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Saint Young Men Omnibus #1
Saint Young Men Omnibus, Vol. 1
A SLICE OF SAINTLY LIFE
Jesus, the Son of God. Buddha, the Enlightened One. Two of history's most important figures whose sagely deeds have been told and retold. After a few millennia of helping humanity, they have decided to take some time off and rent an apartment together in modern-day Tokyo. But even their saintly status hasn't fully prepared them to navigate the ups and downs of life in 21st century Japan, from theme parks, to shopping for rice cookers, to the wonderful world of manga. Follow this pair on a goofy, light-hearted, and pun-filled adventure in friendship.
Jesus, the Son of God. Buddha, the Enlightened One. Two of history's most important figures whose sagely deeds have been told and retold. After a few millennia of helping humanity, they have decided to take some time off and rent an apartment together in modern-day Tokyo. But even their saintly status hasn't fully prepared them to navigate the ups and downs of life in 21st century Japan, from theme parks, to shopping for rice cookers, to the wonderful world of manga. Follow this pair on a goofy, light-hearted, and pun-filled adventure in friendship.
298 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2006
61 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Hikaru Nakamura
87 books67 followersHikaru Nakamura (中村光) is a Japanese manga artist who is mostly known for "Saint Young Men" and "Arakawa Under the Bridge". According to a magazine article in Nikkei Entertainment from August 2011 she is the 9th most successful manga creator by sales since 2010 (5.54 million copies sold).
She is married to the voice actor Hiroshi Kamiya and has one child.
She is married to the voice actor Hiroshi Kamiya and has one child.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
October 13, 2020
From a description, I'd been expecting something more satirical, but I was pleased to find this rather gentle and kind. Jesus and Buddha, incarnated for the purpose at an apparent age of about 24, take a year's, so to speak, sabbatical in the material world as somewhat collegial roommates and friends in a Tokyo apartment. Small-scale adventures in modern (as of 2008, when it was originally written) Japanese culture ensue. (This English translation is dated 2019.)
With its focus on friendship and scenes of daily life, it reminded me of parts of the equally odd anime Namuamidabutsu! - Utena -, but with a much smaller cast and without the assorted fight scenes with earthly-vice-monsters. (Also not as bishonen. I don't think you could get more bishonen than Namuamidabutsu! - Utena -.)
Ta, L.
January 16, 2023
So, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Gautama Buddha, the Enlightened One, decide to take a "gap year" from being spiritual leaders and move into this apartment in the Tokyo suburbs. I had heard about this manga series, which I find began in 2006, was approached about English translation in 2010 and turned down as the Japanese publishers thought it might offend Western audiences. But the popularity kept growing and I think around 2016 it began to be translated, and in 2019 a first volume became available.
It's hard to see how it is it could truly offend anyone, as it is not harshly critical of religion. It's more of a satirical commentary on contemporary pop culture, in which the two roommates fully engage in in all its superficial fun: Blogging, watching shows online, buying flashy stuff no one needs, and occasionally making light commentary on it all. It's pretty funny and in a way, thoughtful, though it's not deep or harsh, ever. It's fun! The two guys are kinda goofy and having a good time.
It's hard to see how it is it could truly offend anyone, as it is not harshly critical of religion. It's more of a satirical commentary on contemporary pop culture, in which the two roommates fully engage in in all its superficial fun: Blogging, watching shows online, buying flashy stuff no one needs, and occasionally making light commentary on it all. It's pretty funny and in a way, thoughtful, though it's not deep or harsh, ever. It's fun! The two guys are kinda goofy and having a good time.
March 30, 2021
I’ve known of this title’s existence for a few years now, and was overjoyed to learn that it was getting an English translation. The concept is simple: Jesus and Buddha are roommates, living as young adults in modern day Tokyo. They play video games, go shopping, visit tourist destinations ... The first chapter sets the tone nicely with Jesus tickled to have overheard a couple of teenage girls saying that he looks like Johnny Depp, and Buddha’s excited and incredulous reaction, “For real?! Teenage girls said that?!” It’s a very warm and very human sort of comedy. Yes, there are gags of the supernatural variety. Too many virtuous thoughts cause Buddha to glow, which attracts unwanted attention from their landlady. Jesus takes up pottery as a hobby, but inadvertently turns the resulting stone into bread.
There are so many fun moments in this book. Jesus’ delight in cosplay. Buddha trying to surprise Jesus on his birthday. Jesus’ ignorance of caring for the sick when Buddha has a fever (“Do you mean to tell me you’ve never taken care of a sick person?” “Actually, no. Sick people generally get better as soon as I get close to them, so …")
Humor involving religious figures can be a touchy subject, but I think this book gets the tone exactly right. It's decently respectful of both Christianity and Buddhism. Assuming that you don't find the very concept offensive, you’ll hopefully find this book as entertaining as I did. Definitely looking forward to volume 2 and beyond! Highly recommended!
