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こどものおもちゃ [Kodomo no Omocha] #9
Kodocha: Sana's Stage, Vol. 09
Take one young actress used to getting her way, add a handful of ruthless bullies, some humorous twists, and a plastic toy hammer, and you've got the recipe for one crazy story Kodocha follows the antics of Sana, a spoiled 11-year-old TV star, and Hayama, a 6th grade Machiavelli who terrorizes both his teachers and his classmates. In their classroom war of wills, Sana and Hayama find there is more to both of them than meets the eye.
200 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2003
4 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Miho Obana
45 books114 followersMiho Obana ( 小花美穂, born April 26, 1970) is a shōjo manga artist born in Tokyo, Japan.
She began her manga career as an assistant to Momoko Sakura, creator of Chibi Maruko-chan. She debuted in 1990 with the (one-shot manga) Mado no Mukō, which was published in the autumn 1990 issue of Ribon Bikkuri. Soon, stories from her started appearing in Ribon Original and in the regular Ribon magazine too.
Other notable manga by Miho Obana include Kodomo no Omocha (10 volumes, for which she won the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo in 1998; the official English title is Kodocha), Partner, (3 volumes) and Andante (3 volumes). Partner is especially noted for its dark, mature, and almost disturbing tone, which is very rare in a Ribon series.
Her most recent manga is Honey Bitter, which has run in Cookie since February 2004. Also in 2004, she made a foray into the world of josei manga, writing several manga for the josei magazine Chorus. She has been on maternity leave for the past year, but will be returning soon, as Honey Bitter is expected to start up again in the Dec. 26 issue of Cookie.
Other works include Mizu no Yakata; a spin-off of Kodocha, Neko no Shima, Pochi, Setsunai ne, and Shiranami no Gensō.
She began her manga career as an assistant to Momoko Sakura, creator of Chibi Maruko-chan. She debuted in 1990 with the (one-shot manga) Mado no Mukō, which was published in the autumn 1990 issue of Ribon Bikkuri. Soon, stories from her started appearing in Ribon Original and in the regular Ribon magazine too.
Other notable manga by Miho Obana include Kodomo no Omocha (10 volumes, for which she won the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo in 1998; the official English title is Kodocha), Partner, (3 volumes) and Andante (3 volumes). Partner is especially noted for its dark, mature, and almost disturbing tone, which is very rare in a Ribon series.
Her most recent manga is Honey Bitter, which has run in Cookie since February 2004. Also in 2004, she made a foray into the world of josei manga, writing several manga for the josei magazine Chorus. She has been on maternity leave for the past year, but will be returning soon, as Honey Bitter is expected to start up again in the Dec. 26 issue of Cookie.
Other works include Mizu no Yakata; a spin-off of Kodocha, Neko no Shima, Pochi, Setsunai ne, and Shiranami no Gensō.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 16, 2022
There is something so bittersweet about this volume. Things are going well between Hayama and Sana, they even helped Fuuka reunite with her past love. But when things are going well you know much sad stuff is gonna happen, this is the way of this author. And oh how sad it was. Poor lovely Sana. Sometimes she just breaks my heart.
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September 7, 2024La cara que ha puesto el crío este... Que mala ostia me ha entrado, ni destino ni ostias.
March 23, 2013
~4-4.5/5
[This review, and many others, are available on my blog.]
I guessed, in my review of volume 8, that the tension between Akito and his teacher would be coming to a head in this volume. I was wrong. Instead, Obana threw in something else, something that I was really not expecting.
The first half of this volume was fantastic, it was so much fun. Christmas Eve, also known as Sana and Akito’s halfway birthday, is coming up, and so Sana wants to throw a party like the year before. But all of their friends are busy, so it ends up being just the two of them. Also, Sana realizes that Akito is, actually and officially, her boyfriend now, which puts her up in seventh heaven. This part is just really hilarious and adorable.
There are some super sweet and adorable and hilarious moments between Sana and Akito, but I’m not going to spoil them. They’re having a lot of fun, messing around and hugging and even sharing a kiss, but there are a few moments that are hinting that Sana is trying not to think about the things that depress her: like Akito’s arm and how Akito and Fuka used to go out.
