カノジョになりたい君と僕 1 [Kanojo ni Naritai Kimi to Boku 1]

Kanojo ni Naritai Kimi to Boku #1

by Umi Takase, たかせうみ

体は男性・心は女性として生まれたアキラは、高校入学を機に「女の子として」生きていくことを決意、セーラー服に身を包み登校する。アキラを待ち受けていたのは、クラスメイトの奇異の目、教師の無理解な発言…
そんなアキラに対し、幼い頃から恋心を抱いていた幼馴染のヒメ。大切な幼馴染を支えるため、ヒメが手にしたのは、
アキラの父親が用意していた「学ラン」だった――!

SNSで反響多数、マンガアプリ「GANMA!」の人気作待望の書籍化!

Hime Sakuragaike has secretly been in love with her childhood friend Akira Yonezawa since they were kids, but Hime only recently found out that Akira identifies as female. Although surprised, Hime offers her full support, and this is initially kept secret between them for a few years, but Akira decides to start living as a girl full-time upon starting high school with Hime. However, since Akira garners a certain amount of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting Akira to be singled out as an object of ridicule, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira's shoes. (-mangaupdates.com)

Genres: Manga, Romance, LGBT, Graphic Novels, Comics, Young Adult, Queer

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2019

Reviews

[Esme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible concept for a manga and I hope we see more queer coming of age stories like this.

While I loved the concept Hime was very hard to like as a character. She is just constantly angry and yells at everyone which was very annoying after the 3rd time. I wish the book focused more on Akira but I did like how it was focused on Allyship. I will say there was really good character development Hime did get better as it went on/

I will continue with the series if given the opportunity since I am interested in seeing how much more these characters can grow.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Graphic for the digital copy!! The book goes on sale July 1st 2025! *all opinions are my own*

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a preface to me saying that I don’t think this is a great story, let me at least be very clear that its heart is in the right place. Stories about being a good ally, especially in this time and place, are very welcome and important.

This just isn’t very well written and the characters are not very interesting. Hime’s notion of defending her childhood friend, Akira, from jerks who don’t understand Akira’s identifying as a girl or wearing girls’ clothing? Yell a lot. And wear a boy’s uniform.

As Hime wrestles with her crush on her friend, one that appears to transcend gender roles, nice touch, she just rages at everything. It’s enough to kind of annoy Akira, but she doesn’t express this until way later in the narrative than I’d like.

Until that time? Lots of yelling. Hime is way too shrill to be the main character, honestly. Plus, Akira’s the one finally expressing her gender identity, yet we get barely anything about her. It feels like the focus is completely on the wrong character - we don’t learn hardly enough about Akira as we should.

Even the new friend group they find is… kind of annoying, except for the quiet girl with all the piercings. There’s a genki quality to too many characters that makes them overwhelm the story and this reader. Found family stories are some of my favourites, but this doesn’t sell it at all.

It’s not like I want this to be an especially harsh story, but a little realism would be nice. The bullies and jerks in this story are positively benign compared to what I think you’d see in a more realistic scenario.

And I do like that Hime’s crush on Akira doesn’t really seem to register that the latter might have their own gender preferences until a new crush comes into view. I’m not sure about that side of things, but I’ll give the benefit of the doubt for now.

Sometimes a character will drop some wisdom into the thing about being a better person or how you’re allowed to make mistakes when you’re young because you can learn from them. Then they vanish.

That’s all well and good, but it feels leaden. The story composition and dialogue just don’t feel cohesive or compelling. Which is odd, since the story as told is pretty basic. But it doesn’t sell itself to me.

If you think I’m going to make it through this without mentioning the very, very good Our Dreams At Dusk, which I found well superior to this, well… there we go. I’d even say My Journey to Her, an autobiographical manga about transitioning, is a better choice.

3 stars - I mean, better to mean well and try to say something than not, but I do wish this was a better manga than it actually is. Fine, but unexceptional.

[Curious Madra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man I’m so effin dissapointed that Akira and Hime didn’t get hitched like f sake, I was hoping they would rekindle on their relationship but Hime had to marry the “good looking guy of the school”. I mean I am so beyond disappointed that I had to wait for this friggin manga to finish and the ending just didn’t exceed my expectations….

I really am dying for a for real TL manga cause there’s hardly any out there!

[Robert Pierson · Rating 3 out of 5]

BierWerks nice in the story is interesting you don’t see too many manga that Cover the topic of transgender but I think this is a really good one and it really helps to see what some people go through and have the struggles they have to go through I would say if you’re looking for something To get inside the head of a transgender person this might help You see things from their point of you

[Raf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating for this volume: ✨🌟 8.25 out of 10 🌟✨
Overal rating for the series: ✨🌟 8.75 out of 10 🌟✨
A good manga that explored LGBT theme in school setting. Reminds me a lot to Shimanami Tasogare but has lighter tones to the story.

Keywords: LGBT, slice of life, coming of age
Reps: trans girl, pansexual, lesbian, asexual
Trigger warning & content warning: misgendering, homophobia

REVIEW
Kanojo ni Naritai Kimi to Boku or I Want to be Your Girl tells about a young teenage girl named Hime who fallen in love with her best friend, Akira. The story revolves around Akira's experience as a trans girl, Hime's support to Akira and how Hime trying to figure feeling and sexuality, as well as the friends they made along the way.

The casts are quite diverse and inclusive. And the author handled LGBT themes with such a care. It's lighter in theme compared to Shimanami Tasogare but still good in its own way. This is a series that will give you warm, wholesome feeling after you finished it. The reps are quite good too. I wish the story will give more screen time to Akira, though.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so adorable and precious, I love my kids.
In this manga we follow Hime, who enters high school with her friend Akira. Akira recently came out as a trans girl and now she enters high school as a girl she is, wearing skirt uniform etc. Hime has the huggest crush on her best friend and it's adorable. Hime is such strong vocal supporter and defender of her friend, has alway been but now even more to stand up for Akira at school.
The manga touches difficult topic and there are depictions of anti-trans scenes but it comes to pass, the classmates get on well with both Hime and Akira.
My favorite part (besides Hime big gay crush on her friend) is the girls befriending two other girls, it was a realistically bumpy road but now they are good friends all four of them and it makes me happy.
There are conversations about stereotypes and prejudices, a very lovely wise teacher.
All a cute stray kitten.
This manga truly has it all. The mood of the story is uplifting and positive, I apprecicate it!

I'm giving this volume four stars because some panels were a little rough around the edges (overall manga is lovely and it hits emotional beats so well!) and also I always feel conflicted when I experience a story where a trans character plays a very significant role and their transness is very important to the story but it's not their PoV. Here we are experiencing the story from Hime's pov and I love my disaster baby queer but I wish we could get Akira's pov too.
There are hints that Hime herself hasn't figured out her own identity and she's wearing "boys" uniform to support Akira but also for some unverbilized personal reasons.

All in all, this was precious. Thank you Umi Takase.
I hope a USAnian publisher picks up with title to localize in English.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is unexpectedly good. In a very unique way?

In this first volume, we’re introduced to childhood friends Hime and Akira. Hime is the first person Akira tells that she identifies as a girl. From then on, Hime has always acted as Akira’s protector—especially when it comes to people who are mean or just don’t understand Akira’s gender identity.

Things come to a head though when they both start high school and Akira decides to live openly as a girl.

As the pair embark on this next stage of their lives, Hime finds herself grappling with the special feelings she’s had for Akira all this time—and the possibility that they may not be returned.

I’m finding this to be such a tender story.

Akira’s transition journey is a tearjerker all on its own. I really appreciate how this story not only captures her challenges but also her joys—making girlfriends, having her first crush. It’s so important to depict queer joy—especially for young readers. Transition should be something to celebrate—it’s only the current social climate that’s changed that perception.

But, choosing to tell this story through Hime’s perspective adds an interesting layer to this story—especially as she navigates the fine line between ally and impediment to Akira’s becoming.

So looking forward to reading more of this series~

[rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

a solid 4.5 out of 5 for this volume!! i haven't read the other 3 volumes yet and i can see they are more critically rated so im curious to see why that is. but as for now, i'm super happy with the trans, lesbian, and pansexual rep <33

[shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

nothing gets me more excited than a pansexual

[Sucre · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Kelby Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is starting out pretty cute and already there is character development. Ready for the next one

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Izzy Pilares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really loved the concept for this one but I really wish the characters had a little bit more depth to them. While it does tease at Hime experimenting with gender, I wish her character was a bit more nuanced as she's pretty much just screaming through this entire volume.

[K.C. Norton]

I think this book’s heart may be in the right place, so to speak, but there are parts I struggled with. I was quite salty until a third part challenged the MC’s rigid gender assumptions (she’s a trans ally but still very binary in her thinking), at which point I gained more hope for future issues.

That said, there’s a lot of “Just because people bully you in transphobic ways doesn’t mean that there’s a reason to be upset with them! ✌🏼” logic that I did not love. I don’t strongly rec this, but I see potential for future character growth and have hope that there might be more nuance in later installments. I’m just not sure that I’ll stick around to find out.