There are so many fun moments in this book. Jesus’ delight in cosplay. Buddha trying to surprise Jesus on his birthday. Jesus’ ignorance of caring for the sick when Buddha has a fever (“Do you mean to tell me you’ve never taken care of a sick person?” “Actually, no. Sick people generally get better as soon as I get close to them, so …")
Humor involving religious figures can be a touchy subject, but I think this book gets the tone exactly right. It's decently respectful of both Christianity and Buddhism. Assuming that you don't find the very concept offensive, you’ll hopefully find this book as entertaining as I did. Definitely looking forward to volume 2 and beyond! Highly recommended!
November 1, 2021
The concept of this manga is that Jesus and Buddha share an apartment in Tokyo while they both take an extended vacation from their heavenly duties. It’s the quirkiest slice-of-life absurdity and I am so in love with it. I have read multiple omnibuses so far and ordered another. If you want something lighthearted that’s easy to pick up and put down as you fancy, this is a great pick.
February 20, 2020
The humor here just does not translate, so much so that the publisher felt obliged to include notes after every chapter to explain it. Because explained jokes are the best kind, y'know?
I was hoping for a little blasphemy or iconoclasm, but the best the author can do in this unfunny buddy comedy is to portray Buddha as a penny pincher and Jesus as a spendthrift. The running gags about Buddha's large earlobes and Jesus' stigmata are just feeble.
No more for me, thank you.
I was hoping for a little blasphemy or iconoclasm, but the best the author can do in this unfunny buddy comedy is to portray Buddha as a penny pincher and Jesus as a spendthrift. The running gags about Buddha's large earlobes and Jesus' stigmata are just feeble.
No more for me, thank you.
January 17, 2022
I don’t this series translates well into English. Glad I finally finished it.
May 8, 2021
The premise sounded hysterical to me, but this was really a lot of good wholesome fun. This is a slice of life buddy comedy packed with cultural and religious references as you might expect, but it's done respectfully and it is genuinely very, very funny. Like Jesus performing accidental miracles that get them into trouble, and the constant jokes about Buddha's man perm. I honestly don't remember the last time I had so many lol moments reading a manga.
Looks like a ton of research went into this just to get the characters just right and to make sure not to step on anyone's toes, I'm sure. But it works. The translation notes at the end of each chapter are great. And if Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere says it's good, it's good.
Looks like a ton of research went into this just to get the characters just right and to make sure not to step on anyone's toes, I'm sure. But it works. The translation notes at the end of each chapter are great. And if Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere says it's good, it's good.
January 18, 2022
From the synopsis, this manga sounded absurdly funny and boy this did not disappoint. I saw a lot of complaints about the notes at the end of every chapter to explain some things that happened. I didn't read any of them and was still laughing at something every other page. Was I missing something? Maybe, but it was still such a great, fun time for me so I'm not worried about it. This was an absolute yes for me and I can't wait to get my hands on volume 2!
April 11, 2022
A hilarious manga about Buddah and Jesus taking a break from Sainthood to hang out as normal people on earth in Tokyo Japan. It's about their shenanigans experiencing life on earth but also navigating the difficulties of being roommates with 2 very different personalities. Highly recommend for readers looking for a quick read that is lighthearted and funny.
November 11, 2020
I think I actually liked the anime better for this one, but I am gonna continue on with the series. I still liked it but not as much as I remember loving the anime series.
September 4, 2025
Jesus' rapport with the Yakuza guy altered my brain chemistry
January 10, 2020
Still my all time favorite! I'm happy that I have the manga now to start collecting~
Honestly, Nakamura-sensei has a way of making two religions come together so wholesomely without controversy. Jesus is wholesome and so is buddha I dont know what else to say. I am always laughing and my heart swells with this manga and anime~ highly recommend
Honestly, Nakamura-sensei has a way of making two religions come together so wholesomely without controversy. Jesus is wholesome and so is buddha I dont know what else to say. I am always laughing and my heart swells with this manga and anime~ highly recommend
July 10, 2021
A goddamn delight.
August 28, 2023
It was alright. It has its funny scenes though.
But maybe it's the Christian in me, but I feel like the portrayal of Jesus' character was too weak and childish. Granted that a friend has pointed that Buddha lived on earth earlier, but still.
There were explanations or like a glossary every after chapter to explain the Christianity / Buddhism / Japanese culture references. And I think it was very helpful. I appreciate the effort to translate in English to reach a wider audience, but I think there were scenes or quotes or jokes best left to the original translation.
Love the Death Note (still one of the best mangas) and Sailor Moon (really need to read this!) references though! Best. Haha!
---
It's best to be happy and healthy, after all!
But maybe it's the Christian in me, but I feel like the portrayal of Jesus' character was too weak and childish. Granted that a friend has pointed that Buddha lived on earth earlier, but still.
There were explanations or like a glossary every after chapter to explain the Christianity / Buddhism / Japanese culture references. And I think it was very helpful. I appreciate the effort to translate in English to reach a wider audience, but I think there were scenes or quotes or jokes best left to the original translation.
