My Boy 1

My Boy #1

by Hitomi Takano

An award-winner and top-seller in Japan, this provocative new manga handles its controversial subject with insight and sensitivity.Satoko Tawada, a 30-year-old office worker at a sporting goods company, encounters Mashuu Hayami, a 12-year-old boy, playing soccer in a park at night. She was treated cruelly by a former lover, he is dealing with a high-handed and uninvolved family. Both are burdened with loneliness, and they sense that the other has something that they’re searching for...

Genres: Manga, Slice Of Life, Seinen, Contemporary, Drama, Graphic Novels, Comics

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2018

Reviews

[James DeSantis]

I won't lie the weird idea of this story is what got me to read it but it really isn't as weird as it sounds.

So a 30 year old woman is kind of bored in life, hating mostly everything about it, and annoyed, jealous, and a bit heartbroken working with one of her old lovers. One day walking home she notices a boy trying to play soccer. She begins to kind of mentor him and then quickly begins to feel a fondness for him. Not sexual, more like big sister, or maybe a mother? It's weird feelings, but it somehow feels normal and works for the story given.

The story then makes a interesting choice to focus on the boy's friend in school, a young girl learning how to be who she wants to be in life. While I didn't expect this direction it is welcomed to get a nice side by side of school life verses our main character's life at work.

The series somehow is very charming even with a weird headline. I also think the actual story is paced well with solid humor. I'm not sure where we can go with this story but I'm interested to find out. A 4 out of 5.

[Rereader]

Before I begin, I want to say that I bought this manga because I heard it was controversial. After reading the summary, I could understand why, but rather than being deterred I was intrigued. See, something that I've learned at my age is that when something says "controversial," there's a solid chance it either isn't or people blow any problematic aspects of it out of proportion. Thus, I was curious to read this and judge for myself whether it's controversial or not. So, to get the two big questions out of the way:

1. Did I like this first volume? Yes, very much.
2. Is the subject matter controversial? Ehhhhh...a little to early to tell.

While it is true that Satoko, a thirty year old woman, has chosen to spend time with Mashuu, a twelve year old boy, to imply that the relationship is romantic/sexual is pushing it at best. There are a few scenes that may hint at a romantic attraction, specifically on Satoko's part, but honestly this early in the series it's kind of hard to take those scenes seriously. I feel they have more of a familial relationship since Satoko seems to genuinely care about Mashuu's well-being. Mashuu seems happy to have someone to spend time with and it's clear that Satoko enjoys it too. That's what I love about this series so far, watching two people spend time with each other and genuinely enjoy each other's company. It's utterly delightful watching Satoko and Mashuu interact and it's so damn wholesome and sweet I'm afraid my teeth with fall out. The art style helps immensely, with Mashuu making a myriad of adorable faces and the sparkles surrounding him when he's in awe of something. Both characters are drawn beautifully and the emotional scenes draw out the drama and emotions of the characters without looking overdone. Takano did a great job invoking strong emotions when necessary while adding some goofier expressions in others.

Not much else I can add at this point. This is a good start to the series and I look forward to seeing how the story will progress in volume 2.

[Sol]

Kind of sours the entire book when the mangaka describes this as an "onee/shota" (older woman/younger boy) story in the author's note, as well as talking about shota in a fetishistic way (referring to it as "indulging in [their] fantasies"). Not for me.

The art was lovely, and I did think this was a strong start (if I was even allowed to interpret this relationship as strictly familial, which the A/N kind of destroys), but I'm just not interested in exploring this relationship more.

[Jester, King's Favorite Fool]

Two people find each other when they need someone to be there for them. This was an okay read. But I don't see how it won an award. It says on several websites that it has won an award. But I can't find the title of it. This is not the weirdest manga that came out of Japan. (Bunny Drop is right there.)

Personal Rating: ⭐3/5

Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.

[queen0f_hearts]

I found this series by chance when I was searching through ComiXology’s newcomers. The cover with its art style immediately caught my interest because it looked so pretty and soft. The blurb sounded surprisingly fresh and I was curious about the protagonists’ stories, so it only took me seconds to decide to give this series a try.

It’s seinen, therefore I set up my expectations accordingly. And I really liked what I got! It was a calm read, but so very emotional. A few pages in and I already felt so touched by that cute boy who looked so abandoned. I totally relate with the female protagonist Satoko who felt obliged to take care of him. Her struggle not to intervene too much — after all she’s only a mere stranger — was realistically depicted. There was not a single scene that seemed off, or forced. I’m actually quite glad about it because it would have been an awkward read if the mangaka had literally pushed her into this relationship just to have it realized for the plot.

As reader, I quickly learnt Satoko is quite a lonely person and she obviously has some history with her chief, an old relationship she still is pretty indulged in. But there’s a lot to be told to truly understand this, I think. Of course, as this was the first volume, I believe more explanation is to come. Nonetheless, her loneliness causes her to feel drawn to that lonely boy she encounters.

This lonely boy — his name is Mashuu — to my mind is the real gem of this story. I felt so sorry for him, throughout the entire volume! Though I barely know anything about his parents, I can’t understand why someone would neglect their kid like that. It makes me sad and angry but most of all, it makes my heart ache and feel heavy. His disillusioned expression, those resigned words of giving up on his dreams, those longing gazes when seeing happy families... But then, in contrast, I loved to see him being content and soft when looking after the bunnies at school and I was proud of him, how he was the only one who didn’t feel disgusted but helped that girl who was sick. His heart is so good and pure, despite the treatment of his family. I loved it even more to watch him change because of Satoko’s involvement. He laughed and was happy and simply so very grateful for everything he got. I honestly admire everything about that boy and wish to protect him from his family. I wish for him to be happy. But things seem complicated, though I don’t even know the entirety about his family. I’m curious to be told more. And I hope, everything will develop to a better for him!

Lastly, there’s one aspect I found strange about Satoko. Though I’m glad she decided to engage with Mashuu, it’s kind of odd of her to think of the 12 years ok boy when being asked whether she has a boyfriend. I’m not sure yet how to judge it and in which direction this might develop....but I’m eager to find out. Therefore, volume 2 is a must-read!

[Mari]

If it looks like a dog and barks like a dog...it must be shotacon 😬 So I started this series because of curiosity and so many glowing reviews saying, "This may sound sus, but it is such a beautiful story." 🙄

The series starts off okay. No overtly sus things imo. Like, it is inherently sus. But we are under the impression our boy is in an abusive household (which he is, he is being neglected). We are under the impression our fl wants to help. Instead, she is getting emotional support from the kid 🤯 Over the course of the books I stomached the fl is feeling more and more guilty. Why? If you're not a freak why do you feel so guilty? As a person that was parentified as a child, the actions of the fl are insidious. But her getting emotional comfort isn't the only think she gradually comes to want. She views him romantically. Idc what anyone else has to say on the matter. You cannot convince me that her feelings are platonic. She literally has no one else in her life she can rely on in any capacity and it manifests through her unhealthy attachment to the child (she also seems repulsed by adult relationships 🤔).

This is not a sweet story to me. Towards book 7 (I hate myself for getting that far) I was desperately hoping the kid would escape from her clutches and make connections with his peers. Idk what the author is trying to communicate with this work, but not enough people are viewing this as unhealthy and tragic.


Cw grooming, emotional relationship between a minor child and an adult, neglect

[bow down to our ace king victor vale]

3.25!

i love the author notes at the end!! the author being a worrywart is literally me 24/7 lmao.

this was a good first volume! ^^ a palette cleanser from my last read i would say 🥴im curious to see how their (familial) relationship develops. i like how it addresses satoko’s internal struggle on whether it’s appropriate to help mashuu out; tho her decision to assist him seems pure and out of good intent , he is a mere stranger and a young child at that. the sushi outing was such a heartwarming scene; seeing him so eager and happy over the experience made my heart hurt ☹️🥺. mashuu deserves everything good in life and then some TT.

(also the art is beautiful^^! especially the covers omg!!)

[sameera]

using children to deal with your trauma?
i support.

i swear to god this better not take a turn. nao better the love the interest not satoko. otherwise i will revolt. i mean child is so precious🥺

also the ex is such a bitch ugh.

author’s note: actually pretty funny. i enjoyed reading the note. she kept mentioning her dog. sorry, her (cute) dog. feels like something a certain someone i know would also do. lul

[Julie]

Picked this up based on morbid curiosity, but I really enjoyed this. I liked the writing, the characters and the story. Based on the author's note though I'm really scared of the direction this is going to take.

[Ris Sasaki]

4.5 ⭐

This was so wholesome and good 🤧
Can't barely wait to see their relationship progress and know more about Mashuu's parents

[Yv]

My boy - Volume 1: [9.0/10]

Chapter 1: Termometer [9.0/10]
Chapter 2: Overdrive [9/10]
Chapter 3: Rabbits [8.5/10]
Chapter 4: Present [9.5/10]

[Jillian -always aspiring-]

September 21, 2019: Volume 5 just came out in the US, so I wanted to reread the previous volumes beforehand. Still as thought-provoking as the first time I read it!

June 18, 2018: Unabashed reread. I feel as if this manga is less a work of pandering to people who enjoy “age gap romances” and more an exploration of how bonds can be formed regardless of age differences. Both main characters are broken individuals who are just striving for connection and meaning in a world that has not been as kind to them. Sure, people may write this manga off as in the same vein of Bunny Drop, but I find this story (so far) to be endearing and heartwarming. YMMV.

[Lulu Dulaurier]

It’s a very sweet start. I’m a little concerned on the direction of the story and did get slightly creepy vibes of this 12 year old hanging out with a 30 year old but the story ended up being one of those “they help each other grow” type moments.

I’m going to come back and read this review when I finish the series because I think I’m very wrong here…heh….

[Amber]

Well *flushing* that went exactly where I hoped it would, as far as a first volume goes. Satoko is a depressed woman drawn in by a beautiful young boy. Controversial, but interesting, I want to see where this story goes.

[Jasmine (bokugglor)]

Den här mangan tyckte jag var intressant och bra tecknad. Jag är dock osäker på om jag ska fortsätta med serien eller inte, det var något som gjorde att jag inte fastnade riktigt. Jag gillade karaktärerna, speciellt Satoko.

[WhoMadeMeAWeeb]

Please don't be a 12 yr old x 30 year old manga

[Ting Ting]

2.5 stars.

I read several volumes when I was at a bookstore. The premise says it all. It’s about a lonely 30 year old who doesn’t have many friends, not at work or outside of work who befriends a 12 year old boy playing soccer by himself. He’s been neglected. His hair is long and she assumed he was a girl. Nothing really happens to their implied romance but it’s obvious Machuu, the boy has feelings for her. He’s at a highly impressionable age. He wants to spend time with her and he meets her sister at a cafe. It’s just so highly unlikely that a grown woman would be hanging out with a middle schooler. It’s just that premise works in the realm on the manga. Where you find out both are loners wishing they had a friend or someone with whom they can be themselves around. Especially as adults working in an office and how with adults they always put on airs. But at the same time I can’t help but shake off the eh factor. Like it’s just plain weird. That the only source of authenticity they have is with each other. Hello the boy clearly is crushing on her. She doesn’t reciprocate back, thank god. But it’s just so unrealistic. I’ve never read something this unrealistic. But for the sake of the manga, I guess it works. They find emotional support from each other.

It’s not bad but it’s not a great manga. It’s just weird. 30 year olds wouldn’t be hanging out with 12 year olds. Maybe I wouldn’t have a disbelief factor if they were in their late teens. It’s one of those manga that uses the age gap as shock so it draws you in. I haven’t finished it. It’s wholesome but so weird.

[sandrasliteratur]

Auf deutsch bei Manga Cult erschienen
Ich hatte gemischte Gefühle als ich den Titel entdeckt habe, weil ich Angst hatte, dass es leidenschaftlich zwischen den beiden Protagonisten werden soll. Zum Glück war es aber ganz anders. Der Titel hat bei mir wirklich eine emotionale Achterbahnfahrt der Gefühle ausgelöst und gehört damit wohl zum letzten Überraschungshit dieses Jahres. Ich fand wirklich jeden einzelnen Kapitel so gefühlvoll und schön. Im Grunde geht es wirklich vorrangig um das Thema Einsamkeit, dass Sakoto und der junge Mashu beide auf ihre Art erleben. Der Manga ist wirklich sehr sensibel im Umgang mit dem Thema und die Geschichte sehr einnehmend. Nachdem ich ein paar Seiten gelesen habe, war ich echt froh zu sehen, dass die Reihe noch mit einigen Bänden weitergeht.
Der Stil des Mangas untermalt das Thema hier finde ich sehr gut. Auch die Nebencharaktere mochte ich sehr gerne, wobei Satoko und Mashu hier zu Recht im Vordergrund stehen. Der dritte Kapitel war jedoch aus der Sicht einer Schulfreundin von Mashu und hat den Inhalt hier mit einer wertvollen Perspektive ergänzt.
Ihr müsst euch den Manga unbedingt näher anschauen. Die Geschichte ist so voller Gefühle und ich hatte echt ein paar Tränchen in den Augen, weil sie so einfühlsam erzählt ist. Dringende Empfehlung also von mir. Ich freue mich schon auf Band 2.
Instagram: @sandrasmangas

[Shiritaku]

Ohne richtiges Vorwissen hab ich mir die Reihe gekauft und bisher gefällt's mir ganz gut.

Satoko ist Anfang dreißig und etwas lebensüberdrüssig. Jeder Tag gestaltet sich gleich und es gibt nichts spannendes in ihrem Leben. Eines Abends trifft sie im Park auf den 12-jährigen Mashu, der alleine Fußball spielt. Plötzlich spürt sie das Bedürfnis ihm zu helfen und zeigt ihm ein paar Tricks. So vergeht die Zeit und sie treffen sich fortan jeden Abend und trainieren gemeinsam.

Es fängt etwas langsam an und tatsächlich passiert gar nicht so viel spannendes, dennoch hat es mich schon etwas in den Bann gezogen. Denn auch diese "Belanglosigkeit" hat etwas an sich. Eine gewisse Melancholie schwingt mit und es gab auch eine sehr bewegende Szene.

Der Auftakt gefällt mir ganz gut, mal sehen, was da noch so kommt.

[Sol]

Review to volume 5:

One of the best manga I've read. The story is still in a transitional place as to whether it's a story of friendship or love, so it's difficult to say much about, but it's a masterpiece so far. So many small events are given such weight of emotion, without ever dipping into the sort of overblown idiocy that many drama manga fall into. While there are certainly roadblocks and difficulties between the leads, they're natural given their circumstances, rather than contrived to produce suffering. The ambiance is surprisingly light and humorous given the subject matter, and both the leads are friendly people I hope can pull through.

[Eros]

Ngl I really don’t know how to feel about this story. The art is peak and I really like Mashuu (The boy), since he has long hair and I also have long hair. But idk I don’t like where this story is heading. The main lady, she’s in her 20’s, hasn’t moved on from her ex and then she finds he has a fiance. She then runs into this boy (Mashuu) and like she starts taking care of him. That’s fine n all BUT at the end of this manga it says, “The one to lift the curse of herb ex-lover… is a 12-year-old boy”?????? That shit weird asf and then the author herself says it’s a onee-shota?? (Idk what that means but ik is isn’t good) This story COULDVE been good, if only the author wasn’t weird 💔😭

[Forthright .]

A single, thirty-something woman keeps seeing the same kid in the park on her way home from the office and wonders and worries about her. But she's a he, and he latches on. Little by little, Satoko becomes someone Mashuu relies on, and even though their situation is odd, neither wants to give up their friendship.

I've read so many stories in which the taboo attachment is man/girl, usually teacher/student. This is me taking an honest look at the flipside. Tons of sympathy for Satoko and Mashuu, but this series isn't romanticizing things. Uncomfy.

[Rachel]

LOVED this first volume, and my only regret is that I bought this when there are still two volumes to go before it is finished.

(As an aside, I found the author's note HILARIOUS for so many reasons, including the worry people would confuse the titles of watashi no shounen (the japanese title) with Otouto no Otto (My Brother's Husband) that ran in the same magazine, and the one editor thinking about Death in Venice era Bjorn Andresen, the (most likely apocryphal) inspiration for the bishounen boom in the 70s onward.)

[Marcus]

A really wholesome start! To be honest I wasn’t sure what to make of the manga given the premise but the way they go about here is heartwarming and respectfully written. And I mean for both parties as well.

Both our older lead, Satoko and our younger lead, Mashuu feel like actual people. They’re self aware, reflective and try to figure out things as they go and steadily become friends.

I’m really curious as to how things are going to turn out as despite how sweet their relationship is things could go south super quick.

[TristanE]

This has the essence of a precious story showcasing a child and adults managing the unknowing pressures of emotion. It touches one in a simple way with connective questions we’ve felt or longing for normal.

However, there is a subtle feeling of grooming in it, or at least the feeling that you have an adult infatuating a kid not so much physically but in connection. Which may be uncomfortable for some.

Immediate and unedited review, 4.5*

[Perry]

Great series. It might seem creepy at first glance but almost all of it is vanilla and sweet. The main female, I think has a troubled loveless(platonic kind) past and doesn’t want the same for the main kid. Read this and don’t think it is just about some 30 year old lady preying on a young boy.

[Deeny]

I read and heard everywhere that this book’s age gap is not love based so I picked it up thinking it would be like the Jdramas Mother and the other one I can’t remember the name. It was okay nice story and characters but I don’t know if it will be good. it was okay for me .

[Martina Weiss]

Sehr ansprechender Zeichenstil, kein übertriebener Kindergartenhumor. Der erste Band hat mich so neugierig gemacht, dass ich mir jetzt die nächsten vier Bände bestellt habe. Ich ahne wohin die Story geht, mal sehen ob ich recht habe.

[Boujee]

wholesome, I get gender-reversed Bunny Drop vibes from it

[Greyland Reviews]

4.5 stars
I feel like I'm REALLY going to regret reading series this because, my poor black heart is going be ripped out by these characters and stomped on. repeatedly.