One thing that surprised me, was how Akito and Sana remind me of a married couple that has been together since they were kids. You know, the type of old married couple that found each other young, and somehow stayed together throughout their life. I’ve never really thought that far ahead for most couples in books, and I’ve never had that kind of feeling from one before, how I could actually see them staying together, happy, for their whole lives. But I get that feeling from Sana and Akito. And I love that.
There are a couple of minor plots throughout the book: we see Naozumi for a bit, Sana does some acting stuff, and Akito and Sana work together to try to get Fuka and the boy she liked from her old school together. Apparently, him and the other girl broke up, and he still likes Fuka, and so Akito and Sana get his new number (‘cause he moved) and give it to Fuka. It doesn’t show whether she called him, but we see that she’s thinking about it, so I’m assuming she does.
Now, the big, main point: Akito is moving to America. At first, I was thinking this was a bit cliché and didn’t like it. But it’s actually done in a new way. First of all, Sana tells him not to leave, and so he says that he’s not going to, but his dad won’t let him stay in Japan, so he has to tell Sana that he has to go. Sana tries to stay supportive, and not break down, but the fact that Akito’s leaving is really depressing her.
And here’s the even bigger thing: Sana loses her smile. She is actually unable to smile, to move her expression from anything but blank, even though her voice sounds normal, and she doesn’t realize that she’s not smiling.
We find out that this has happened to her once before, and the reason her expression came back was because of something Naozumi did, when they were little (before Sana actually knew him). Sana doesn’t realize what’s happening, but her acting jobs aren’t working very well, and everyone is worrying about her. Naozumi and Akito try to fix it, but at the moment nothing is working out. And then, the volume ends with Naozumi telling Akito that he thinks himself and Sana are meant to be, and maybe Sana is thinking the same thing. (Ironically enough, before that last chapter, I’d thought about how much I’d grown to like Naozumi. Yea, his declaration changes that real fast.)
So, to sum up: I love Sana and Akito. I love them way too much. They are perfect, and this series is so much more than I thought it would be, and I already have the next (and last) volume, so I will be reading that now, right this instant, now that I’ve finished writing this up.
[This review, and many others, are available on my blog.]
I guessed, in my review of volume 8, that the tension between Akito and his teacher would be coming to a head in this volume. I was wrong. Instead, Obana threw in something else, something that I was really not expecting.
The first half of this volume was fantastic, it was so much fun. Christmas Eve, also known as Sana and Akito’s halfway birthday, is coming up, and so Sana wants to throw a party like the year before. But all of their friends are busy, so it ends up being just the two of them. Also, Sana realizes that Akito is, actually and officially, her boyfriend now, which puts her up in seventh heaven. This part is just really hilarious and adorable.
There are some super sweet and adorable and hilarious moments between Sana and Akito, but I’m not going to spoil them. They’re having a lot of fun, messing around and hugging and even sharing a kiss, but there are a few moments that are hinting that Sana is trying not to think about the things that depress her: like Akito’s arm and how Akito and Fuka used to go out.
One thing that surprised me, was how Akito and Sana remind me of a married couple that has been together since they were kids. You know, the type of old married couple that found each other young, and somehow stayed together throughout their life. I’ve never really thought that far ahead for most couples in books, and I’ve never had that kind of feeling from one before, how I could actually see them staying together, happy, for their whole lives. But I get that feeling from Sana and Akito. And I love that.
There are a couple of minor plots throughout the book: we see Naozumi for a bit, Sana does some acting stuff, and Akito and Sana work together to try to get Fuka and the boy she liked from her old school together. Apparently, him and the other girl broke up, and he still likes Fuka, and so Akito and Sana get his new number (‘cause he moved) and give it to Fuka. It doesn’t show whether she called him, but we see that she’s thinking about it, so I’m assuming she does.
Now, the big, main point: Akito is moving to America. At first, I was thinking this was a bit cliché and didn’t like it. But it’s actually done in a new way. First of all, Sana tells him not to leave, and so he says that he’s not going to, but his dad won’t let him stay in Japan, so he has to tell Sana that he has to go. Sana tries to stay supportive, and not break down, but the fact that Akito’s leaving is really depressing her.
And here’s the even bigger thing: Sana loses her smile. She is actually unable to smile, to move her expression from anything but blank, even though her voice sounds normal, and she doesn’t realize that she’s not smiling.