Love the Death Note (still one of the best mangas) and Sailor Moon (really need to read this!) references though! Best. Haha!
---
It's best to be happy and healthy, after all!
October 19, 2020
This was different from what I expected. It was a lot less satire and a lot more world religion nerd humor. Except a lot of the jokes are cultural and don't translate great for the average reader. I really enjoyed the characterizations of Buddha and Jesus though, and the novelty of their odd couple chemistry never wore off. I don't think I'm going to read any more of this one, just because it was fairly slow going for me, wordy with a lot of editorial notes. The warm humor of the duo's intimate living situation always made me smile though.
Read
July 7, 2021What a silly idea for a manga. I revisited this after being hit with nostalgia for the anime/OVA, and it was as light-hearted and strange as I remembered. It's really a manga that doesn't exactly...hit right if you don't know a fair bit about these religions & Japanese culture (dang, did the localisation team have a challenge ahead of them with this one), but I still got enough to get some smiles out of it.
June 21, 2022
A gag manga about Jesus and Buddha living as roommates in early 2000s Tokyo. I read a small amount of this back in the day fan translations but never expected it to get an official translation so many years later. As many others have pointed out, quite a bit of the humor can be lost in translation but if you're a fan of gag manga I recommend checking out at least the first few chapters and deciding for yourself!
February 25, 2024
It’s funny and witty full of puns and pop culture reference; although whenever I laugh, I feel a bit guilty since I don’t know if it’s a little blasphemous :/
I think the book is biased towards Buddha but it’s understandable since I think Buddhism is one of the, if not the main religion in Japan. Jesus is like the younger brother and Buddha is the big brother.
I think the book is biased towards Buddha but it’s understandable since I think Buddhism is one of the, if not the main religion in Japan. Jesus is like the younger brother and Buddha is the big brother.
December 31, 2019
This is hilarious and a great read.
August 24, 2020
Super hilarious and punny. I loved how they made fun of each other and all the little jokes about the respective religions. Looking forward to volume two.
September 6, 2023
I absolutely adore this manga. It's silly, witty, wholesome, and oh so clever. It's also very respectful of both the religions of Buddhism and Christianity, but still manages to make a fun collection of short stories about Jesus Christ and the Buddha as roommates, simply trying to navigate modern day Japan. I cannot express enough how much of a joy it was to read.
May 28, 2024
Boring and unfunny, which are the worst crimes a book can commit. Most of the jokes either require extensive knowledge or are straight up lame.
July 8, 2024
I thought that this was super cute and very funny!
August 1, 2022
I giggled all the way through this.
October 24, 2025
Never thought I'd say this about Jesus Christ and the Buddha but..... boyfriends.
November 22, 2020
Although it is necessary to read the translation notes to understand some puns, the manga is still brilliantly funny. I had some good loughs while reading it.
April 20, 2021
Whimsical, highly original, hilarious, and touching story of what it means to bond, and how we can oftentimes the best parts of ourselves in the people we think we have little in common with. *Not just for Manga fans*
October 3, 2020
Jesus and Buddha are on vacation living in a small apartment in Tokyo.
What a great manga! The humor is gentle but sly and both Jesus and Buddha seem relatable (which is pretty amazing in itself!)
Jesus writes a blog where he watches "every series on every channel in every time slot and post my reviews on the same day!" Buddha occasionally glows, which ends up being a tell for card games. Jesus' stigmata bleed when he becomes upset (which causes trouble in a public pool). I enjoyed the translation notes, which made me realize how familiar I am with the Christian religion and how unfamiliar with Buddhism. I'll definitely be reading the next volume!
What a great manga! The humor is gentle but sly and both Jesus and Buddha seem relatable (which is pretty amazing in itself!)
Jesus writes a blog where he watches "every series on every channel in every time slot and post my reviews on the same day!" Buddha occasionally glows, which ends up being a tell for card games. Jesus' stigmata bleed when he becomes upset (which causes trouble in a public pool). I enjoyed the translation notes, which made me realize how familiar I am with the Christian religion and how unfamiliar with Buddhism. I'll definitely be reading the next volume!
May 4, 2016
This one combines the first two volumes of the manga.
It was a bit of difficulty reading it, because my German is a bit rusty, but I had a lot of fun reading it and will be buying the next 2 in 1 volume. :)
Not going to write a review due to the material of this manga and possibilities of offending someone.
It was a bit of difficulty reading it, because my German is a bit rusty, but I had a lot of fun reading it and will be buying the next 2 in 1 volume. :)
Not going to write a review due to the material of this manga and possibilities of offending someone.
February 12, 2020
Jesus and Buddha decide to vacation together on Earth, and hijinks ensue. I haven’t laughed this hard at a manga in so long — it’s delightfully funny and good-hearted. I suppose some might find it sacrilegious, but it did my culturally Christian, functionally atheist heart good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews