stories, but which I had to infer a few things from as it felt like some context was missing.
Overall, though, this was an interesting series of vignettes around a friend group of "half" characters and immigrants to Japan, as I believe is the case with the characters in the last section. I'm not quite clear how they tie in yet, and I would have liked a bit more of a thread between the various stories. For context: I'm whiter than sour cream and have not been to Japan, but I've read a few books from folks who have left their countries of origin and then gone back years later, only to feel like outsiders. This is a bit different: being embedded in your culture, but being constantly reminded that people perceive you as an outsider. In the US, the question of "But where are you REALLY from?" is one that rings familiar, but the cultural/social context is quite different, and the kinds of comments and questions these characters get is one I've seen very little about.
All this to say: this book touches on topics that I haven't seen addressed much, so while I did want a bit more story and cohesive narrative, I didn't mind terribly that it was a bit didactic or choppy at times. I would be interested in following up with later volumes, especially as it seems like the various storylines will converge more and we'll get to see more overlapping perspectives.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. My ramblings are my own and are being left voluntarily.
I liked this, and I liked what the author was doing here. I think there are some elements of this that did not necessarily translate well, or perhaps that would have benefitted from a bit more context that might be obvious to Japanese readers. For example, there was a conversation about a side character's sister that was important to one of the stories, but which I had to infer a few things from as it felt like some context was missing.
Overall, though, this was an interesting series of vignettes around a friend group of "half" characters and immigrants to Japan, as I believe is the case with the characters in the last section. I'm not quite clear how they tie in yet, and I would have liked a bit more of a thread between the various stories. For context: I'm whiter than sour cream and have not been to Japan, but I've read a few books from folks who have left their countries of origin and then gone back years later, only to feel like outsiders. This is a bit different: being embedded in your culture, but being constantly reminded that people perceive you as an outsider. In the US, the question of "But where are you REALLY from?" is one that rings familiar, but the cultural/social context is quite different, and the kinds of comments and questions these characters get is one I've seen very little about.
All this to say: this book touches on topics that I haven't seen addressed much, so while I did want a bit more story and cohesive narrative, I didn't mind terribly that it was a bit didactic or choppy at times. I would be interested in following up with later volumes, especially as it seems like the various storylines will converge more and we'll get to see more overlapping perspectives.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. My ramblings are my own and are being left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kazumi Mandanda “Manda” Yoneyama was born to a black French father and Japanese mother. Living in Tokyo all her life the young woman is told that her Japanese is pretty good or asked “Where are you from?” at every turn. Anyone who is non-Caucasian is quite familiar with this rude question and it becomes additionally annoying when you answer “I’m from {birthplace/geographic location/etc.}.” Further rudeness: “You know what I mean, where are you really from?” This is Manda’s life experience. Even though she is able to vent with her biracial Asian friends, Manda points out that the effort expended on communication between majorities and minorities is vastly different due to her being half black. Manda even feels that her Japanese BFF Shibata doesn’t fully understand what it’s like but Shibata promises to always stand by her friend.
Manda’s story was a kickoff to other stories of half Japanese characters living in Tokyo.
Even though I am full Asian, I can somewhat relate to the insecurities felt by the half-Japanese. The questions, curiosity, rude comments are invasive. In Japan the people look down on non-full Japanese and these stories reflect that racism. I felt the first story with Manda was the most compelling and complete. The remaining stories were basically vignettes and ended abruptly.
Warning: Alcohol, smoking, suicidal thoughts, bullying
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Manda’s story was a kickoff to other stories of half Japanese characters living in Tokyo.
Even though I am full Asian, I can somewhat relate to the insecurities felt by the half-Japanese. The questions, curiosity, rude comments are invasive. In Japan the people look down on non-full Japanese and these stories reflect that racism. I felt the first story with Manda was the most compelling and complete. The remaining stories were basically vignettes and ended abruptly.
Warning: Alcohol, smoking, suicidal thoughts, bullying
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Volume 1️⃣ in a T+ manga by @vizmedia out August 18!
🌗
Kazumi Mandanda Yoneyama and her brother have always considered Japan home, but as mixed-race children with a Japanese mother and a Black French father, they are often treated like outsiders. Alongside other mixed-race friends, they navigate questions of identity, belonging, and acceptance while learning that there is no single way to experience being “half” of anything.
🌓
What I appreciated most about this book is that it doesn’t present mixed-race identity as a single experience. By following multiple characters, it highlights the many different ways people can feel both connected to and separated from their cultures.