We find out that this has happened to her once before, and the reason her expression came back was because of something Naozumi did, when they were little (before Sana actually knew him). Sana doesn’t realize what’s happening, but her acting jobs aren’t working very well, and everyone is worrying about her. Naozumi and Akito try to fix it, but at the moment nothing is working out. And then, the volume ends with Naozumi telling Akito that he thinks himself and Sana are meant to be, and maybe Sana is thinking the same thing. (Ironically enough, before that last chapter, I’d thought about how much I’d grown to like Naozumi. Yea, his declaration changes that real fast.)
So, to sum up: I love Sana and Akito. I love them way too much. They are perfect, and this series is so much more than I thought it would be, and I already have the next (and last) volume, so I will be reading that now, right this instant, now that I’ve finished writing this up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2021
Io sono esattamente come Sana quando cerca di fare il maglione a mano per Hayama. Perdo la pazienza in due secondi. Fuka continua a essere antipatica.
July 29, 2025
Kodocha: Sana's Stage has always been a manga that has prioritized short form comedy, with physical gags and clever writing, across a drama story of a boy and a girl. Sana and Akito might be from different worlds, but they have a strong connection. First as bitter rivals, then as friends, and then maybe something more as they grow up. I have loved reading these books because when it decides to get serious (and it usually does once per volume) it hits hard because of its sincerity.
Usually there are several chapters to each volume of Kodacha. But when I opened to the contents page of volume, it only one very long chapter. That's when I understand that I was entering into the endgame for this series. Kodacha only has ten volumes and this sudden change in the format let me know that the series was preparing for the ending. The serious part of the drama also lasted a bit longer in this book as well, which makes sense for setting up the conclusion. Really good stuff!
Usually there are several chapters to each volume of Kodacha. But when I opened to the contents page of volume, it only one very long chapter. That's when I understand that I was entering into the endgame for this series. Kodacha only has ten volumes and this sudden change in the format let me know that the series was preparing for the ending. The serious part of the drama also lasted a bit longer in this book as well, which makes sense for setting up the conclusion. Really good stuff!
May 11, 2025
3.5
A few to many of the classic end of series shenanigans for me with a sudden move, last chance at the love triangle and so on.
first half of the volume was great, could have been wrapped up from there.
A few to many of the classic end of series shenanigans for me with a sudden move, last chance at the love triangle and so on.
first half of the volume was great, could have been wrapped up from there.
August 16, 2019
3 stelle e mezzo.
September 24, 2020
「妳們的友情還真是充滿了男子氣概。」
『是女子氣概吧。』
（好險她們年紀還小，不然我也覺得這種狀況有點難呢）
『是女子氣概吧。』
（好險她們年紀還小，不然我也覺得這種狀況有點難呢）
December 7, 2020
Molto “fantasioso”. Un “mah” sempre sulla solita questione.
December 23, 2022
2.6!
eep i didn’t rlly care for this mannequin disease arc at all :P and ofc there’s a transfer plot line lol,, im ready for this series to wrap up bc things are kind of dragging rn.
eep i didn’t rlly care for this mannequin disease arc at all :P and ofc there’s a transfer plot line lol,, im ready for this series to wrap up bc things are kind of dragging rn.
April 24, 2024
They finally get together just for 1) Hayama is going to move away 2) Sana gets depressed and can’t express her feelings… Ugh will these two get to be happy together???? I’m so over the drama
January 7, 2025
oh poor sana :(
January 8, 2016
Agak kompleks di seri ini.. tapi aku gak khawatir, secara 1 seri lagi tamat ^^;
3,5 bintang lah.
Keren ya pengarangnya bisa bikin cerita ini 10 seri dgn alur yg apik, saling terhubung dan bisa diterima akal ^^; Maksudnya gak terkesan kayak cuma buat 'panjang2in cerita' aja gitu ^^;
Tapi serial ini jadi agak ngingatin aku serial Tsubaki (lupa judulnya), ke sini sini mendekati ending alur ceritanya kayak sama gitu ^^; Cuma bedanya serial Tsubaki terkesan lebih kompleks karena anak SMA-kuliah kan. Kalau ini kan anak-anak SD ^^;
Tapi secara garis besar kesannya kayak mirip gitu... mulai dari Tsubaki yg kecelakaan dan patah kaki kalau gak salah, kalau di seri ini kan Hayama cedera patah tangan. Kesalah pahaman kesalah pahaman dll. Tapi lebih suka serial Kodochi ini mah ^^; Kalau serial Tsubaki aku agak sebel, karena Tsubaki cewek itu plin plan, suka nggak PD-an, dan pesimis banget orangnya. Bikin BT kadang-kadang.
3,5 bintang lah.
Keren ya pengarangnya bisa bikin cerita ini 10 seri dgn alur yg apik, saling terhubung dan bisa diterima akal ^^; Maksudnya gak terkesan kayak cuma buat 'panjang2in cerita' aja gitu ^^;
Tapi serial ini jadi agak ngingatin aku serial Tsubaki (lupa judulnya), ke sini sini mendekati ending alur ceritanya kayak sama gitu ^^; Cuma bedanya serial Tsubaki terkesan lebih kompleks karena anak SMA-kuliah kan. Kalau ini kan anak-anak SD ^^;
Tapi secara garis besar kesannya kayak mirip gitu... mulai dari Tsubaki yg kecelakaan dan patah kaki kalau gak salah, kalau di seri ini kan Hayama cedera patah tangan. Kesalah pahaman kesalah pahaman dll. Tapi lebih suka serial Kodochi ini mah ^^; Kalau serial Tsubaki aku agak sebel, karena Tsubaki cewek itu plin plan, suka nggak PD-an, dan pesimis banget orangnya. Bikin BT kadang-kadang.
June 30, 2010
Hayama and Sana went on their first date together. :D and they went to the cemetery to visit Hayama's Mother's grave. Their relationship got closer and closer each day. Both of them also decided to help Fuuka get in touch with a guy she used to like back in elementary school.
But suddenly, Hayama's father bring a big news home. He's going to be transferred to his office's headquarter in L.A, and the whole family will be coming with him. After Hayama told Sana about this, it seems she doesn't accept it very well and asked Hayama not to go. But his father is very persistent about this and not letting him stay.
The effect of this news has caused Sana to suffer from "mannequin disease" that she used to have a long time ago, when she just lost her expressions but still speaks normally. Everyone are trying their best to help cure Sana's disease.
But suddenly, Hayama's father bring a big news home. He's going to be transferred to his office's headquarter in L.A, and the whole family will be coming with him. After Hayama told Sana about this, it seems she doesn't accept it very well and asked Hayama not to go. But his father is very persistent about this and not letting him stay.
The effect of this news has caused Sana to suffer from "mannequin disease" that she used to have a long time ago, when she just lost her expressions but still speaks normally. Everyone are trying their best to help cure Sana's disease.
July 10, 2023
La mia recensione sarà identica per tutti i volumi di questa serie manga.
Sono veramente stupendi, l'anime è identico per moltissimi aspetti, cambia solo verso la fine, dato che almeno in Italia il finale è stato censurato.
Tornando ai volumi devo ammettere che li ho divorati.
Sono molto scorrevoli e pertanto li consiglio veramente tanto!!
L'intreccio che si crea tra Sana, Heric, Charles e Alyssa è un qualcosa di stupendo essendo dedicato principalmente verso un pubblico giovane.
Sono veramente stupendi, l'anime è identico per moltissimi aspetti, cambia solo verso la fine, dato che almeno in Italia il finale è stato censurato.
Tornando ai volumi devo ammettere che li ho divorati.
Sono molto scorrevoli e pertanto li consiglio veramente tanto!!
L'intreccio che si crea tra Sana, Heric, Charles e Alyssa è un qualcosa di stupendo essendo dedicato principalmente verso un pubblico giovane.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2013
I soo loved this manga. I loved the art though it looked pretty much old for today’s generation. I loved the story. I laughed, became sad and even shed one to four drops of tears haha. I really enjoyed it!!
March 19, 2020
Ma quanto è bello questo volume? È uno dei miei preferiti. Certo, la seconda parte mi ha reso triste, tuttavia l'amore delle persone che sono vicine a Sana è stupefacente! Si preoccupano per lei e sono disposte a tutto per aiutarla, persino indossare una parrucca con la sua acconciatura 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 8, 2012i love the anime cartoon hope the book is better!:)
January 1, 2015
Oh the emotional turmoil that these poor characters are put through!
July 26, 2016
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews