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地縛少年 花子くん [Jibaku Shōnen Hanako-kun] #1
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, Vol. 1
"Hanako-san, Hanako-san...are you there?" At Kamome Academy, rumors abound about the school's Seven Mysteries, one of which is Hanako-san. Said to occupy the third stall of the third floor girls' bathroom in the old school building, Hanako-san grants any wish when summoned. Nene Yashiro, an occult-loving high school girl who dreams of romance, ventures into this haunted bathroom...but the Hanako-san she meets there is nothing like she imagined! Kamome Academy's Hanako-san...is a boy!
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,368 reviews
April 22, 2020
All I can say is this comic rekindled my love for anime and manga.
I love the characters, the plot, the whole of it. I have a feeling that this will be one of my favorite anime/manga ever yet.
Did I tell you the two protagonists are so adorable? I'm shipping HanaNene so much right now that I just DNF'ed the novel that I was reading just to read all the chapters of the manga and to find fanfictions to read.
Note: This is a review for the whole manga. Not just Volume 1.
Update 15/03/2020
Almost one month after I caught up with the manga's latest chapter and I'm still within its hold. I started and DNF'ed several books because I'm busy binge-reading HanaNene fanfictions and waiting for some updates of my favorite ones. Ugh! I'm in so deep and can't get enough of it.
I love the characters, the plot, the whole of it. I have a feeling that this will be one of my favorite anime/manga ever yet.
Did I tell you the two protagonists are so adorable? I'm shipping HanaNene so much right now that I just DNF'ed the novel that I was reading just to read all the chapters of the manga and to find fanfictions to read.
Note: This is a review for the whole manga. Not just Volume 1.
Update 15/03/2020
Almost one month after I caught up with the manga's latest chapter and I'm still within its hold. I started and DNF'ed several books because I'm busy binge-reading HanaNene fanfictions and waiting for some updates of my favorite ones. Ugh! I'm in so deep and can't get enough of it.
March 16, 2020
"Hanako-san, Hanako-san...are you there?"
I find Japanese urban legends to be rather fascinating. Much like J-horror films, many of them have a certain insidious quality to them, where the horror creeps in. You laugh them off, but then think about them when alone in the dark.
Now anyone who has even a fairly decent passing knowledge of anime/manga or even video games taking place with Japanese highschoolers will know there is often a common idea that schools will have "seven mysteries." Why seven? Most likely this is because shichi (the Japanese word for seven) is uncomfortably close to shi (the word for death).
In this tale, one of our seven mysteries is Hanako-san. Hanako is a common enough tale in Japan, of a ghostly spirit that haunts one of the toilet stalls in the girl's bathroom. She is typically sporting a bob haircut and always the same dress, often crying. Some variations on the tale end in her murdering (or at least terrifying) those who stumble upon her.
Enter Nene, who hears the rumor of Hanako, but that in this variation, that she will grant a wish in exchange for something of yours in return. Much to her surprise, the Hanako haunting this particular school is a boy, and also he has a few ulterior motives of his own.
What I enjoyed about this first volume is how it plays with the idea of belief reshaping myths. In this case, it shows how legends get tweaked over the years and how a spirit that may have been mischievous and kindly could become violent, because that is what they tales around it have become. I find the relationship between these spirits and their powers coming from the belief of others fascinating (it's also one of the reasons I say that Candyman is probably my favorite horror movie of the 90s).
I also like that while our Hanako spirit in this comes off a mostly kindly figure, there are more than a few hints to a violent past. The blade he keeps on his person, and the delightfully unhinged smile he sports upon occasion being only a few examples.
The art is... honestly only so-so in my opinion. I've seen quite a few people praising the art style, but I found that while I like how it plays with a cute style to counter some of the darker myths (which makes for some rather amusing jokes), some times it felt like there wasn't a fine balance between too little details and overworking the scenery.
Would I recommend this? At the moment I would say so. It suffers a bit from first volume syndrome, trying to find a tone and a voice. When it succeeds though, it works very well and is a delight. While played off for comedy, there's enough depth in here that fans of urban legends and horror may not only get a chuckle or two, but find some food for thought. 3/5 stars
I find Japanese urban legends to be rather fascinating. Much like J-horror films, many of them have a certain insidious quality to them, where the horror creeps in. You laugh them off, but then think about them when alone in the dark.
Now anyone who has even a fairly decent passing knowledge of anime/manga or even video games taking place with Japanese highschoolers will know there is often a common idea that schools will have "seven mysteries." Why seven? Most likely this is because shichi (the Japanese word for seven) is uncomfortably close to shi (the word for death).
In this tale, one of our seven mysteries is Hanako-san. Hanako is a common enough tale in Japan, of a ghostly spirit that haunts one of the toilet stalls in the girl's bathroom. She is typically sporting a bob haircut and always the same dress, often crying. Some variations on the tale end in her murdering (or at least terrifying) those who stumble upon her.
Enter Nene, who hears the rumor of Hanako, but that in this variation, that she will grant a wish in exchange for something of yours in return. Much to her surprise, the Hanako haunting this particular school is a boy, and also he has a few ulterior motives of his own.
What I enjoyed about this first volume is how it plays with the idea of belief reshaping myths. In this case, it shows how legends get tweaked over the years and how a spirit that may have been mischievous and kindly could become violent, because that is what they tales around it have become. I find the relationship between these spirits and their powers coming from the belief of others fascinating (it's also one of the reasons I say that Candyman is probably my favorite horror movie of the 90s).
I also like that while our Hanako spirit in this comes off a mostly kindly figure, there are more than a few hints to a violent past. The blade he keeps on his person, and the delightfully unhinged smile he sports upon occasion being only a few examples.
The art is... honestly only so-so in my opinion. I've seen quite a few people praising the art style, but I found that while I like how it plays with a cute style to counter some of the darker myths (which makes for some rather amusing jokes), some times it felt like there wasn't a fine balance between too little details and overworking the scenery.
Would I recommend this? At the moment I would say so. It suffers a bit from first volume syndrome, trying to find a tone and a voice. When it succeeds though, it works very well and is a delight. While played off for comedy, there's enough depth in here that fans of urban legends and horror may not only get a chuckle or two, but find some food for thought. 3/5 stars
January 24, 2020
One word.
U n d e r r a t e d.
U n d e r r a t e d.
Read
July 21, 202021/7/20
It was indeed pretty cute at times, but I must confess that I do feel rather indifferent towards this manga. There was nothing there that pulled me into the story or made the characters particularly likeable for me.
19/7/20
I picked this one up yesterday, seems really cute! :D
You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website | The Storygraph
It was indeed pretty cute at times, but I must confess that I do feel rather indifferent towards this manga. There was nothing there that pulled me into the story or made the characters particularly likeable for me.
19/7/20
I picked this one up yesterday, seems really cute! :D
You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website | The Storygraph
August 15, 2020
A high school girl helps a ghost solve the supernatural mysteries at an eerie old school in this horror/humor manga that is not particularly funny or scary. It has a slapdash feel, like the author made the first chapter hoping but not expecting to be chosen as a regular series and then floundering and course-correcting when it actually happened. The story is dull and unoriginal.
Another problem is the depiction of the characters. They look like elementary school kids but the translated text tells us they are middle and high school students. There are some dumb boob jokes in the end make me wonder if the characters were in elementary school in the Japanese version and if the translators are fudging the ages to make humor that sexualizes children more acceptable for an American audience.
Another problem is the depiction of the characters. They look like elementary school kids but the translated text tells us they are middle and high school students. There are some dumb boob jokes in the end make me wonder if the characters were in elementary school in the Japanese version and if the translators are fudging the ages to make humor that sexualizes children more acceptable for an American audience.
August 23, 2021
Me gusta mucho la mezcla de humor y temas oscuros!
Tengo muchas ganas de leer el segundo tomo! 👻
Tengo muchas ganas de leer el segundo tomo! 👻
July 9, 2022
This was definitely an interesting manga to read. I traditionally don't read too many paranormal, fantasy, or horror manga (at least not the darker stuff). I've heard so many good things about Toilet-bound Hanako-kun that I thought I would give it a chance. It focuses on a character by the name of Nene who attends an academy that has 7 mysteries one of them being Hanako. Nene ends up encountering Hanako hoping that he can help her crush fall in love with her. From there, readers embark on this interesting journey that is connected to all of the paranormal beings that are a part of the seven mysteries. There wasn't necessarily anything about this series that stood out to me. I enjoyed it, but it's one of those series that I will work through slowly and check out from the library. There was some scenes that felt like they had too much going on textually, but I did enjoy the art style.
June 2, 2021
Read this as a group read for June 2021 for The Manga Squad
This one surprised me. Starting this, I was very confused by everything that was happening, but at the same time laughing by how silly it is. But then, the story itself starts making sense and you start engaging by it.
Hanako-san is so Hilarious, I love him already. For Nene is kinda silly but cute (? idk, but the dynamics between them two are so cool. The art style is so pleasant to see, it's really good.
I'm for sure continuing this story and then watch the anime, I need to see the MOKKE ANIMATED!!!
This one surprised me. Starting this, I was very confused by everything that was happening, but at the same time laughing by how silly it is. But then, the story itself starts making sense and you start engaging by it.
Hanako-san is so Hilarious, I love him already. For Nene is kinda silly but cute (? idk, but the dynamics between them two are so cool. The art style is so pleasant to see, it's really good.
I'm for sure continuing this story and then watch the anime, I need to see the MOKKE ANIMATED!!!
July 21, 2019
ummm this is really good so far and I have adopted these children.
March 19, 2022
4/5stars
This was a lot of fun! I really liked the art style
This was a lot of fun! I really liked the art style
December 9, 2022
What an unexpected gem!!
I have eyed Toilet-bound Hanako-kun for a LONGGGGG time because the art style is definitely one the most unique there is around!
And I'm truly glad I finally tried it as I LOVED these characters!
Nene specifically I found really relatable for much of this first volume, especially with her longing just to be in a relationship because that was embarrassingly me in high school. The effects of certain choices she makes REALLYYYY tugged at my heartstrings and honestly want the happiest of things for her. (I also love how she genuinely loves and cares for her friends though I won't expound on that because of potential spoilers.)
And Hanako-kun! He was SO different than I expected! Like NOTHING I expected! LOL! He has such a fun personality, even though I was like HE IS THIS DANGEROUS!?! when a certain character reveals one of his secrets! Granted, I SHOULD know that because seeing him act when protecting Nene makes it super obvious he is not a weak supernatural being.
I think the only thing that has me really hesitant to keep reading this series is that the yōkai genuinely did make me on edge, especially with the last yōkai/mystery. 🙈 I am such a chicken and I feel that with things I've heard, the series continues to be creepier as it continues, but gah, I love the characters a lot!
Right now, I would say I'm on the fence about continuing, but not because I disliked this story! I really really really enjoyed this! I just don't like reading books that make me feel spooked at night (even when I read during the day as was the case of reading this volume LOL).
So all-in-all, this was such a great read and think I would like to still get volume two from my library even if it's not right away (because I have to space out any spooky stuff I DO try LOL)!
I have eyed Toilet-bound Hanako-kun for a LONGGGGG time because the art style is definitely one the most unique there is around!
And I'm truly glad I finally tried it as I LOVED these characters!
Nene specifically I found really relatable for much of this first volume, especially with her longing just to be in a relationship because that was embarrassingly me in high school. The effects of certain choices she makes REALLYYYY tugged at my heartstrings and honestly want the happiest of things for her. (I also love how she genuinely loves and cares for her friends though I won't expound on that because of potential spoilers.)
And Hanako-kun! He was SO different than I expected! Like NOTHING I expected! LOL! He has such a fun personality, even though I was like HE IS THIS DANGEROUS!?! when a certain character reveals one of his secrets! Granted, I SHOULD know that because seeing him act when protecting Nene makes it super obvious he is not a weak supernatural being.
I think the only thing that has me really hesitant to keep reading this series is that the yōkai genuinely did make me on edge, especially with the last yōkai/mystery. 🙈 I am such a chicken and I feel that with things I've heard, the series continues to be creepier as it continues, but gah, I love the characters a lot!
Right now, I would say I'm on the fence about continuing, but not because I disliked this story! I really really really enjoyed this! I just don't like reading books that make me feel spooked at night (even when I read during the day as was the case of reading this volume LOL).
So all-in-all, this was such a great read and think I would like to still get volume two from my library even if it's not right away (because I have to space out any spooky stuff I DO try LOL)!
February 4, 2022
BSKSBWBKDK I LOVE THIS SOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH OMG😩😭⭐️🌱💞✨PLS I CANT OMG
so like nene and hanako aren’t y’know actually a couple but i ship them so.bad. and i mean they do definitely have some tension and moments that indicate they could a have a relationship💃
the story of this manga is so so interesting, it always keeps me hooked!! all the characters are also very likeable, like u can’t really name a character i dislike?? like huh??🤨
the anime for this manga is also so good. like god tier good, one of my all time favorites good LOL
so like nene and hanako aren’t y’know actually a couple but i ship them so.bad. and i mean they do definitely have some tension and moments that indicate they could a have a relationship💃
the story of this manga is so so interesting, it always keeps me hooked!! all the characters are also very likeable, like u can’t really name a character i dislike?? like huh??🤨
the anime for this manga is also so good. like god tier good, one of my all time favorites good LOL
October 12, 2020
My daughter made me read all of these. Then I got addicted. Now I'm mad there aren't more yet.
July 20, 2021
2.5 rounded down.
The art is fantastic but I didn’t really care for the storyline or the characters.
The art is fantastic but I didn’t really care for the storyline or the characters.
October 2, 2022
Definitely an underrated manga
Read
October 27, 2024k this was so fun >w<
October 18, 2023
Crying I missed them so much
August 11, 2025
This review will be for the whole series! Read at your own risk!!
Read 20 volumes + volume 0 + After School
At first I was like 'Toilet-bound Hanako...? That's a stupid name, no thanks.' BUT ITS ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD! I should add that supernatural manga/anime is apparently my genre, because my favorite anime of all time is 'Ghost Hunt' and this gives me a similar feeling to that- but less serious and more humor (luckily, no toilet humor either).
The art is really cute and fairly easy to follow; occasionally I find the eyes a little weird because they can feel vacant... but overall, I like the art a lot! I'm really falling for the characters at two volumes in currently.
Five volumes in and I love it! I like all the characters, the plot, the art style!! I'm really looking forward to more!
Edit 3/21/21: volume 6 was good! I’m curious about Nene’s future!
Edit 6/22/21: I want Nene and Hanako to get together!
Edit 7/14/22: I wonder how Nene is supposed to die… this is getting really serious. I hope it ends okay.
Edit 8/1/23: this series is so good. I really look forward to seeing how it ends eventually.
Edit 8/6/23: things are getting really intense and I’m questioning how it’s going to end.
Read 20 volumes + volume 0 + After School
At first I was like 'Toilet-bound Hanako...? That's a stupid name, no thanks.' BUT ITS ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD! I should add that supernatural manga/anime is apparently my genre, because my favorite anime of all time is 'Ghost Hunt' and this gives me a similar feeling to that- but less serious and more humor (luckily, no toilet humor either).
The art is really cute and fairly easy to follow; occasionally I find the eyes a little weird because they can feel vacant... but overall, I like the art a lot! I'm really falling for the characters at two volumes in currently.
Five volumes in and I love it! I like all the characters, the plot, the art style!! I'm really looking forward to more!
Edit 3/21/21: volume 6 was good! I’m curious about Nene’s future!
Edit 6/22/21: I want Nene and Hanako to get together!
Edit 7/14/22: I wonder how Nene is supposed to die… this is getting really serious. I hope it ends okay.
Edit 8/1/23: this series is so good. I really look forward to seeing how it ends eventually.
Edit 8/6/23: things are getting really intense and I’m questioning how it’s going to end.
December 19, 2021
Love, love, loved this opening volume <3
It’s exactly as I remembered it (having watched the anime nearly 2 years ago now). I adored the anime and wanted to read the manga as I know anime adaptations can cut things out/change bits so I am very excited to see what the manga has to offer.
Hanako-kun is one of the school’s seven mysteries and it’s up to him to ensure the relationship between humans and supernaturals remains positive/balanced.
Nene Yashiro, a lovable and hopelessly-romantic first year who just wants her crush to reciprocate her feelings summons Hanako-kun in the girls toilets! And what happens afterwards is a rollercoaster ride for Nene who finds herself cursed after swallowing a mermaid scale meaning she turns into a fish if water touches her! HK binds her to him in order to save her and from then on they are tethered together - whenever she is in trouble and calls upon him he is there to rescue her! Nene is Hk’s assistant and they go on a few adventures together…
And then Kou Minamoto turns up to exorcise Hk…!
This is great fun and the art style is superb!! Definitely looking forward to reading past what was covered in the anime :)
It’s exactly as I remembered it (having watched the anime nearly 2 years ago now). I adored the anime and wanted to read the manga as I know anime adaptations can cut things out/change bits so I am very excited to see what the manga has to offer.
Hanako-kun is one of the school’s seven mysteries and it’s up to him to ensure the relationship between humans and supernaturals remains positive/balanced.
Nene Yashiro, a lovable and hopelessly-romantic first year who just wants her crush to reciprocate her feelings summons Hanako-kun in the girls toilets! And what happens afterwards is a rollercoaster ride for Nene who finds herself cursed after swallowing a mermaid scale meaning she turns into a fish if water touches her! HK binds her to him in order to save her and from then on they are tethered together - whenever she is in trouble and calls upon him he is there to rescue her! Nene is Hk’s assistant and they go on a few adventures together…
And then Kou Minamoto turns up to exorcise Hk…!
This is great fun and the art style is superb!! Definitely looking forward to reading past what was covered in the anime :)
December 6, 2023
One that was recommended as nothing less than spectacular, it unfortunately turned out to be a rather uninspired effort at supernatural comedy. Not particularly funny or engaging, there are better stories out there that are more worth your time.
January 13, 2020
More of a 3.5, but so fascinating that I upgraded it.
Full review eventually appearing on ANN.
Full review eventually appearing on ANN.
September 9, 2024
dizisinde hala 2. sezonu bekliyorum 😔
August 23, 2025
sometimes i feel like a frat guy who keeps ghosting you whenever i randomly disappear off this app and then come back
February 9, 2024
2023 - 2024 niezmiennie 5 gwiazdek 💛🤌
July 4, 2021
Original et addictif, avec une ambiance bien particulière et j'ai dévoré les deux premiers alors j'ai hâte de lire la suite !
May 2, 2021
3 stars *may change
why was i expecting something completely different
why was i expecting something completely different
January 7, 2020
"Rumor has it, that there are 7 mysteries inside this school. If you uncover the truth of all these mysteries, something will occur. The seventh mystery: Hanako-san of the toilet."
Ok I really love this. I only started reading this because there was news about the anime adaptation. So glad I made the decision to finish everything in one night
(｢`･ω･)｢
Story: Quite a creative twist on the typical urban legend of Hanako-san. Instead of a usual scary story with bits of comedy and romance, this story is more engaging and it kept me on the edge of my seat all night. The story also brings up my existential crisis and questions my humanity and morale as the afterlife is mentioned a lot.
Settings: The story takes place in a normal modern Japanese highschool where supernatural ghosts and spirits coexist with humans. Eventually as the plot thickens, the story takes place in the spiritual realm that exists within the mundane world of the school. It's nice seeing both humans and spirits travelling in and out of both realms. Almost Spirited Away kinda style.
Characters: The human characters are as interesting as the spirits that they interact with. There's rarely a boring moment in this series. Every character development is exciting to read and as the main characters grow closer together, my heart flutters~
Art style: The drawing and character design is so beautifully stunning that it should be illegal 😂 The drawing clearly illustrates the difference between the human and spiritual realm. I like the little details added on the designs of the spirits to show the life they had before they died.
Overall, good stuff. Very nice read. Very nice~
Ok I really love this. I only started reading this because there was news about the anime adaptation. So glad I made the decision to finish everything in one night
(｢`･ω･)｢
Story: Quite a creative twist on the typical urban legend of Hanako-san. Instead of a usual scary story with bits of comedy and romance, this story is more engaging and it kept me on the edge of my seat all night. The story also brings up my existential crisis and questions my humanity and morale as the afterlife is mentioned a lot.
Settings: The story takes place in a normal modern Japanese highschool where supernatural ghosts and spirits coexist with humans. Eventually as the plot thickens, the story takes place in the spiritual realm that exists within the mundane world of the school. It's nice seeing both humans and spirits travelling in and out of both realms. Almost Spirited Away kinda style.
Characters: The human characters are as interesting as the spirits that they interact with. There's rarely a boring moment in this series. Every character development is exciting to read and as the main characters grow closer together, my heart flutters~
Art style: The drawing and character design is so beautifully stunning that it should be illegal 😂 The drawing clearly illustrates the difference between the human and spiritual realm. I like the little details added on the designs of the spirits to show the life they had before they died.
Overall, good stuff. Very nice read. Very nice~
May 11, 2021
"Humans are truly foolish creatures."
This sounded like something that I would enjoy. A mysterious ghoul living in the bathroom at a school who grants wishes. What’s not to enjoy about that? It’s weird and instantly caught my attention.
The execution of this just wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the story or characters. There was nothing there that kept me entertained. I do think others will like this, it just didn’t do it for me.
This sounded like something that I would enjoy. A mysterious ghoul living in the bathroom at a school who grants wishes. What’s not to enjoy about that? It’s weird and instantly caught my attention.
The execution of this just wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the story or characters. There was nothing there that kept me entertained. I do think others will like this, it just didn’t do it for me.
September 24, 2018
Well, this was not bad... but not that good too, as many of reviewers said.
Or maybe simply because this is the first book? Idk.
I hope this will be getting better.
Oh, I like Minamoto's Little Bro. He's funny and the real mood-maker here <3
Or maybe simply because this is the first book? Idk.
I hope this will be getting better.
Oh, I like Minamoto's Little Bro. He's funny and the real mood-maker here <3
February 11, 2024
꧁Moja pierwsza przeczytana manga w życiu, więc bez oceny bo nie mam porównania, ale bardzo przyjemnie mi się czytało i napewno będę kontynuować// 2024. po przeczytaniu innych mang uważam, że ta zasługuje na 5 gwiazdek꧂
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