🌕
The book offers a thoughtful look at belonging, prejudice, and the assumptions people make about others. Its strongest message is that no one person’s experience can represent everyone else’s, and that assuming you understand someone’s struggles can sometimes be just as dismissive as ignoring them. This is great for high school library readers!
CW: prejudice, racism, microaggressions, xenophobia, bullying
🌗
Kazumi Mandanda Yoneyama and her brother have always considered Japan home, but as mixed-race children with a Japanese mother and a Black French father, they are often treated like outsiders. Alongside other mixed-race friends, they navigate questions of identity, belonging, and acceptance while learning that there is no single way to experience being “half” of anything.
🌓
What I appreciated most about this book is that it doesn’t present mixed-race identity as a single experience. By following multiple characters, it highlights the many different ways people can feel both connected to and separated from their cultures.
🌕
The book offers a thoughtful look at belonging, prejudice, and the assumptions people make about others. Its strongest message is that no one person’s experience can represent everyone else’s, and that assuming you understand someone’s struggles can sometimes be just as dismissive as ignoring them. This is great for high school library readers!
CW: prejudice, racism, microaggressions, xenophobia, bullying
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to an e-ARC for review purposes.
This story isn’t something I can personally relate to, but I wanted to check this out because I’m interested in hearing the perspective of someone with that background.
I like how the story also gets into different characters’ struggles with their identities. It’s really important to me to understand other people’s perspectives and struggles and I really gained a lot of insight by reading this. I, of course, will never truly get it, but I know a lot more now than I did going in.
I will say I’m not the biggest fan of how this was edited. I feel like we got a little bit of each person, which was great to be able to see other perspectives, but not great to get to know the characters. While I appreciate this novel in general, it honestly didn’t quite catch my interest enough to continue the series.
If the premise sounds interesting to you, definitely give this one a go. I just don’t think I was fully the target age for this & that’s okay!
This story isn’t something I can personally relate to, but I wanted to check this out because I’m interested in hearing the perspective of someone with that background.
I like how the story also gets into different characters’ struggles with their identities. It’s really important to me to understand other people’s perspectives and struggles and I really gained a lot of insight by reading this. I, of course, will never truly get it, but I know a lot more now than I did going in.
I will say I’m not the biggest fan of how this was edited. I feel like we got a little bit of each person, which was great to be able to see other perspectives, but not great to get to know the characters. While I appreciate this novel in general, it honestly didn’t quite catch my interest enough to continue the series.
If the premise sounds interesting to you, definitely give this one a go. I just don’t think I was fully the target age for this & that’s okay!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
What an emotional, raw manga about some deeply personal experiences. Mangaka Fujimi created several beautiful characters to convey the experience of being Half in Japan, each one struggling with a little bit different situation. One character struggles with constantly being assumed a foreigner because of her skin tone and mixed heritage despite being born and raised in Japan. Several characters are the recipients of micro-aggressions or blatantly racist comments as those around them assume their identity. Other characters suffer fatigue from constantly having to prove themselves and answer questions about their heritage. This is a powerful work that delves into Japan’s race relations and will be unfortunately relatable to readers in other countries.
Full review in Booklist Magazine.
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley.
Sara’s Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
What an emotional, raw manga about some deeply personal experiences. Mangaka Fujimi created several beautiful characters to convey the experience of being Half in Japan, each one struggling with a little bit different situation. One character struggles with constantly being assumed a foreigner because of her skin tone and mixed heritage despite being born and raised in Japan. Several characters are the recipients of micro-aggressions or blatantly racist comments as those around them assume their identity. Other characters suffer fatigue from constantly having to prove themselves and answer questions about their heritage. This is a powerful work that delves into Japan’s race relations and will be unfortunately relatable to readers in other countries.
Full review in Booklist Magazine.
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley.
Sara’s Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I mean you could just read the same old dusty isekai for the thousandth time but, then you’d be missing out on Half is More. Fujimis series follows a group of Japanese young people as they deal with the realities of being mixed race (half) in modern day Japan. Each character from the friend group gets about 1-2 focus chapters, so basically little vignettes. The earlier stories are the stronger ones and they kept me riveted. With the latter ones my interest my interest started to wane. This is probably the one of the few manga I’ve read that genuinely feels like it takes place in the present. Outfits look like they came straight from Urban Outfitters and everyone has the latest tech. No flip phones here! Overall, I can’t wait to see what this author does with the remainder of the stories and characters in later volumes. This series is off to a great start!
Check this one out if you want more diverse stories in manga, great art and complex characters and story telling.
Thanks Viz and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this:)
Check this one out if you want more diverse stories in manga, great art and complex characters and story telling.
Thanks Viz and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this:)
August 28, 2026
You think from all the rage bait I have been seeing about this book, that is would focus on the "French" character she never refers to herself as BLACK (Gurl they not saying you look scary and your skin looks like poo cause you "French") that you would think idk IT WOULD FOCUS ON HER STRUGGLE. NO! This is a collection of short stories focusing on ALL mixed Japanese people. Half this book is about a chinese/japanese gurl who faces a microagression at work and you can't even tell she is mixed and one of her fave clients feeling so ashamed about saying that comment and not knowing she was half. GURL!!!!! SO TIRED!!!!!!! Don't market a damn book with a crying black woman on the front and make half the book about a pretty passing woman that people adore. TONE DEAF!!! JFC Must everyone be coddled before black women??????????????? I am appauld this will be a series. This should have been a longer one shot of the black woman's story!!!! Am sorry "FRENCH"
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shows the differing perspectives of different mixed-race characters in a Japanese society that isn't super tolerant of outsiders and doesn't super prize the ability to speak in a politically correct way. Because it follows multiple mixed race people, we get to see how they all have different struggles. The character with a black parent is instantly seen as other and has to receive lots of questions about how long she's studied Japanese and her accent. Even though she's been Japanese her whole life and it's her only language. In contrast, the character with a Chinese mother has a perfectly fitted-in appearance but struggles with the different family culture and how people react once they find out, etc. The book hits hard with a theme about how difficult it is to understand someone else's experience and how acting like you do can feel very dismissive.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A graphic novel that is both informative and entertaining - and one that highlights an aspect of Japan that is often downplayed or dismissed. It often feels like Japan is a homogenous country, partly because that is how it is represented, but there is diversity in Japan, there have been people of other nationalities living and working and starting families in Japan for a long time. This graphic novel follows the lives of a few Japanese people who have one Japanese parent and one parent of another nationality, each presenting a slice-of-life chapter where they encounter racism in casual comments, in how they are spoken to and treated, in their ability to navigate a home-country that treats them like an outsider. Culminating in them meeting as a group t commiserate and joke about both their shared and unique experiences.
August 28, 2026
An interesting and informative read. Half is More follows the individual stories of a group of friends who live in Japan, with each one of them being half-Japanese. I think the most interesting part for me was being able to see the perspectives of each character from chapter to chapter, and how while they all felt a bit alienated in their home country because they are mixed-race, they each experience it in different ways. From back-handed compliments to subtle racist remarks, you are able to see how difficult it is to navigate day-to-day life in a very homogeneous country. I'd definitely continue reading this, as I'm interested to learn more about each of these characters and I'd love to see things go well for them all! Thanks so much to Viz and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Yoiko Fugimi, VIZ Meida, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy. In exchange, I give an honest review.
This manga is about several characters who are either born in Japan but do not look Japanese or they are immigrants from another country. This book explains the confusion of the main characters and the prejudices that occur to them. I enjoyed this one. My only issue was that it was chaotic to follow at times. That being said, I'm sure for these characters their thoughts and feelings are very confusing. Enjoyable read and recommend to all. Especially teens. I think this would be a good lesson to read for a kid going through this kind of confusion or to get them talking about racism in any country.
This manga is about several characters who are either born in Japan but do not look Japanese or they are immigrants from another country. This book explains the confusion of the main characters and the prejudices that occur to them. I enjoyed this one. My only issue was that it was chaotic to follow at times. That being said, I'm sure for these characters their thoughts and feelings are very confusing. Enjoyable read and recommend to all. Especially teens. I think this would be a good lesson to read for a kid going through this kind of confusion or to get them talking about racism in any country.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a unique manga, and I appreciated having a different format to read to address these issues. It’s important to have stories about mixed races and cultures, and the manga format makes it very accessible. I appreciated how it opens up the conversation surrounding these relevant topics. I appreciated the diversity of the characters and that each one got to tell their own story. Each experience was unique and important. I would like to see a bit more from each of the stories, but hopefully we’ll get that in volume 2. This is an important book and should be read!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2026
I really like graphic novels, that is why I requested this. But I could not follow where to read---do I go let to right, right to left, up to down, or down to up? Also the stamp that said something about a pdf--was in the middle of some of the words, so I could not read what the story was in those spots. Why put that stamp on every page--such a distraction and like I said I could not read the words of the book then.
Needless to say--the only thing I got out of it that 1 or maybe more than one character struggles with being half and was questioned a lot.
Not the book for me. There are books I will read again to get a better understanding, but not this one.
Needless to say--the only thing I got out of it that 1 or maybe more than one character struggles with being half and was questioned a lot.
Not the book for me. There are books I will read again to get a better understanding, but not this one.
September 6, 2026
I was so excited for this series to be translated and the first volume has not disappointed! Half is More is essentially a series of chapter-by-chapter snapshots of the lives of different mixed race or foreign born characters living in Japan. It’s an infuriating read which tackles the issue of racism in Japan head on. The cast is fantastic, even though the amount of time you spend with each character is short they all feel well fleshed out and you really do care about their lives.
I can’t wait for future volumes! I get the feeling this will probably only be a short form work, but I would love to get enough volumes out of the series to see these characters lives more forward!
I can’t wait for future volumes! I get the feeling this will probably only be a short form work, but I would love to get enough volumes out of the series to see these characters lives more forward!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such an interesting topic and cast of characters to explore. Each had different struggles and challenges to overcome, being of blended decent in a place that brings a lot of attention to people with differences.
There's anger, lack of understanding from friends about how big of an impact seemingly small comments can have. Or how hard communication can be if you're raised in a single language household with a parent who isn't fluent in your language. Or if you're the one needing to learn a new language.
A very eye-opening manga with a powerful message.
There's anger, lack of understanding from friends about how big of an impact seemingly small comments can have. Or how hard communication can be if you're raised in a single language household with a parent who isn't fluent in your language. Or if you're the one needing to learn a new language.
A very eye-opening manga with a powerful message.
Read
August 17, 2026The art is amazing. I was surprised that this told the story of many people not just the woman on the cover but it was nice. I liked seeing all the different stories that people experience by being outsiders in Japan and in some ways it is different but others it feels very much to what some people experience in the US as well. I think this shows how important it is to communicate, accept when you have made a mistake, and work towards being better. Everyone's story is different and we should all be able to find a way to be comfortable in our skin.
5/6 stars
5/6 stars
August 27, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Essentially, this book is about being biracial in Japan and how there is more to the experience than a person's appearance. I enjoyed this a lot and am excited to read the continuation. All the characters are interesting, though I feel like maybe their experiences didn't all read as equally coherent to me. I did have a little trouble following some of the text on my phone. Maybe something to do with how the grayscale shades were rendered in the Netgalley Shelf App.
I liked the character designs. I thought the characterization was compelling. If anything I do wish the volume was long because I wanted to spend more time with the characters and their experiences.
Three stars.
Essentially, this book is about being biracial in Japan and how there is more to the experience than a person's appearance. I enjoyed this a lot and am excited to read the continuation. All the characters are interesting, though I feel like maybe their experiences didn't all read as equally coherent to me. I did have a little trouble following some of the text on my phone. Maybe something to do with how the grayscale shades were rendered in the Netgalley Shelf App.
I liked the character designs. I thought the characterization was compelling. If anything I do wish the volume was long because I wanted to spend more time with the characters and their experiences.
Three stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a digital ARC from Viz Media via NetGalley. This manga is a series of vignettes following mixed race Japanese characters and the struggles they face in Japan being classified culturally as “half.” These stories really showed how micro aggressions can affect people and how so many people are dealing with self acceptance in different ways. I liked the concept, but felt the stories were short and also choppy in their execution. The first character was the most compelling.
August 27, 2026
I initially bought this book while living in Japan and read it with my rudimentary language skills. Upon rereading it in my native English, I’ve come to appreciate it much more.
This is truly one of a kind and an absolute MUST READ for anyone interested in race relations in modern day Japan. I myself have a few half-Japanese friends and have found this book so imperative.
1000000/10
This is truly one of a kind and an absolute MUST READ for anyone interested in race relations in modern day Japan. I myself have a few half-Japanese friends and have found this book so imperative.
1000000/10
September 6, 2026
Really enjoyed this manga! The different perspectives and viewpoints were all intriguing, and I enjoyed seeing how the characters knew each other and came together. Would enjoy reading a second volume as well! Grateful to NetGalley for the ARC!
Did Not Finish
August 30, 2026Dnf for now I am not feeling connected to this manga as of now I will try later.
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