[Valerie Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

"if you want to make a point, you can't keep insisting on it. You have to give others time to accept it"

this is such an important, insightful, and heartfelt manga for teens (or really tweens and up) to read with all the great lessons and diversity it includes. The internal conflicts are very realistic with a touch of lighthearted silliness to them and the relationships are already complicated in a reasonable way. It kind of annoyed me how much jealousy there is being included, but it ended up being one of the many great lessons of this manga and I'm super excited to see where it goes

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top rank because these mangas need to gain more popularity as they tackle serious issues. Also bold because of the time taken in the plot to fully explain the differences and nuances between every part of the spectrum. Japan is known for its attachment to conforming individuals. This shows it will change , hopefully.

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

https://aspeccharactersoftheday.tumbl...

[Lou Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I do understand why other people get aggitated at the constant yelling, but to be honest, compared to action manga, there was next to no yelling. I read a mixture of both.

I felt really bad for both the two protragonists of this book, as there is constant confusion, but as a genderfluid person, I think that the topic of transgender was handled well, and that this manga unfortunately does portray how many people percieve transgender people. Whether you are mtf or ftm or genderfluid/nonbinary/gender non conforming, this book addresses the topic of gender, and societal norms/views on the subject of people who aren't what is considered traditionally male or female rather well. As a social commentary, if you want to call it that (for the sake of the story I simply am,) this manga does handle the conversation and real life struggles of gender non conforming and transgender folk, rather masterfully. It's sad to see it in fiction, but in the same breath, quite comforting.

Some people read to escape reality, I like reading to feel more human/real .This book did that for me, and I would love to see how this story develops and continues.

Special thanks to my local library for getting this book on BorrowBox as I wouldn't have known this book existed. It's brilliant to see transgender identities being wrote more frequently, and also introduced to my local library. Whoever put the request for this book in, merci.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hime is conflicted. Her best friend, Akira, is coming out as a girl publicly, and this is the first year she will act, dress, and be who she wants to be. Hime, the first person who knew Akira is a girl, vows to protect her best friend in this new transition and will defend her with aggressive determination. Hime is happy for Akira…except that she is totally in love with her. She has been their whole lives. What does that mean for Hime? And if she confesses, will it ruin their precious friendship forever?

I Wanna Be Your Girl is a cute shojo manga about one girl’s hidden feelings for her newly transitioned best friend, packed with teenage emotions, confusion, and silly moments. While Akira adjusts to her new beginnings and public reception, Hime struggles with her own intense protectiveness yet secret love, which comes out as boyish aggression, jealousy, and sometimes possessiveness, things she doesn’t like in herself. Both Hime and Akira learn to adjust with their new reality, making new friends, discovering crazy emotions, and spirits running high. Overall, I Wanna Be Your Girl is an endearing coming-of-age and slow-burn love story that teens will enjoy. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There are more than two ways to be human" (182).

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Random House Graphic, and Umi Takase for the opportunity to read this manga in exchange for an honest review.

Akira and Hime have been friends since childhood, but when they were twelve, Akira shared her identity as "she" with her best friend. Now in high school, Akira wants to openly be herself, not wanting to feel like she needs to hide. Best friend Hime is a gung-ho supporter and yells at anyone who so much as looks at Akira the wrong way! When another girl comes onto the scene, Hime starts to feel something she didn't quite expect: jealousy.

This is a wholesome manga that explores key themes of identity, such as finding oneself and exploring who one is. This seems to go for not only the main characters, but secondary characters as well. This manga offers a great way for teens to understand what transitioning and identity might be like for someone who doesn't fit the gender they were assigned.

A great manga with educational value for teens!

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this — especially the gorgeous, crisp, expressive art — but I kinda wish Akira herself had been more of a protagonist rather than just Hime. I want to know more about Akira even though I know this story isn’t necessarily from her point of view. I would love to know more about what she’s thinking.

One thing that touched me was the message of “Just because they don’t understand, doesn’t mean they’re an enemy”. I am trans, and I deeply understand Hime’s fury and aggressiveness. It happens because you’ve been burned so many times that it’s easy to automatically become furious, even hateful or avoidant, towards people who don’t immediately accept you. When you’ve spent your life granting people time and patience in regards to your gender and they’ve only abused it, it’s hard to give new people that benefit anymore. But needing time to understand doesn’t make a person bigoted — that is true and it’s a hard reminder for me when gender can be so sensitive and vulnerable. But I appreciated this manga’s communication of that.

[Mattie Wiśniewska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Część druga serii "mangi które polecam zdezorientowanym młodym queerom". Wszystkie tematy LGBT są poruszane z wyjątkowym szacunkiem i zrozumieniem. Seria dobra dla ludzi zagubionych w tematach tożsamości płciowej i orientacji seksualnej, gdyż podczas jej trwania razem z główną bohaterką uczymy się praktycznie od zera, jak wspierać swoich queerowych przyjaciół oraz jak odkryć samych siebie. Obserwujemy jak dziewczyna popełnia błędy i się na nich uczy, seria zawiera sporo bardzo ważnych i ciekawych przekazów. Jedyne, co mi zauważalnie dokuczało, to potraktowanie postaci Akiry - jest postacią słabo dopracowaną z punktu widzenia osobowości, służy niemal wyłącznie rozwinięciu wątku głównej bohaterki. A to słabe, gdyż jest ona jednym z najbardziej przyjaznych i realistycznych przypadków reprezentacji osoby trans, o jakich wiem :///
generalnie serii brakuje trochę emocjonalnej głębi jak na mój gust, ale wciąż jest bardzo wholesome i bardzo polubiłam wszystkie postacie :))

[Ida Østby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's tough to review media like this. On the one hand, it is nearly unique in its attempt to portray a trans woman as a human, rather than to step into femboy or non-binary-shades. There is nothing inherently wrong with those stories, but the flood of those _relative_ to genuine trans woman representation makes the sheer fact that it exists valuable.

That said, it is hardly flawless. It moves quickly, and while it's interesting, it only feels like it finds its feet in the second half of the volume. I'm interested in reading on, and eagerly so, but I can't help but feel like the first half of the book could have set a stronger ground for this incredibly unique premise.

That is, the premise is unique in addition to featuring a bona fide trans woman - that is a huge strength of the book; one I came to appreciate after reading it.

[Zephorah Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, young love. Thanks so much to Random House Childrens and NetGalley for the DRC!

Hime-chan is a true ride or die for her trans best friend, Akira-Chan. Except, she's kind of in love with her which confuses her so much.

The first volume was so juicy. We got to know so many characters and to delve into our MCs back stories. It's funny that Hime-chan never thought to ask Akira-Chan what type of people she was attracted to. Seeing her blush over a guy sends Hime into shock. She ended up cheering her friend on but I wonder how it'll all unravel in upcoming volumes.

I'm so happy to see Akira -chans mom is at least accepting and supportive.

Also the title is hilarious. Two chapters in and I could tell Hime was head over heels and didn't even realize it.

[JessOfAwesome · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good coming of age story for those who are confronting gender identity for the first time. The first volume of this manga covers the struggle of facing one's gender and sexuality. Especially when someone close to you comes out.

Hime is faced with this struggle when her childhood crush comes out as a trans-woman. Does the fact she still loves Akira mean she's a lesbian? Does feeling comfortable wear a boy's school uniform to show her support for Akira make Hime a boy? As for Akira, does being a girl mean she likes boys? Being the first volume, I can't say how this will go, but this volume does a good job of introducing this expression for the characters.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received an ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.] I was a bit skeptical when I saw that this title was on the children's imprint of the publisher, but after reading it, that classification is reasonable. Identity doesn't have to be something deep or complicated, in Akira's case, it's just who she is. Hime is trying to be supportive, as she always has been since they were children, but with this significant change, Hime has to sort out if she's really on the defensive for Akira's sake, or is it for herself? This is indeed a family-friendly title, and has a promising set up for the next volume.

[Lumine Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very interested in seeing where the story goes from here!

I understand people's qualms with the main character Hime, but honestly, I think she develops well as she and Akira-chan make more friends and learn more about themselves. This is a really cute first volume with super loveable side characters that kept me hooked and wanting more. I can't wait to read Vol. 2!

I would rate it 5*s, but I agree with the other reviews saying that the story should focus on Akira-chan more than Hime. This is really good for a story about being an ally, though. I recommend giving it a read if you're into slice of life!

[sweetpotatocat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 leaning 4/5?

cute and i liked the identity exploration. also i appreciate the growth the characters have. there’s also some quotes/dialogue which struck me and i’m still thinking about them. fav character currently is ishiyama even though she’s got like 10 lines max.

tbh my main gripe is just that hime pissed me off at first and taneno REALLY pissed me off at first but i think they all mellowed out. i’m invested in the story but sometimes i was like these two r getting on my NERVES.

likely will read the next volume because i’m like minorly invested?? i’m interested in how the character growth and identity development (idk how else to say it) plays out.

[Kait W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an interesting concept for a manga series and I'm very excited to read more. All of the characters feel distinct and important to the narrative. I'm most excited for our POV character's exploration of both their sexuality and own gender identity. They've spent so long focused on their friend/crush that now that we're seeing some introspection it's clear there's a lot more going on inside. The artwork was also consistent, and the length was about what I expect from a manga volume. Great first volume, I hope the series continues at this level.